Annette Hanshaw
Actor
About Annette Hanshaw
Catherine Annette Hanshaw was one of the most popular and influential female vocalists of the late 1920s and early 1930s, known for her warm, conversational singing style that bridged the gap between the vaudeville era and modern jazz singing. She began recording in 1926 at age 25 and quickly became one of the most prolific recording artists of her time, releasing hundreds of sides under various pseudonyms including 'Gay Ellis' and 'Dot Dare' due to exclusive contract restrictions. Despite her immense popularity and critical acclaim, Hanshaw retired from performing in 1934 at the height of her career, partly due to her dislike of public appearances and the pressures of fame. Her recordings were rediscovered decades later and gained new audiences through compilations and their prominent use in Nina Paley's 2008 animated film 'Sita Sings the Blues.' Throughout her career, she worked with top jazz musicians including the Dorsey Brothers, Joe Venuti, and Eddie Lang, helping to define the sound of popular music during the transition from acoustic to electrical recording. Her legacy as a pioneering female vocalist who influenced generations of singers continues to grow, with her distinctive voice and emotional delivery still resonating with listeners nearly a century after her first recordings.
The Craft
On Screen
Primarily a recording artist rather than an actor, though she appeared in some musical short films where her natural, conversational delivery translated well to the camera
Milestones
- First recording session in 1926 for Pathe Records
- Released over 200 recordings during her eight-year career
- Had multiple hits including 'I'm Gonna Lock My Heart' and 'Moanin' Low'
- Retired at the peak of her popularity in 1934
- Recordings featured in 'Sita Sings the Blues' (2008) brought her music to new audiences
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for several recordings
- Rediscovered and celebrated by jazz historians and music preservationists
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Annette Hanshaw's impact on American popular music was profound despite her relatively short career. She pioneered a more intimate, conversational singing style that moved away from the theatrical delivery common in earlier recordings. Her recordings helped define the sound of the Jazz Age and the transition to the Swing Era. The use of her music in 'Sita Sings the Blues' introduced her work to a new generation, demonstrating the timeless appeal of her emotional delivery and musical interpretations. Her influence can be heard in the work of later jazz and pop singers who adopted her naturalistic approach to vocal performance.
Lasting Legacy
Annette Hanshaw's legacy as one of the most important female vocalists of the early recording era continues to grow decades after her death. Her recordings are considered essential listening for understanding the evolution of American popular music and jazz singing. The rediscovery of her work by modern audiences has cemented her place in music history, with many critics and historians ranking her among the most significant vocalists of her generation. Her decision to retire at the height of her fame has added to her mystique, making her a fascinating figure in American cultural history. The preservation and reissue of her recordings have ensured that her contributions to music will continue to be appreciated by future generations.
Who They Inspired
Hanshaw's influence on later singers is substantial, particularly in her development of a more personal, intimate vocal style. Her approach to phrasing and emotional directness influenced generations of jazz and popular singers. Billie Holiday, in particular, cited Hanshaw as an early influence, adopting some of her conversational delivery techniques. Her recordings served as models for countless singers learning to navigate the new possibilities of electrical recording. Modern singers continue to study her work for its technical mastery and emotional authenticity.
Off Screen
Annette Hanshaw was known for her extremely private nature despite her fame. She married Herman 'Pat' Brand, a New York businessman, in 1929 and remained married until his death in 1971. The couple had no children. Hanshaw's retirement from show business was partly due to her shyness and desire for a normal domestic life. After leaving the music industry, she lived quietly in New York, rarely discussing her earlier career even with close friends. Her reluctance to be interviewed or discuss her past contributed to the mystique surrounding her life and career.
Education
Educated in New York City schools, though specific details about her formal education are not widely documented
Family
- Herman 'Pat' Brand (1929-1971)
Did You Know?
- Often ended her recordings with the catchphrase 'That's all!' which became her trademark
- Recorded under numerous pseudonyms due to exclusive contract restrictions with different labels
- Despite her popularity, she never performed in public venues and disliked live performances
- Her first recording was 'Black Bottom' in 1926
- She was one of the first white singers to incorporate authentic jazz phrasing into popular songs
- Her recordings were made during the transition from acoustic to electrical recording, showcasing both technologies
- She retired completely from show business at age 33
- Her husband's wealth allowed her to live comfortably without needing to work after retirement
- She rarely gave interviews and was considered extremely shy
- Her voice was described as having a 'girl-next-door' quality that made her relatable to audiences
In Their Own Words
'That's all!' - Her trademark closing phrase used on many recordings
'I'm a homebody at heart' - Regarding her preference for domestic life over performing
'I never really liked the public life' - Explaining her early retirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Annette Hanshaw?
Annette Hanshaw was one of the most popular female vocalists of the late 1920s and early 1930s, known for her warm, conversational singing style and hundreds of recordings. She retired from performing in 1934 at the height of her career and lived privately until her death in 1985.
What recordings is Annette Hanshaw best known for?
She's best known for hits like 'I'm Gonna Lock My Heart,' 'Moanin' Low,' 'Body and Soul,' and 'I Can't Give You Anything but Love.' Her recordings were later featured prominently in the 2008 animated film 'Sita Sings the Blues.'
When was Annette Hanshaw born and when did she die?
Annette Hanshaw was born on October 18, 1901, in New York City and died on March 13, 1985, in New York City at the age of 83.
Why did Annette Hanshaw retire so early?
Hanshaw retired in 1934 at age 33 due to her natural shyness, dislike of public appearances, and desire for a normal domestic life with her husband. She was uncomfortable with the fame that came with her success.
What was Annette Hanshaw's singing style?
Hanshaw developed a conversational, intimate singing style that moved away from theatrical delivery. Her warm, girl-next-door voice and emotional directness influenced later jazz singers like Billie Holiday.
Did Annette Hanshaw appear in films?
While primarily a recording artist, she did appear in some musical short films during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Her voice was posthumously featured in 'Sita Sings the Blues' (2008), though she did not act in this film.
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Films
1 film
