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]

Belle Story, from a 1914 publication

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

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

References

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  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)
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