Origins: Chauncey Olcott

Subject: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST,Jenny
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 02:32 AM

Is there anyone out there who knows of a book written about the singer/songwriter of Irish American tunes, Chauncey Olcott? If anyone has a clue or any information at all, please respond! Thank you very much.

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: masato sakurai
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 03:24 AM

A few pages are alotted for Olcott in William H.A. Williams, 'Twas Only an Irishman's Dream: The Image of Ireland and the Irish in American Popular Song Lyrics, 1800-1920 (University of Illinois Press, 1996, pp. 213-216). According to Williams' book, his wife wrote a book (possibly Chauncey's biography): Rita Olcott, Song in My Heart (New York: Fields, 1939).

~Masato

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: masato sakurai
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 03:52 AM

Other info on the web:

Famed Balladeer & Irish Songwriter: Chauncey Olcott -- Linked To Lockport & An Old Irish Shanty

More Songs About Ireland and The Irish -- My Wild Irish Rose

There's a movie (I'm not sure if this is a nonfictional biopic): MY WILD IRISH ROSE (1947) -- Director: David Butler. Starring: Dennis Morgan, Arlene Dahl, Andrea King, Alan Hale, George Tobias. Story of Irish songwriter Chauncey Olcott.

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 06:58 AM

G'day Jenny,

I'm not sure whether some references would be under his real name - Chancellor John Alcott - Anyway, the two entries won't be far apart.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: masato sakurai
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 08:05 AM

According to Abebooks, which has a copy in stock ($75.00), the title of his biography by Rita (O'Donovan) Olcott is Song in His Heart (New York: House of Field, Inc., 1939).

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: masato sakurai
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 07:04 PM

From Library of Congress Online Catalog:

       Song in his heart, by Rita Olcott.

LC Control Number: 40004377
Type of Material: Book (Print, Microform, Electronic, etc.)
Brief Description: Olcott, Rita O'Donovan Mrs.
                     Song in his heart, by Rita Olcott.
                     New York, House of Field, inc. [c1939]
                     304 p. front., plates, ports. 24 cm.
                   --------------------
CALL NUMBER: ML410.O58 O5
                     Copy 1
-- Request in: Performing Arts Reading Room (Madison, LM113)
-- Status: Not Charged

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: masato sakurai
Date: 01 Dec 02 - 07:16 PM

From The Internet Movie Database:

Plot Summary for My Wild Irish Rose (1947)

The life of Irish tenor Chauncey Olcott is chronicled from his childhood to his days as the toast of New York. In between, his rise to the top is complicated by romances with two women: his true love Rose Donovan and stage star Lillian Russell, who wants to make him a star.

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST,Lammy
Date: 19 Nov 11 - 01:30 PM

He was my grandfather. Any info you need I'd be happy to supply.

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST,Bart Donovan
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:00 AM

Does anybody have info on "Rita" O'Donovan - Chaucey Olcott's wife. Her real name was Margaret O'Donovan. Where was she born? who were her parents? Where she is buried. Chauncey is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx New York

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 07:53 AM

Hi, thanks for offering to answer questions. My grandmother's aunt Julia was Chauncey Olcott's wife's maid/companion when she traveled. Do you have any information about her at all. I know it's vague but I thought I'd ask anyway.   Thanks so much,   Liz Farrell   email: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST,Camille Marroquin
Date: 06 Apr 12 - 01:34 PM

My mother,born Frances Eleanor Curry,(daughter of Mary Jane Heth and Ben Curry) was a niece of Rose Curry, a stage actress who performed on the stage with Chauncey Olcott. My grandmother told us that "My Wild Irish Rose" was actually written about my great aunt. We have a photo of Rose and Olcott, with a handwriten note by him to her. I understand Mrs. Olcott denies that the song was written to Aunt Rose, however, I recently saw the movie "My Wild Irish Rose" and it suggests the same. Would anyone here know more about this?

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST,Camille Marroquin
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 01:16 PM

Hello Lammy, I am the second niece of Rose Curry, the stage actress who acted with Chauncey Olcott. I posted a question generally on mudcat, but as you indicate Mr. Olcott was your grandfather, perhaps you know more about the relationship between Rose Curry and your grandfather. My family has "history" recounted by my grandmother (sister in law of Rose)that Rose Curry was the subject of "My Wild Irish Rose." We understand that his wife's biography makes no reference to this fact. While this is understandable, there are several items in the family archives that suggest Mr. Olcott and Rose Curry were quite close. It is doubtful that any feelings might be bruised by this discussion, as so much time has passed. I would be interested if you know anything about this. Thanks for the opportunity to query.

Subject: RE: Origins: Chauncey Olcott
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 14 - 01:42 PM

I recently acquired a rare photo of Chauncey Olcott that he personally signed "Sure a man will work out his ow destiny" Yours in Irish Chauncey Olcott.
This is an earlier photo and he appears to be in his 30's. The photo was framed beneath glass and is in extraordinary condition. I have pictures if interested. I paid $350 for this photo in auction. If anyone is interested in purchasing, I would love to see this go to a family member. I am getting ready to list on EBAY but will offer for the same price I paid. The frame is 16" x 14" and original (sorry the pic is not dated but photo is from the 1800's). The picture is 9" x 11". You can contact me direct at [e-mail] - thank you!