Belle Story (born Grace Leard, c. 1887) was an American vaudeville performer and singer, noted for her coloratura soprano style. She appeared in a number of productions at the New York Hippodrome.Series XXII: Belle Story Collection, ca. 1914-1920 1 linear foot, American Vaudeville Museum collection 1845-2007 (bulk 1910-1940)(23 September 1916). Makes Leap from Musical Comedy to Concert, Musical America(December 1914). Browsing for Vaudeville Talent, The Theatre(24 October 1918). Story, Belle. How I Began My Stage Career, Pittsburgh Press(16 November 1913). Belle Story Is a Real "Native", Pittsburgh Gazette Times(20 October 1912). New Star Will Be Feature of Program, Pittsburgh Press(18 May 1916). Note re recent marriage, Musical Courier(15 May 1916). Belle Story a Bride, The New York Times(14 November 1915). La Belle Story of Belle Storey, The New York Times
In his autobiography, composer Richard Rodgers recalled that Story "had been a leading singer at the New York Hippodrome. She had a lovely coloratura voice and made a big hit wherever we played, particularly with her singing of 'The Marriage of the Lily and the Rose.' "Musical Stages: An Autobiography, p. 48 (1975)
Selected performances Chin Chin Hip Hip Hooray (1916) Everything (1918) Happy Days (1919) Good Times (1920)
References
External links
1917 photo, University of Washington Libraries, Special Collection Division