Marni Nixon
Marni Nixon: The Unsung Voice Behind 'I Feel Pretty'
Marni Nixon, born Margaret Nixon McEathron, was an American soprano and actress whose extraordinary voice graced some of Hollywood's most iconic musical moments. Despite her immense talent, Nixon's name remained largely unknown to the public, as she was often used as a ghost singer, providing the singing voices for actresses who lacked vocal abilities.
Early Life and Career:
Nixon was born in Altadena, California, in 1930. Her musical journey began at a young age, with her mother nurturing her talent. She studied voice and piano, and made her professional debut in opera at the age of 17. In the early 1950s, Nixon began working in Hollywood, providing singing voices for films such as "The King and I" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
The Voice of Natalie Wood:
Nixon's most famous ghost singing role came in the 1961 film "West Side Story." She provided the singing voice for Natalie Wood, who portrayed Maria. Nixon's soaring vocals in the iconic song "I Feel Pretty" captivated audiences and became synonymous with the film.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite her extraordinary talent, Nixon faced challenges throughout her career. She was often obscured by the actresses she sang for, and her name was rarely credited. This lack of recognition led to some controversy, with critics arguing that she deserved more credit for her contributions.
Discography:
While much of Nixon's work was as a ghost singer, she also released several solo albums, including:
* "Marni Nixon Sings Gershwin and Porter" (1959)
* "Marni Nixon Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein" (1960)
* "Marni Nixon Sings Kurt Weill" (1963)
Other Notable Roles:
In addition to her ghost singing, Nixon also had a successful career as an actress, appearing in films such as "The Birds" and "The Sound of Music." She also provided vocals for numerous Broadway musicals and television shows.
Legacy:
Despite the challenges she faced, Marni Nixon's legacy as one of Hollywood's greatest singing voices remains firmly intact. Her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to her craft continue to inspire artists and audiences alike.
Marni Nixon, born Margaret Nixon McEathron, was an American soprano and actress whose extraordinary voice graced some of Hollywood's most iconic musical moments. Despite her immense talent, Nixon's name remained largely unknown to the public, as she was often used as a ghost singer, providing the singing voices for actresses who lacked vocal abilities.
Early Life and Career:
Nixon was born in Altadena, California, in 1930. Her musical journey began at a young age, with her mother nurturing her talent. She studied voice and piano, and made her professional debut in opera at the age of 17. In the early 1950s, Nixon began working in Hollywood, providing singing voices for films such as "The King and I" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."
The Voice of Natalie Wood:
Nixon's most famous ghost singing role came in the 1961 film "West Side Story." She provided the singing voice for Natalie Wood, who portrayed Maria. Nixon's soaring vocals in the iconic song "I Feel Pretty" captivated audiences and became synonymous with the film.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite her extraordinary talent, Nixon faced challenges throughout her career. She was often obscured by the actresses she sang for, and her name was rarely credited. This lack of recognition led to some controversy, with critics arguing that she deserved more credit for her contributions.
Discography:
While much of Nixon's work was as a ghost singer, she also released several solo albums, including:
* "Marni Nixon Sings Gershwin and Porter" (1959)
* "Marni Nixon Sings Rodgers and Hammerstein" (1960)
* "Marni Nixon Sings Kurt Weill" (1963)
Other Notable Roles:
In addition to her ghost singing, Nixon also had a successful career as an actress, appearing in films such as "The Birds" and "The Sound of Music." She also provided vocals for numerous Broadway musicals and television shows.
Legacy:
Despite the challenges she faced, Marni Nixon's legacy as one of Hollywood's greatest singing voices remains firmly intact. Her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to her craft continue to inspire artists and audiences alike.