The Merry Mailman
| Ray Heatherton | |
|---|---|
Heatherton circa 1937.
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| Born |
June 1, 1909 Orange, New Jersey |
| Died | August 15, 1997 (aged 88) Englewood, New Jersey |
| Occupation | Vocalist Actor |
| Spouse(s) | Davenie Ross Watson (1941-her death in 1987) |
| Children | Dick (son) Davenie Johanna (Joey Heatherton) (daughter) |
Ray Heatherton (June 1, 1909 – August 15, 1997) was an American singer, Broadway musical theatre performer, and a popular New York television personality in the early days of the medium.
Ray Heatherton was born in the New York City suburb of Orange, New Jersey (some sources indicate Jersey City) and was first introduced to music upon joining a boys' choir at his church. He sang with the choir until his family moved to another of the city's suburbs, the Long Island village of Floral Park.
During his high school years, he continued to find outlets for his singing talents, performing with bands at various local functions and winning a radio talent contest sponsored by the manufacturer of radio sets, Atwater Kent. His first appearance on Broadway was in The Garrick Gaieties, a revue which opened at the Guild Theatre on June 4, 1930, three days after his 21st birthday. During this time, Heatherton also attended Columbia University. Also in the cast were future comedy veterans Imogene Coca and Sterling Holloway. The show ran for 158 performances, closing on October 8.
Shortly afterward, Ray Heatherton's singing talents came to the attention of the era's best-known radio bandleader-songwriter, Paul Whiteman, whose instantly recognizable moniker (and the title of his 1930 film vehicle) was "King of Jazz". The star broadcaster, known for discovering and showcasing new talent, hired the young man to become a featured vocalist on his 1929–30 CBS radio program The Old Gold Hour. Heatherton continued to sing on the show, while also performing in the musical Midnight Frolics at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre.
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