HILDEGARDE - PROGRAM SIGNED CIRCA 1948 - HFSID 180743

HILDEGARDE
The nightclub singer who became a national star signed this souvenir program
Program signed: "Hildegarde", 25p, 9x12. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, circa 1948. Souvenir program titled "Milwaukee Welcomes Incomparable Hildegarde! in Her Homecoming Song and Piano Concert". Dated September 14, 1948. Signed on cover. Program includes photo-illustrated concert notes and articles on Hildegarde's career. Hildegarde Loretta Sell (1906-2005) was popularly known by her first name only or simply as "The Incomparable Hildegarde". A classically trained pianist who played in vaudeville from 1926, she emerged as a popular singer in the 1930s and 1940s with hits that included "Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup" (written by her manager Anna Sosenko), "The Last Time I Saw Paris" and "I'll Be Seeing You". She also had a popular radio program, Hildegarde's Raleigh Room. The international stardom that Hildegarde achieved as a live cabaret singer is unparalleled. She was renowned around the world and, having never married, had many admirers. Some of her many showmanship innovations include wearing sleeves at every performance and going by only her first name. These unique calling cards, as well as her incredible voice and flirtatious manner, broke new ground on the evening club circuit. In 1961, she published her autobiography: Over 50…So What! Cover lightly soiled, with a vertical crease down the center. Otherwise, fine condition.