Today in Wheeling History: May 8—Nan Wynn, big-band singer and actress, who grew up in Wheeling, was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (1915).
Nan Wynn, born Masha Vatz on May 8, 1915, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, where she attended high school and sang in the school choir. Her father, Abe Vatz, owned a department store in Wheeling and frequently traveled to New York. Wynn’s singing talent was discovered at age 16 during a trip to New York City, leading to early performances in vaudeville houses.
She gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, recording with orchestras led by Emery Deutsch, Rudy Vallee, Eddie Duchin, Richard Himber, Hal Kemp, Hudson-DeLange, Raymond Scott, Teddy Wilson, and Freddie Rich. Wynn is best known for dubbing Rita Hayworth’s singing voice in films such as "The Strawberry Blonde" (1941), "My Gal Sal" (1942), and "You Were Never Lovelier" (1942).
Her career was cut short in 1949 due to complications from cancer surgery, which resulted in facial paralysis. She later recovered and became involved in cancer awareness campaigns. Wynn passed away on March 21, 1971, in Santa Monica, California.
To learn more: Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/46vzyw2t), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/5n8paren), YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/4ccvhzk6), List of Graduates, Officers and Professor of the Faculties of Michigan State College 1857-1930 (https://tinyurl.com/3y8nna77)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave, Michigan State College, Google Maps
Nan Wynn, born Masha Vatz on May 8, 1915, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, where she attended high school and sang in the school choir. Her father, Abe Vatz, owned a department store in Wheeling and frequently traveled to New York. Wynn’s singing talent was discovered at age 16 during a trip to New York City, leading to early performances in vaudeville houses.
She gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, recording with orchestras led by Emery Deutsch, Rudy Vallee, Eddie Duchin, Richard Himber, Hal Kemp, Hudson-DeLange, Raymond Scott, Teddy Wilson, and Freddie Rich. Wynn is best known for dubbing Rita Hayworth’s singing voice in films such as "The Strawberry Blonde" (1941), "My Gal Sal" (1942), and "You Were Never Lovelier" (1942).
Her career was cut short in 1949 due to complications from cancer surgery, which resulted in facial paralysis. She later recovered and became involved in cancer awareness campaigns. Wynn passed away on March 21, 1971, in Santa Monica, California.
To learn more: Find a Grave (https://tinyurl.com/46vzyw2t), Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/5n8paren), YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/4ccvhzk6), List of Graduates, Officers and Professor of the Faculties of Michigan State College 1857-1930 (https://tinyurl.com/3y8nna77)
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Find a Grave, Michigan State College, Google Maps
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