The voice of Marni Nixon found its way into classic movies like “West Side Story” to make her famous
By Christina Miller
Staff Writer
Have you ever lost yourself to the beautiful rhythms of the songs in classic musicals like “My Fair Lady,” “West Side Story” or even “The King and I”?
The songs that we love in these musicals have all been made possible by the voice of Marni Nixon.
Pepperdine will feature Nixon, “The Voice of Hollywood,” at Smothers Theatre on Friday.
Nixon is best known for her voice-overs for stars such as Natalie Wood, Audrey Hepburn and Deborah Kerr.
Time Magazine dubbed her the “Ghostess with the Mostest” since she became famous for doing the singing voices for other movie stars in musicals. Nixon became one of the most loved voices in Hollywood.
But this is only a fragment of her career.
Nixon has also performed as a cabaret performer, opera diva, stage actress, symphony guest artist, recitalist, recording artist, television chanteuse and teacher of voice classes.
Nixon has four personal Emmy Awards in the category of best actress for the children’s series “Boomerang” and has been nominated for several Grammy awards. She was included in “The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians,” which includes an exclusive list of legendary singers.
According to a press release, “Nixon’s artistry has worn well, her voice is fresh and pleasing, her phrasing is impeccable, her command of languages is impressive and her intelligence and musicianship is indisputable.
She is blessed with an engaging wit and the charismatic ability to connect directly with her audience in a totally natural and relaxed manner.”
Nixon’s career started young as she began studying the violin at age 4 and appeared in a dramatic stock company for one year by the age of 10.
At 14, she performed at the Pasadena Playhouse in her first musical and at 17, she made her debut as an oratio/orchestral vocal soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Her recent work has included singing at the 50th anniversary season at the East Coast’s most highly acclaimed summer music festival, performances in “Serious Fun” at Lincoln Center, performances in the American Music Festival and Concerto Soloists Chamber Orchestra in Philadelphia and Canada and appearances with symphony orchestras.
Nixon will be performing at 8 p.m. in Smothers Theatre on Friday. Tickets are $6 for Pepperdine students and are available at (310) 506-4522 or TicketMaster at (213) 365-3500.
October 03, 2002