Before Fred and Ginger, there was Fred and Adele, two siblings from Omaha who shared a 27 year theatrical career, and revolutionised the dance and song world of the 1920s. The Astaires were adored by audiences, feted by royalty, and courted by social elites everywhere they went. From the start Adele was the more natural performer, while Fred had to practise hard to hone his trademark timing, but ultimately his skills surpassed those of his sister. Originally broadcast on 27/6/12.
Guests:
Kathleen Riley, Classical scholar, modern theatre historian, and the author of The Astaires: Fred and Adele
Music:
Track: Sweet Music
Artist: Adele and Fred Astaire
Album: Night and Day: Fred Astaire, Complete Recordings Vol 2 1931-1933 Naxos 2001 Nostalgia Naxos 8.120519
Composer: Dietz & Schwartz
Description: Song from ‘The Band Wagon’ by Dietz & Schwartz
Track: The Bobbitt and the Bromide
Artist: Adele and Fred Astaire
Album: A Portrait of Fred Astaire, 1997 Music Collection International. Gale 414
Composer: George & Ira Gershwin
Description: Song from ‘Funny Face’ by George and Ira Gershwin
Track: Fascinating Rhythm
Artist: Adele and Fred Astaire
Album: A Portrait of Fred Astaire, 1997 Music Collection International
Description: Song from ‘Lady, Be Good!’ by George and Ira Gershwin
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/fred-and-adele-astaire/4415600
