When Jack Benny found out The Hit Parade was looking for a singer he had Gisele on his program and told the Hit Parade producers to watch. She sang 2 songs and did a hilarious violin routine with Jack whereby she played beautifully and Jack did not.He made sure she got all the funny lines. The next morning the producers asked her to be that singer without even an audition! She was a most talanted and gracious lady. I miss this era. There is nothing even close to replace it.
Mr. Benny also let Gisele play piano, dance and even took her down to his secret vault on the Hit Parade audition show. Gisele often mentioned that Jack was one of the most generous people she had known. You can see the mentioned violin duet on YouTube at GiseleMacKenzieTunes channel.
Thanks for letting me know this. Another show I missed along the way somehow! I've always loved Hugh Downs - first saw him in the quiz show "Concentration" and I enjoyed using my wits (such as they are) trying to keep up with all the word matches. I am so glad Hugh had Gisele on his show or else many of us would never have been privileged to see and hear her. Thanks again. - Paula
Gisele was also a guest on Jack Parr's "Tonight Show" (before Carson) where Hugh Downs was the announcer...Gisele sang "Tonight" (from West Side Story) and "If Ever I Would Leave You" which made Parr tear up so much he asked Gisele to sing the song a second time without the orchestra. It was a lovely performance.
I have always loved Gisele's singing. A terrific voice and personality. This must be from one of the morning shows since Hugh Downs is the emcee . I very seldom watch any of the morning shows and never did in the past.
When Jack Benny found out The Hit Parade was looking for a singer he had Gisele on his program and told the Hit Parade producers to watch. She sang 2 songs and did a hilarious violin routine with Jack whereby she played beautifully and Jack did not.He made sure she got all the funny lines. The next morning the producers asked her to be that singer without even an audition! She was a most talanted and gracious lady. I miss this era. There is nothing even close to replace it.
hajune 2 years ago
Mr. Benny also let Gisele play piano, dance and even took her down to his secret vault on the Hit Parade audition show. Gisele often mentioned that Jack was one of the most generous people she had known. You can see the mentioned violin duet on YouTube at GiseleMacKenzieTunes channel.
VideosTimes2 2 years ago
Thanks for letting me know this. Another show I missed along the way somehow! I've always loved Hugh Downs - first saw him in the quiz show "Concentration" and I enjoyed using my wits (such as they are) trying to keep up with all the word matches. I am so glad Hugh had Gisele on his show or else many of us would never have been privileged to see and hear her. Thanks again. - Paula
PaulinaRena 3 years ago
Gisele was also a guest on Jack Parr's "Tonight Show" (before Carson) where Hugh Downs was the announcer...Gisele sang "Tonight" (from West Side Story) and "If Ever I Would Leave You" which made Parr tear up so much he asked Gisele to sing the song a second time without the orchestra. It was a lovely performance.
VideosTimes2 3 years ago
I have always loved Gisele's singing. A terrific voice and personality. This must be from one of the morning shows since Hugh Downs is the emcee . I very seldom watch any of the morning shows and never did in the past.
PaulinaRena 3 years ago
This is from a PBS-TV series called "Over Easy" that Mr. Downs hosted.
VideosTimes2 3 years ago