My Mom Sang Like an Angel

My Mom, Genevieve Crovo Gelles (aka Ginny Owens) had the most beautiful voice. She began her singing career as a child, and took private lessons from Madge Fairfax. Soon she had to make the decision between opera or Broadway. She choose Broadway. You see, the Hammerstein’s (Dorothy and Richard) recognized Mom’s talent and asked her to come audition In New York. When all was said and done, she appeared in 48 plays and musicals. Some of her leading roles included Laurey in Oklahoma, Julie in Carousel and Magnolia in Showboat.

Mom was a soprano. I could recognize her singing voice anywhere. Solo or with a whole choir singing with her…I could always hear which voice was hers.

Here is an old recording of my Momma singing “The Lord is My Light and My Salvation”. The solo female voice is my Mom.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
Of whom shall I be afraid?

Wait on the Lord.
Be of good cheer.
Wait on the Lord.
Be of good cheer.

He shall stengthen thy heart;
Wait on the Lord;
Wait on the Lord;
Wait on the Lord;
Wait on the Lord.