Merman, Ethel
(1909–1984)> DISTINCTIVE SINGER · ACTRESS
Ethel Merman Distinctive singer and actress Ethel Agnes Zimmermann, Astoria, New York, January 16, 1909; New York City, February 15, 1984. Merman’s father was a bookkeeper by day and a pianist by night. Encouraged to sing, she began performing as a young child, entertaining at local military training facilities during World War II. She quickly moved into working in New York nightclubs and vaudeville houses. Her big break came in the Broadway musical Girl Crazy (1930). Her career on Broadway…