Although a second-tier star, Cass Daley's zany personality and striking visual presence made her a top-shelf entertainer during the late 1930s and throughout the ensuing decades. Likewise, her numerous appearances on radio, film and stage kept Daley in the spotlight as a singer/comedienne and actress. The dozen selections on the suitably-monikered Queen of Musical Mayhem (2004) reflect both her exuberance and uncanny penchant for dead-on impersonations and mimicry. Many of these recordings originated as Armed Forces Radio ...
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Although a second-tier star, Cass Daley's zany personality and striking visual presence made her a top-shelf entertainer during the late 1930s and throughout the ensuing decades. Likewise, her numerous appearances on radio, film and stage kept Daley in the spotlight as a singer/comedienne and actress. The dozen selections on the suitably-monikered Queen of Musical Mayhem (2004) reflect both her exuberance and uncanny penchant for dead-on impersonations and mimicry. Many of these recordings originated as Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) broadcasts, which were initially transcriptions of well-known North American shows including the Kraft Music Hall and Tommy Dorsey Show . The AFRS then began developing exclusive programming for those serving during World War II., such as Mail Call and Command Performance . The latter is where the anthology begins as Daley offers up a whimsical "Medley of Popular Songs" adapted from the musical The Fleet's In (1942). "You Can't Blame a Girl for Trying" -- which would go on to become one of Daley's signature songs -- is a highlight and was part of the 1945 Command Performance Christmas spectacular hosted by Bob Hope and aired on Christmas Day of the same year to troops overseas. She teams up with Nelson Eddy for a farcical "Indian Love Call" -- which had been a huge hit for Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. The largest bulk of material is from Daley's edition of Personal Album with straight and sublime readings of "Along the Navajo Trail," "It Might as Well Be Spring," "I'll Buy That Dream" and an effervescent take of "Sentimental Journey." Enthusiasts are also treated to a light-hearted "You Are My Sunshine" with Bob Burns from a July '44 Tommy Dorsey Show . Queen of Musical Mayhem concludes with a guest shot on the Bing Crosby hosted Kraft Music Hall where Daley cuts loose with "I'm a Patriotic Jitterbug at the Stagedoor Canteen." ~ Lindsay Planer, Rovi
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