BARBARA McNAIR - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/20/1958 - HFSID 278282

BARBARA MCNAIR
McNair handwrote, signed and dated this letter to Loretta Krajan in 1958. In it, she talks about an upcoming Broadway production that she's in and gives advice on singing.
Autograph letter signed "Barbara/McNair" in green ink.3 pages, 4x4¾ folded, 1 sheet folded, front and verso. Jan. 20, 1958. Addressed to "Loretta". In full: "Dear Loretta, I received you postcard of December 31st. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to answer, but I've been in Philadelphia for the past four weeks in an out-of-town run of a new Broadway show called 'The Body Beautiful'. We were rehearsing so hard there was little time for anything else. We are in the last few days of rehearsal before we open at the Broadway Theatre on the 23rd of January. I'm glad you like my recording of 'Bobby'. This is my first record. I think I will be making another one soon. Barbara McNair is my real name. If you want to become a singer I think the best thing to do would be to sing at any local affair when there is an oppor-tunity. That will give you confidence so that if you should decide to sing professionally you will not be afraid to face people. I am sending only one picture [not included] because I do not have very many right now. I hope you will like it. Sincerely,". Lightly toned and creased, otherwise in fine condition. Accompanied by: Original mailing envelope with autograph address. Addressed to Miss Loretta Krajan, Mantua, New Jersey. Lightly toned and creased. Flap is torn open. Otherwise in fine condition. Multitalented entertainer McNair (1934-2007, born in Racine, Wisconsin), a major headliner in nightclubs in the 1950s and 1960s, got her big break after winning on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts (1948). She went on to appear in such venues as The Purple Onion and the Cocoanut Grove, and McNair had two hit recordings, "Bobby" and "You're Gonna Love My Baby". She appeared in several feature films, including Spencer's Mountain (1963), If He Hollers, Let Him Go! (1968), Change of Habit (1969) and Neon Signs (1996), and McNair also graced the Broadway stage. She hosted her own variety show, The Barbara McNair Show (1969-1971), and McNair appeared as a guest star on a long list of variety shows and TV series.