From the moment movies learned to talk, they learned to sing. Audiences back in 1927 were electrified when they heard Al Jolson belting out the top tunes of the day in The Jazz Singer, and through movie history some of our greatest vocalists have been star attractions in Hollywood musicals.

The film industry did its best to showcase these performers with a variety of creative techniques, from elaborate production numbers to imaginative camerawork, all designed to enhance the emotional power of seeing and hearing singers like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, and Frank Sinatra come alive on the big screen.

Brian will look at the varying ways Hollywood captured its star vocalists through the decades, and provided audiences then and now with an invaluable record of indelible performances.  

About the Presenter

Brian Rose, Ph.D. was a Professor of Communication and Media Studies for 38 years at Fordham University's College at Lincoln Center until his recent retirement. He has written several books on television history and cultural programming. He has conducted more than one hundred Q & As with leading directors, actors, and writers for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, The Screen Actors Guild, The British Academy of Film & Television Arts, and The Directors Guild of America.

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