Celebrating the 117th birthday of Nelson Eddy, the most famous baritone of the 20th century. He was the first “crossover” opera singer to become a major movie star and virtual rock star of his day.

Above, Nelson’s 37th birthday on the set of “Sweethearts” (1938) with his pregnant co-star/girlfriend/future secret wife Jeanette MacDonald. Posing here with a dog and her new puppies was no random coincidence as they were expectant parents at this point in time.

In 1933 when he first went to Hollywood, Nelson at first planned to make a couple of films and then return to the opera and concert life. Then his world changed completely when he met Jeanette MacDonald and their lives spun off into a totally different direction. Later he would write a song based on his love for her, shocking fans by singing such passionate lyrics on his radio show: My Wonder One.

Happy birthday, Jeanette MacDonald! Born 115 years ago… a great singer and movie star. Despite more than her share of life’s challenges, she always wore a smile in public and encouraged others. Below…what better birthday to display here today than 1938 – perhaps her happiest, with a certain baritone kissing her (in public) and sucking on her lower lip as we’ve seen so often. A happy secret shared between them…and perhaps the anticipation that the fortune teller’s prediction would come true later that year…having a special child that would do great things in the world…

Pictured below in 1955… we will remember.