Radio Digest (June 1932-Mar 1933)

27 Just Qabbifi zAbout OMM Y By Hilda Cole Tommy McLaughlin, the smiling tenor heard on both big chain programs. I KNEW the minute that Tommy McLaughlin looked down at me with those roguish Irish eyes he had the makings of a story in the background of his life. He's the shining star in the baritone sector of the CBS radio heaven just now. There's impish devilment in his manner, and a good looking boy with that kind of a disposition is born to adventure — and adventure is what makes life thrilling. Almost without thinking I asked him when he had begun singing with that wonderful baritone voice. "When did I first sing baritone ?" he repeated my question, "Why 'twas the very moment that I quit singin' soprano. Aye, the very second it was, Miss Cole, for I was eleven years old and warbling away like a little bird before the school when suddenly in the midst of 'Silent Night' the silvery coloratura of the wee lad cracked and vanished forever and in larrups the baritone which, God grant, will stay with me until I have no further use for a voice at all. It's a strange fact that a lad of eleven should have that change in his voice, but that was my own experience." It was on the morning of September 11, 1909, that the young Tommy McLaughlin vociferously announced his arrival in this vale of tears. The place was Los Angeles ; but his mother came from Donegal in Ireland, and his father from Belfast. "And did your parents sing?" I asked the smiling Mr. McLaughlin. "Neither one of them could so much as carry a note in a basket," he replied. "But my mother had the rhythm of music in her soul, and the five of us children all could sing fairly well. I am the only one who carried it through professionally. The rest had better sense." There's a legend in the McLaughlin family that Tommy at the age of three had a repertoire of three songs which he did surprisingly well for one so young. The favorite was, "You Got To Quit Kickin' My Dog Around." The others were : "Trail of the Lonesome Pine," and "When It's Apple Blossom Time in Normandy." Tommy's mischief manifested itself early as he attended the parochial school in Los Angeles. His older brothers in graduating from the same school had carried away the coveted prize for elocution. Tommy had a reputation to sustain. They couldn't resist giving him the prize when he chose for his rendition "Guilty," which starts off "Yes, I'm guilty. ..." Then there is the time that Tommy, still very young, borrowed the family car without the formality of paternal permission. The car went much faster than he intended it should, and he found himself at school with a ticket in his pocket. Came time for his appearance in juvenile court and the necessity of obtaining leave from his classes. He had to hurry to keep his appointment with the judge, and borrowed a car to get there. By the time he arrived he had two tickets to dispose of. By liberal use of his glib Irish tongue he escaped punishment in both cases. His early acquisition of a baritone voice earned him a billing at KFI, Los Angeles, as "The World's Youngest Baritone." He studied baritone, attending concerts wherever possible and by the use of records of eminent singers. At fifteen he sang at the Pacific Coast Radio Show for his first professional appearance. His selection was "Toreador." He was a sensation. The family moved to Detroit in 1926, and he therefore enrolled at University of Detroit. The students presented a show, staged and directed by John Harwood and Max Scheck, of Broadway, in which Tommy had an outstanding part. Thereafter, he renewed radio connections and not only sang but did some announcing at both WMBC and WJR. He studied for a short period with Irene Bonstelle, known to many stars of stage and screen as "Bonny." A serious illness interrupted his work, and after a great struggle in which he finally regained his health, he came to New York to search for a suitable teacher. He found one in William Whitney, who suggested that he take a complete course at the New England Conservatory. Tommy assented, and his profession was determined then and there. While a student, he gave many concerts, sang for both President Coolidge and President Hoover, and made a tour of New England Colleges. Having completed his course, Tommy sang with Vincent Lopez in New York and accompanied him on tour. Returning, he joined Major Bowes at the Capitol Theatre. After an appearance at Roxy's, lie learned of the sudden death of his favorite brother, and returned to Detroit to sing his Requiem. This was naturally a disheartening experience, for he had idolized this older brother since childhood. Returning to NewYork he busied himself with musical studies. A short time ago, Jim Doan became his manager and obtained for him an audition at Columbia Broadcasting System, WABC. He made good and is now featured in "Threads of Happiness" each Tuesday night. Tommy McLaughlin is grey-eyed, good looking and, girls, he's a bachelor.