Girl Singer

Rosemary Clooney's autobiography chronicles her journey from a small Kentucky town to becoming one of America's most celebrated singers. The book covers her rise to fame in the 1950s, including her hit songs and starring role in White Christmas. She documents her experiences in the music industry during its transformation through multiple decades, her relationships with fellow entertainment figures, and her work with notable composers and musicians. The narrative includes her performances for five U.S. presidents and appearances on early television. The memoir addresses Clooney's personal struggles and setbacks, including mental health challenges and career fluctuations. She recounts her marriages, family life, and the process of rebuilding her career in later years. This candid account explores themes of resilience, the costs of fame, and the evolution of American popular music through the lens of a performer who lived through major cultural shifts. The book serves as both a personal testimony and a document of entertainment history.

Readers praise Clooney's honest portrayal of her mental health struggles, career ups and downs, and family relationships. Many note her candid discussion of her addiction and breakdown in the late 1960s. Several reviews mention her engaging storytelling style and humor. Common praise: - Clear, conversational writing - Details about working with Bing Crosby and other musicians - First-hand accounts of the 1950s music industry - Frank discussion of personal challenges Main criticisms: - Some sections feel rushed or glossed over - More detail wanted about specific recordings/performances - A few readers found the tone too matter-of-fact Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (344 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (71 ratings) "She tells her story without self-pity or excuses," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader comments: "The book really shines when discussing the technical aspects of recording and performing."

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🎭 Rosemary Clooney wrote this candid memoir after surviving a very public mental breakdown in 1968, detailing her journey from poverty in Kentucky to Hollywood stardom. 🎵 Though best known for "Come On-a My House," Clooney actually disliked the song and was initially forced to record it by Columbia Records' Mitch Miller. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The author is the aunt of actor George Clooney and worked alongside entertainment legends like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Duke Ellington during her career. 💊 The book openly discusses Clooney's addiction to prescription medications and her subsequent recovery, which was groundbreaking for a celebrity memoir at the time of its publication in 1999. 🎬 Clooney's life story was later adapted into a TV movie called "Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Story" (1982), starring Sondra Locke as the singer.