Belle Story

Belle Story (born Grace Leard, c. 1887 - ?) was an American vaudeville performer and singer, noted for her coloratura soprano style. She appeared in a number of productions at the New York Hippodrome.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

In his autobiography, composer Richard Rodgers recalled that Story "had been a leading singer at the New York Hippodrome. She had a lovely coloratura voice and made a big hit wherever we played, particularly with her singing of 'The Marriage of the Lily and the Rose.' "^[10]

Selected performances

• Chin Chin
• Hip Hip Hooray (1916)
• Everything (1918)
• Happy Days (1919)
• Good Times (1920)

References

1. Series XXII: Belle Story Collection, ca. 1914-1920 1 linear foot, American Vaudeville Museum collection 1845-2007 (bulk 1910-1940)
2. (23 September 1916). Makes Leap from Musical Comedy to Concert, Musical America
3. (December 1914). Browsing for Vaudeville Talent, The Theatre
4. (24 October 1918). Story, Belle. How I Began My Stage Career, Pittsburgh Press
5. (16 November 1913). Belle Story Is a Real "Native", Pittsburgh Gazette Times
6. (20 October 1912). New Star Will Be Feature of Program, Pittsburgh Press
7. (18 May 1916). Note re recent marriage, Musical Courier
8. (15 May 1916). Belle Story a Bride, The New York Times
9. (14 November 1915). La Belle Story of Belle Storey, The New York Times
10. Musical Stages: An Autobiography, p. 48 (1975)

External links

• Belle Story at the Internet Broadway Database
• 1917 photo, University of Washington Libraries, Special Collection Division