Nelson Eddy: 41 years ago today…
So many folks have written me over the years, telling me about that awful day when they woke up to hear the early-morning news that Nelson Eddy had died in Miami, at the too-young age of 65.
I have also heard from several people who reported that a framed picture of Nelson that they had hanging on the wall, inexplicably fell to the floor that day.
Face it, there are movie stars that we love…and then there are celebrities that truly touch our lives. For those of you who met Nelson, you have that personal moment to remember always. But for those of us who only “met” him through his films or his music, it still is a deeply emotional connection.
Only a handful of “stars” or celebrities seem to have that special something that transcends time and the generations. I get emails from young teens just discovering Nelson or Jeanette, and their bubbling enthusiasm just reaffirms the sense that there was something a little special, a little different, about Nelson and Jeanette. And it is timeless and “new” for each person who experiences their art … and “gets it.”
I was unable to post my thoughts on January 14, as we suffered a major computer problem that day…but for me, that date is more than just the date of Jeanette’s passing. It’s also the very same day that her sister Blossom died, in 1978. For me this was a rough year, being the 30th anniversary. Blossom was my friend and the person who introduced me to Jeanette and Nelson. There are people who scoff at Blossom and try to downplay her efforts to get her sister’s story told. Only if they can try to discredit Blossom perhaps they can then persist with the whitewashed version of Jeanette’s life. The truth remains that without Blossom’s encouragement, no other sources would have likely stepped forward to dispute the “happy” Jeanette-Gene or Nelson-Ann marriages. Blossom was a very courageous gal, with a stubborn will – I am sure all three MacDonald daughters were similar in this regard.
At the last club meeting in Clearwater, Florida, my mother attended and I asked her point-blank to discuss and verify whether Blossom was indeed a family friend, was she “coherent” and able to communicate (despite a stroke that affected her speech) and did we indeed go shopping, hang out, discuss Jeanette’s life, etc., etc. My mom talked a bit about how it all came about and yes, this was actually all true.
I would love to hear from you today in regards to Nelson Eddy…and hope you enjoy the picture posted here.
Watch one of their films today…take a few minutes to think about them…and then have fun and celebrate their lives.
March 6, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
I think I fell in love with Nelson when he was singing “Tramp, tramp, tramp” in Naughty Marietta. I saw the movie for the first time in about 1987, when I was almost ready to graduate from highschool. I got the Nelson & Jeanette “bug” right then, and have loved them both ever since. I was inspired to follow my desires for singing at that point, and have enjoyed great success ever since. I wish I could have met one of them in person –that would have been such a great thrill for me. But at least their work is being recognized and remembered, in spite of all the sorrow they suffered. As a singer, I will do my part to remember them, and teach future generations about them. God Bless you Nelson! We remember you and love you –expecially today.
March 6, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
dear friends-nelson and jeanette have left a mark on our hearts-as a teen i found the movie maytime on the late late show-round about 1963 or so- and never knew thier names- only the name of the movie but i was mezmerized by these lovely beings-with dewey eyes and such emotion and thier voices blended so magically-they touched my heart-not till years later with the internet did i find out who they were-and when i first read on some site they were married to other people i was shocked-cannot be i thought-i realize i was just a teen but -well i was disappointed and then when i first sound sharons site and read those words”yes virginia,they were in love” immpediately “i knew it”- i grew up with fred and ginger and loved them but never really thought they were in love-
a child of the 60’s then i was too interested in make up and boys and such- i wish i had found out sooner who they angel beings were to see them in person-but nelson and jeanette have given so much joy over the years i say today”we will always remember” and thank you sharon for keeping our “twin flames” alive and god bless blossom for her courage and determination to right the story
March 6, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
41 years is a long time, and easy to forget; even someone as handsome and vibrant as Nelson Eddy. But thanks to the eforts of many; especially Sharon, Nelson comes to us on film, CDs, books along with stories of those who met or knew him.
One of my deepest regrets is all the missed opportunities to see him while he was still living. But, now, knowing others, in a group, we can share our love for Nelson, and Jeanette and marvel at all the new fans who are just discovering them. Nelson was an original–a real renaissance man, gifted, modest, and pragmatic.Let’s all make sure his contributions and memory are never neglected again
March 6, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
“If i have any spark of vanity in me at all, it lies in the fact that I would like some day to be remembered as the most American of singers.I should like to reach the state where the spirit of my country breathes through me to my audiences”.
Nelson Eddy (1938)
Nelson- your wish came true. You truly were one of our own-“America`s Baritone”. Your musical legacy lives on and hopefully will continue with future generations.
I know that you and Jeanette are singing together again with God and his angels in Heaven.
Thank You Sharon for keeping Nelson and Jeanette`s memory alive.
Lorraine
March 6, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
I discovered Nelson Eddy in March 2006 when TCM honored he and Jeanette as stars of the month. Since then the glorious voices of this big, New England Yankee baritone and Jeanette`s beautiful angelic soprano have filled my days with beautiul music.
Nelson`s beautiful, ” My Philosophy of Life” has been a source of inspiration in my life. Nelson tried very hard each day to live the words of his philosophy.I try very hard to do the same. Like all of us he had his share of human weaknesses-I love him because he was so human. Nelson was a complex man with a sweet soul and a good, generous heart.
Shortly after Nelson`s death, Gale Sherwood stated “He was taller than the stars”.
Nelson and Jeanette-“Twin Souls” united together again, singing with God and his Angels in Heaven.
Lorraine
March 6, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
My love for Jeanette and Nelson began with my grandmother. She would tell me stories of her childhood–being extremely poor growing up in rural Pennsylvania during the depression, going to see Jeanette and Nelson’s films with her sisters. It was a highlight for them–Jeanette and Nelson made them forget their problems; the Singing Sweethearts brought happiness and joy to their lives.
Rosemarie was always my grandmother’s favorite of Jeanette and Nelson’s films (though we talk about the films together all of the time–we have a hard time deciding which one is the best!). Then she met my grandfather–he was a Canadian Mounted Ranger himself! My grandmother’s “Rose Marie” came to life!
For many years, my grandmother and I have shared Nelson and Jeanette–we have talked especially of Nelson’s striking good looks, deep beautiful voice, and talent for humor and heart on-screen and off. Mostly, we have always believed that Jeanette and Nelson’s special looks and ways on-screen translated into a real-life relationship.
I read Sharon’s book this past year and told my grandmother all of the stories. It is as if our wishes and dreams have come true, knowing that Jeanette and Nelson shared something even more special than we could have imagined.
Tragically, their lives were far from perfect or happy. Still, today we can all remember Nelson and his amazing persona, both public and private. We honor him by keeping his memory alive and keeping great websites and communities like this one up and running!
March 7, 2008 @ 1:04 am
i am so happy to have found this site and enjoy reading comments by you all.I was young when Nelson Eddy died-and i cannot say at the time i even relised he was gone–it was only later whilst watching one of their films with my young daughter and seeing how enthralled she was at so young an age i began to relise what a shame it was there would be no more beautiful duets between he and Jennette.My daughter is now 30 years old and the other day i was watching naughty marrietta ,as im disabled my daughters now my carer and it really gladdened my heart that when they were singing-oh sweet mystery of life–that out in the kitchen my daughter was singing it word for word,
i asked ,so you remember then?she replied “Yes mum course i do they were magnificant! my daughter was 7 years old back then–so you see they will never die-not ever.Look foward to sharing with you all.Thankyou.
April 5, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
anyone wants their films cheap try heatseeker 1809 e bay– just got real good bargain on a few of them.