Ethel Shutta, an illustrious American actress and singer, garnered widespread acclaim for her captivating stage presence, particularly in her early years as a regular performer on Jack Benny's iconic radio show. Her impressive repertoire also included a notable role in the early Eddie Cantor musical Whoopee!, a testament to her versatility and talent. Moreover, her remarkable Broadway comeback at the age of 74 in the esteemed production of Follies, marked a triumphant milestone in her illustrious career, solidifying her status as a true show business legend.
From a remarkably early age of seven, she had already earned the distinguished moniker "the little girl with the big voice", a testament to her extraordinary vocal talents. This precocious prodigy went on to embark on a grueling tour schedule alongside her family, forming the illustrious Pee Wee Minstrels, an esteemed entertainment troupe that showcased the remarkable vocal abilities of her mother, Augusta, and brother, Jack.
Intriguingly, the family's surname was initially Schutte, with Charles, their father, serving as the astute manager who expertly guided their fledgling careers. Not content to rest on their laurels, they also delved into the realm of vaudeville, presenting themselves as The Three Shuttas, a thrilling triple threat that left audiences in awe of their captivating performances.
Shutta's illustrious career on the Great White Way commenced with her Broadway debut in the spectacular production, The Passing Show of 1922, a showstopping extravaganza that marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the world of entertainment.
Subsequently, she had the privilege of being a part of a series of esteemed Florenz Ziegfeld productions, including the critically acclaimed Louie the 14th and the hilarious Whoopee!, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and versatile performer.
In 1926, Shutta's personal life took a significant turn as she tied the knot with the renowned band leader, George Olsen, and the newlywed couple embarked on a thrilling adventure, performing in clubs across the country, delighting audiences with their mesmerizing performances.
Later, the couple became regular fixtures on the popular Jack Benny Canada Dry Radio Show, which made its debut on NBC radio in 1932, a testament to Shutta's enduring talent and her ability to captivate audiences across multiple mediums.
Shutta Craft's iconic performance of the enchanting tune "Rock-a-Bye Moon" not only became an enduring theme song for the illustrious Benny, but also catapulted her to newfound fame in 1933. That same year, she had the distinguished honor of being featured on the esteemed Nestle Chocolateers program, garnering widespread acclaim from the esteemed Radio Fan-Fare magazine, which proudly proclaimed her to be a "foolproof radio attraction". In addition to her impressive solo appearance, Shutta and her partner Olsen also had the privilege of sharing the airwaves with listeners on the Oldsmobile Program, broadcast on the prestigious CBS radio network.
Shutta, a talented singer, persisted in her artistic endeavors following her divorce from Olsen in 1939, releasing her own music and captivating audiences through her performances on various radio programs.
In 1940, Shutta embarked on a new chapter in her life by marrying George Kirksey, a notable sports writer who made a substantial contribution to the development of major league baseball in Houston, Texas.
This partnership between Shutta and Kirksey endured for nearly two decades, until their divorce in 1957.
Mary Martin, a renowned actress, starred alongside Shutta in the short-lived musical Jennie, which premiered on Broadway in October 1963, unfortunately failing to garner critical acclaim or commercial success.
Noteworthy thespian Shutta's remarkable portrayal of Hattie Walker in the iconic production of Follies garnered widespread critical acclaim, with esteemed critic Steven Suskin singling out the actress's unforgettable performance among the three pivotal supporting roles. His remarks underscored the distinctiveness of Shutta's rendition of "Broadway Baby", as she brought a unique energy to the stage, her 74-year-old feet moving with a vitality that belied her age. This remarkable performance marked Shutta's final Broadway appearance, bringing to a close a storied career that spanned nearly seven decades, a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft.
