Jim Bailey (entertainer): Difference between revisions
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Bailey's claim to fame began in the mid [[1960's]] when he created the illusions of legendary singers ''Judy Garland'', ''Barbara Streisand'', and ''Peggy Lee'' by vocally mimicking them in his own operatically trained voice. To that end, he as appeared on stages throughout the world including headlining in [[Las Vegas]], performing at [[New York]]'s ''Caregie Hall'' -which was recorded and released-, [[The Palladium Theatre]] in [[London]] for two ''Command Performances'' for the [[Royal Family]], and performing for four [[United States]] Presidents. |
Bailey's claim to fame began in the mid [[1960's]] when he created the illusions of legendary singers ''Judy Garland'', ''Barbara Streisand'', and ''Peggy Lee'' by vocally mimicking them in his own operatically trained voice. To that end, he as appeared on stages throughout the world including headlining in [[Las Vegas]], performing at [[New York]]'s ''Caregie Hall'' -which was recorded and released-, [[The Palladium Theatre]] in [[London]] for two ''Command Performances'' for the [[Royal Family]], and performing for four [[United States]] Presidents. |
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[[Image: Jim_Bailey_Young.jpg|thumb|left|Jim Bailey]] James William Bailey was born on [[January 10, 1949]] in [[Philadelphia]] to Sara and Claude Bailey. As a teenager he studied [[Opera]] at [[The Drake Conservatory of Music]], and was on the popular television program ''The Children's Hour'' for almost a year where he performed by acting, singing and dancing. It was at this time that Bailey discovered his gift of vocally mimicking people. His family moved to [[New Jersey]] where he attended ''Palmyra High School''. From the mid to the late [[1960's]], Bailey played [[Summer Stock]] in such shows as ''The Boyfriend'' and ''Bells are Ringing''. [[Image:Jim_and_Phyllis.jpg|thumb|right|Bailey and Diller]][[Image:Jim_as_Phyllis.jpg|thumb|rigt|Jim Bailey as Phyllis Diller]]During this time, Bailey was intoduced to and became friends with the Legendary [[Phyllis Diller]]. Bailey, through his all encompassing illusion and utterly convincing character acting, re-created Diller with his voice mimicking. His performances as Diller became critically acclaimed. Diller and Bailey remain close friends to this day. So totally impressed by him, Bailey was then approached by [[Lucille Ball]] and personally asked to guest star on her then popular television show, ''Here's Lucy''. There, he performed his illusion of [[Phyllis Diller]]. Completely inamoured, Ball threw a party for Bailey after the show's taping, and the two became and remained close friends until her death in [[1989]]. |
[[Image: Jim_Bailey_Young.jpg|thumb|left|Jim Bailey]] James William Bailey was born on [[January 10, 1949]] in [[Philadelphia]] to Sara and Claude Bailey. As a teenager he studied [[Opera]] at [[The Drake Conservatory of Music]], and was on the popular television program ''The Children's Hour'' for almost a year where he performed by acting, singing and dancing. It was at this time that Bailey discovered his gift of vocally mimicking people. His family moved to [[New Jersey]] where he attended ''Palmyra High School''. From the mid to the late [[1960's]], Bailey played [[Summer Stock]] in such shows as ''The Boyfriend'' and ''Bells are Ringing''. [[Image:Jim_and_Phyllis.jpg|thumb|right|Bailey and Diller]][[Image:Jim_as_Phyllis.jpg|thumb|rigt|Jim Bailey as Phyllis Diller]][[Image:JIM_BAILEY_ON_HERES_LUCY.jpg|thumb|left|Bailey as Diller on ''Here's Lucy'']] |
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During this time, Bailey was intoduced to and became friends with the Legendary [[Phyllis Diller]]. Bailey, through his all encompassing illusion and utterly convincing character acting, re-created Diller with his voice mimicking. His performances as Diller became critically acclaimed. Diller and Bailey remain close friends to this day. So totally impressed by him, Bailey was then approached by [[Lucille Ball]] and personally asked to guest star on her then popular television show, ''Here's Lucy''. There, he performed his illusion of [[Phyllis Diller]]. Completely inamoured, Ball threw a party for Bailey after the show's taping, and the two became and remained close friends until her death in [[1989]]. |
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In [[1967]], Bailey moved to Los Angeles and put together his own niteclub act performing at the ''Redwood Room''. Here again, through his incredible talent as a character actor, singer and master illusionist, he re-created the legendary |
In [[1967]], Bailey moved to Los Angeles and put together his own niteclub act performing at the ''Redwood Room''. Here again, through his incredible talent as a character actor, singer and master illusionist, he re-created the legendary [[Judy Garland]] performing her all encompassing répertoire. It was at one of these performances at which Garland was present, that the two became friends. Garland jumped up on to the stage with Bailey and asked him to sing a song with her. In total disbelief, Bailey agreed and the two performed the song ''Hello Bluebird'' which Bailey had intended on performing as himself. Garland became facinated with him and began mentoring him. Many nights, Bailey would spend time with Garland at her Brentwood home, sharing and listening to her stories of her career. According to Bailey, "Once Judy told me that I had everything down to a tee except her lips, she proceeded to show me how she did them. To this day, I have her personal lip brush that she used to show me how to do them. This remains one of my prized possessions.". The two remained close friends until Garland's tragic death in [[1969]]. |
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[[Image:Jim_as_Judy_coat.jpg|thumb|right|Bailey as Judy Garland]] |
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In [[1969]] Bailey was booked into [[Las Vegas]] for a long run at several of the main showrooms and became an overnight sensation. The following year, [[1970]], would grant Bailey even more success and noteriety by being booked for several guest appearances on the then popular [[Ed Sullivan Show]]. This would prove groundbreaking for Bailey and the launching of his international career. No man in a dress was doing what Jim Bailey was doing at the time, singing as a woman. His appearance there was such a phenomenon, that Sullivan asked Bailey back just a few short months later. Bailey's rolling success continued as he appereared for his performances at [[New York]]'s [[Carnegie Hall]].[[Image:JIM_BAILEY_AT_THE_LONDON_PALLADIUM_POSTER.jpg|thumb|left|Bailey at ''The London Palladium'']][[Image:Jim_Bailey_as_Judy_Garland_and_Carol_Burnett.jpg|thumb|right|Bailey as Judy Garland with Carol Burnett]]He then was off to [[London England]], where he would perform his amazing illusions for yet another several concerts at the famous [[London Palladium]], astonishing British audiances. It was then Back to the [[United States]] where he would appear at the [[Dorothy Chandler Pavillion]] in [[Los Angeles]]. It was then that he was approached by [[Carol Burnett]] to guest star on her popular television variety show, [[The Carol Burnett Show.]] Once again Bailey amazed the audiance with his illusion of [[Barbara Streisand]] singing [[Don't Rain on My Parade]] and finishing with a duet with Burnett while still in character as Streisand. The two created a comedic scene singing [[Happy Days are Here Again]] which was met with wild applause and laughter. With yet other apperances on Burnett's show, the two struck up a friendship that has lasted to today. He then went on for several guest apperances on [[Johnny Carson]]'s [[The Tonight Show]]. Variety stated at that time that Bailey was ''"The hottest thing in Show Business"'' [[Image:Jim_and_Lucie_Arnaz.jpg|thumb|right|Jim Bailey and Lucie Arnaz]] The [[Here's Lucy Show]] followed in 1973 where he performed his [[Phyllis Diller]] illusion opposite [[Lucille Ball]]. Shortly afterward, Bailey became engaged to Ball's daughter [[Lucie Arnaz]]. Although the marriage never took place, the two remain close friends to this day doing many benefit performances in honor of her late mother. And Have appeared together on shows such as [[What's My Line]].[[Image:JIM_BAILEY_AT_CARNEGIE_HALL_ALBUMN_COVER.jpg|thumb|left|Jim Bailey's first albumn]]Bailey was asked to return to New York's Carnegie Hall to perform once again his amazing illusions of the legendary performers that he had created. This time he was approached by [[United Artists]] to record and release his performance. This would be the first time that Bailey's ''voices'' would be recorded and released, making his incredible talent even more widely accessible. The albumn became a huge success and was sold world wide..[[Image:Jim_Bailey_and_Liza_Minnelli.jpg|thumb|right|Jim Bailey and Liza Minnnelli]]Also in 1973, Bailey teamed with the legendary [[Liza Minnelli]], daughter of Garland, in [[Las Vegas]]. Here, the two put together a concert recreating the actual concerts of Minnelli and her late mother that they had performed together on the [[Judy Garland Show]] and others in which they appeared around the world. The ''Judy and Liza Concert'' met with great success, and in his reception with Minnelli she stated, ''"Angels have given this man a special talent."''. In another of Bailey's and Minnelli's concerts together on stage, she said of Bailey, ''"The only other comparison I can make with somebody that does something that fantastically brilliant, and so unusual, is [[Marcel Marceau]]."''. The two remain friends to this day and continue supporting each other's careers. Minnelli once told Bailey that, ''"If you ever stop doing this, how will I ever see my mother again?"'' Minnelli made a gift to Bailey of one of her late mother's treasured rings. Bailey has said that this remains one of his most coveted possessions...[[Image:Jim_Bailey_in_Las_Vegas.jpg|thumb|left|Jim Bailey as Judy Garland in Las Vegas]] |
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The mid 1970's saw Bailey as a mainstay in the main show rooms in Las Vegas, where he worked feverishly recreating the legendary femaile artists of the time. He was also booked for concerts around the world including the [[O'Keefe Center]] in [[Toronto, Canada]], and venues in [[Australia]] and [[South America]]. |
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Revision as of 18:33, 14 February 2008
Jim Bailey | |
|---|---|
| File:Jim Bailey Now.jpg Jim Bailey | |
| Born | James William Bailey |
| Other names | Jim, James |
| Awards | People's Choice Award Las Vegas Entertainer of The Year (4) International Press Assocciation Award (2) Variety Club Award |
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This article was last edited by Williamkieffert (talk | contribs) 16 years ago. (Update timer) |
Jim Bailey (born January,10, 1949) is an award-winning American singer, film, television,and theatre actor,and master illusionist.
Bailey is a prolific singer, actor, and master illusionist who has been on stage and screen for almost 50 years. He has appeared in over 100 movie and television roles, including: Woody Allen's Zelig, Vultures In Paradise, Blind Rage, The Surrogate, The Day It Came to Earth and on television's Here's Lucy, The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, Ally McBeal, Night Court, Vegas, Switch, and The Streets of San Francisco to name a few. As well as his frequent guest star appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, Joan Rivers, and Late Night With David Letterman.
Bailey's claim to fame began in the mid 1960's when he created the illusions of legendary singers Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, and Peggy Lee by vocally mimicking them in his own operatically trained voice. To that end, he as appeared on stages throughout the world including headlining in Las Vegas, performing at New York's Caregie Hall -which was recorded and released-, The Palladium Theatre in London for two Command Performances for the Royal Family, and performing for four United States Presidents.
James William Bailey was born on January 10, 1949 in Philadelphia to Sara and Claude Bailey. As a teenager he studied Opera at The Drake Conservatory of Music, and was on the popular television program The Children's Hour for almost a year where he performed by acting, singing and dancing. It was at this time that Bailey discovered his gift of vocally mimicking people. His family moved to New Jersey where he attended Palmyra High School. From the mid to the late 1960's, Bailey played Summer Stock in such shows as The Boyfriend and Bells are Ringing.
During this time, Bailey was intoduced to and became friends with the Legendary Phyllis Diller. Bailey, through his all encompassing illusion and utterly convincing character acting, re-created Diller with his voice mimicking. His performances as Diller became critically acclaimed. Diller and Bailey remain close friends to this day. So totally impressed by him, Bailey was then approached by Lucille Ball and personally asked to guest star on her then popular television show, Here's Lucy. There, he performed his illusion of Phyllis Diller. Completely inamoured, Ball threw a party for Bailey after the show's taping, and the two became and remained close friends until her death in 1989.
In 1967, Bailey moved to Los Angeles and put together his own niteclub act performing at the Redwood Room. Here again, through his incredible talent as a character actor, singer and master illusionist, he re-created the legendary Judy Garland performing her all encompassing répertoire. It was at one of these performances at which Garland was present, that the two became friends. Garland jumped up on to the stage with Bailey and asked him to sing a song with her. In total disbelief, Bailey agreed and the two performed the song Hello Bluebird which Bailey had intended on performing as himself. Garland became facinated with him and began mentoring him. Many nights, Bailey would spend time with Garland at her Brentwood home, sharing and listening to her stories of her career. According to Bailey, "Once Judy told me that I had everything down to a tee except her lips, she proceeded to show me how she did them. To this day, I have her personal lip brush that she used to show me how to do them. This remains one of my prized possessions.". The two remained close friends until Garland's tragic death in 1969.
In 1969 Bailey was booked into Las Vegas for a long run at several of the main showrooms and became an overnight sensation. The following year, 1970, would grant Bailey even more success and noteriety by being booked for several guest appearances on the then popular Ed Sullivan Show. This would prove groundbreaking for Bailey and the launching of his international career. No man in a dress was doing what Jim Bailey was doing at the time, singing as a woman. His appearance there was such a phenomenon, that Sullivan asked Bailey back just a few short months later. Bailey's rolling success continued as he appereared for his performances at New York's Carnegie Hall.
He then was off to London England, where he would perform his amazing illusions for yet another several concerts at the famous London Palladium, astonishing British audiances. It was then Back to the United States where he would appear at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in Los Angeles. It was then that he was approached by Carol Burnett to guest star on her popular television variety show, The Carol Burnett Show. Once again Bailey amazed the audiance with his illusion of Barbara Streisand singing Don't Rain on My Parade and finishing with a duet with Burnett while still in character as Streisand. The two created a comedic scene singing Happy Days are Here Again which was met with wild applause and laughter. With yet other apperances on Burnett's show, the two struck up a friendship that has lasted to today. He then went on for several guest apperances on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. Variety stated at that time that Bailey was "The hottest thing in Show Business"
The Here's Lucy Show followed in 1973 where he performed his Phyllis Diller illusion opposite Lucille Ball. Shortly afterward, Bailey became engaged to Ball's daughter Lucie Arnaz. Although the marriage never took place, the two remain close friends to this day doing many benefit performances in honor of her late mother. And Have appeared together on shows such as What's My Line.
Bailey was asked to return to New York's Carnegie Hall to perform once again his amazing illusions of the legendary performers that he had created. This time he was approached by United Artists to record and release his performance. This would be the first time that Bailey's voices would be recorded and released, making his incredible talent even more widely accessible. The albumn became a huge success and was sold world wide..
Also in 1973, Bailey teamed with the legendary Liza Minnelli, daughter of Garland, in Las Vegas. Here, the two put together a concert recreating the actual concerts of Minnelli and her late mother that they had performed together on the Judy Garland Show and others in which they appeared around the world. The Judy and Liza Concert met with great success, and in his reception with Minnelli she stated, "Angels have given this man a special talent.". In another of Bailey's and Minnelli's concerts together on stage, she said of Bailey, "The only other comparison I can make with somebody that does something that fantastically brilliant, and so unusual, is Marcel Marceau.". The two remain friends to this day and continue supporting each other's careers. Minnelli once told Bailey that, "If you ever stop doing this, how will I ever see my mother again?" Minnelli made a gift to Bailey of one of her late mother's treasured rings. Bailey has said that this remains one of his most coveted possessions...
The mid 1970's saw Bailey as a mainstay in the main show rooms in Las Vegas, where he worked feverishly recreating the legendary femaile artists of the time. He was also booked for concerts around the world including the O'Keefe Center in Toronto, Canada, and venues in Australia and South America.