Rosemary Clooney

While Rosemary Clooney certainly merits inclusion in the Great Women Singers of the 20th Century series, this taping of one of her last public performances—at the Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago in 2000—does not showcase the artist at her best. At age 72 she was ill, no longer possessed the vocal strength for which she was famous, and had obviously limited stamina (her actual set runs only 36 minutes, including the sometimes rambling remarks she adds between numbers). And while the songs are fine—among them “Sentimental Journey,” “Hey There,” and “Thanks for the Memories,” as well as her signature tune “Come-on-a My House”—Clooney struggles through them short of breath, with only occasional suggestions of the verve and style that marked her earlier years. Unexceptionally filmed and presented in mediocre-sounding Dolby Digital stereo, the more interesting aspect of this program is the accompanying interview in which Clooney talks about her life, from her difficult childhood and first halting steps into show business, through her recording career and collaboration with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Tony Bennett. Although her most devoted fans might still appreciate this program, Rosemary Clooney deserves a much better tribute. Not a necessary purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)