It was President Woodrow Wilson who gave May Irwin the title of “Secretary of Laughter” after she performed in Washington. Born in Whitby Ontario, May Irwin was another vaudevillian that following the death of her father – launched into the … Continue reading →

This week on the Vaudecast with Grant Simpson: Imagine a time when the only way to hear new songs was 1) buying and reading the sheet music, or 2) go to a vaudeville show like the one on stage at … Continue reading →

On this Vaudecast we visit some of Jack Benny’s funniest moments, from how he stole his theme song from Kitty Carlisle – to his own feeble attempts to get some big named singers to sing a song he wrote called … Continue reading →

This Vaudecast is all about The Tiller Girls! Including an interview with Mary Kruger, the 89 year old Tiller Girl who lives in Vancouver, B.C. Her wit, her charm and her story – right here. Plus: Ginger Rogers, Una Merkel, … Continue reading →

Throughout the halcyon days of Vaudeville the Great Britain provided some of North America’s favorite stars. Many of North America’s vaudevillians went to London for a run and returned as huge international stars. Join Grant as he introduces the best … Continue reading →

On this Vaudecast we are celebrating the talents of the vaudevillians that made their way onto our screens big and small after the bright lights of vaudeville era had long since dimmed. But the vaudevillian spirt and talents that were … Continue reading →

In this Episode of The Vaudecast: Christmas for vaudevillians! Tales of Christmas in Korea with the Caroline Drury Trio, Gypsy Rose Lee tells about Christmas in Vaudeville at the age of 10, Eddie Cantor sings a vaudeville Christmas Carol, Jimmy … Continue reading →

This week: Irene Franklin was a one-woman vaudeville institution by the time she was a teenager. Like many vaudevillians she had a rough start – but her career included acting, comedy, songwriting, script writing – and from tragedy to stardom … Continue reading →

In this episode Grant recounts the history of Ed Wynn and how it all began with a backstage tragic death, a back stage love affair and the legacy that carries on still today. Also on this show, you’ll also get … Continue reading →

Two of the most talented entertainer/vaudevillians I know. Over the years I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with these two hundreds of times. Join Grant Simpson in conversations with Dale Cooper and Grant Hartwick. Coffee with Vaudevillians.