Jane Froman Biography

Fast Facts

• Even after a plane crash in 1943 left her unable to walk, she continued traveling to Europe to entertain the troops there, performing on crutches in front of audiences of 30,000
• Joined the USO and began entertaining troops across the country during World War II and was one of the first performers to volunteer to tour overseas
• Was voted America's top female singer in nationwide polls in 1934, 1937, and 1939
• Graduated from Christian College, attended the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, and studied voice at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
• Developed a stutter when she was 5 years old, a problem that affected her all her life except when she was singing
• Began singing on the radio and for commercials on WLW radio studios in the late 1920s
• Appeared in a few films in the 1930s, including "Stars Over Broadway" and "Radio City Revels," but ultimately her stutter prevented her from having a successful acting career
• Best known as a singer and actress whose life was the subject of the film "With a Song in My Heart" in 1952
• Was the host of her own television show, "USA Canteen," in 1952, which was later renamed "The Jane Froman Show․"
• Although actress Susan Hayward portrayed her in "With a Song in My Heart," she provided the voice for all of the musical numbers