Chauncey Olcott, real name Chancellor John Olcott, was renowned in the music world for his contributions as a composer, singer, and actor. Best remembered for writing “My Wild Irish Rose” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” Olcott was one of the premier Irish tenors from the 1890s until he retired from the stage in 1925 due to illness. He passed away at his villa in Monte Carlo in 1932.
Born in Buffalo, NY, around 1860, Olcott performed in venues across the USA and the United Kingdom. He appeared at the Temple Theatre in Camden and the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.
In 1947, a movie about his life was released. “My Wild Irish Rose” featured Dennis Morgan in the title role, along with Arlene Dahl, Alan Hale Sr., George Tobias, Sara Allgood, and William Frawley (best known as Fred Mertz in “I Love Lucy”).
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Chauncey Olcott
Chauncey Olcott, real name Chancellor John Olcott, was renowned in the music world for his contributions as a composer, singer, and actor. Best remembered for writing “My Wild Irish Rose” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” Olcott was one of the premier Irish tenors from the 1890s until he retired from the stage in 1925…
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Chauncey Olcott, Irish Tenor, Dies
Camden Courier-Post – February 19, 1932 Famous Singer, Well Known Here, Passes Away at Monte Carlo Villa Chauncey Olcott, noted Irish ballad singer, whose golden tenor made “Mother Machree” and “My Wild Irish Rose” immortal, died early yesterday at his winter· home, “Villa Emeraude” at Monte Carlo. “The last of the troubadours,” as he was…
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