Val Rosing

Val Rosing (1910-1969) was the English "Dance Hall" singer best known as the vocalist with the BBC Henry Hall Orchestra. Rosing sang on the original BBC recording of Teddy Bear's Picnic as well as the Ray Noble Orchestra's recording of "Try a Little Tenderness". Rosing recorded more than 100 sides with various English bands, including his own Radio Rhythm Rascals, before moving to America in the mid-1930s.

Rosing came to America at the urging of Louis B. Mayer, who renamed him Gilbert Russell, with hopes of making Russell the "English Bing Crosby." His years at MGM were unspectacular, and after his stint with the studio, Rosing sang and acted in musicals and light Operas around the country. Making the transition from pop to "legitimate" singer, Rosing married Marilyn Pendry, a dancer in movies such as "White Christmas" and "An American in Paris." The couple had one daughter, Claudia Russell, before divorcing.

In the 1960s, Russell worked as one of the top vocal coaches, with clients that included Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, June Lockhart and Tina Louise.

Russell died of cancer in 1969 at the age of 59.

External links

* [http://www.claudiarussell.com/gilbertrussell/GilbertRussell.html An article on Rosing with 3 music files, including Teddy Bears Picnic]