Catherine Muth Guthrie, a celebrated lyric soprano, whose professional stage moniker was Florence George, entered the world on December 21, 1911, in the state of Ohio. She was the loving daughter of Florence and George Guthrie, and in a beautiful gesture of tribute, she adopted their names as her professional identity, thus becoming Florence George.
Florence, a remarkably talented musician and vocalist, embarked on a prestigious academic journey by attending Wittenberg College, where she ultimately earned a degree in music from the esteemed Chicago Conservatory.
During her formative years, Florence had the extraordinary privilege of receiving one-on-one training from the illustrious Madame Amelia Galli-Curci, a former Italian opera star renowned for her exceptional vocal prowess.
Florence's impressive vocal abilities did not go unnoticed, as she secured several radio singing spots, further solidifying her reputation as a talented performer.
Ultimately, Florence's hard work and dedication culminated in her operatic debut in the captivating production of "Rioletto" at the iconic Chicago Civic Opera House, a milestone that marked the beginning of a brilliant career in the world of opera.
A Paramount talent scout, renowned for their exceptional eye for discovering hidden gems, stumbled upon Florence's remarkable abilities during a captivating performance, thus setting the stage for a screen test that would ultimately lead to her cinematic debut alongside the talented John Payne in 1938.
Her unforgettable solo in "Moments Like This" left an indelible mark, showcasing her exceptional vocal prowess and hinting at a promising future in the world of entertainment.
Despite this auspicious beginning, the studio opted to primarily utilize Florence for publicity sessions and radio appearances, relegating her subsequent film appearance to a supporting role in the 1939 production of "Tell No Tales".
Florence's personal life took a significant turn in 1939, as she entered into a lifelong partnership with Everett N. Crosby, a shrewd business manager who happened to be the older brother of the renowned singer Bing Crosby. Crosby's influence on Florence's career was profound, spanning nearly three decades until his untimely passing in 1966.
Under Crosby's astute guidance, Florence's artistic endeavors were strategically directed towards the realms of radio broadcasting, recording studios, live concerts, and the world of light operetta on stage. It is noteworthy that Florence deliberately steered clear of the film industry, instead choosing to focus on these other mediums where her talents could shine.
In the early years of their lives together, the couple made the wise decision to invest in a sprawling farm estate in the picturesque state of Connecticut, specifically in the area known as Fair Acres. It was here that they dedicated themselves to raising a magnificent collection of Morgan and Arabian stallions, a testament to their shared passion and dedication to the world of equestrianism.
Tragedy struck the family when Everett, Florence's beloved husband, succumbed to the devastating effects of throat cancer. Following his passing, Florence found love again with Andelmo Ortiz, a production manager with a prominent advertising firm, and the two were married in 1970.
As the years went by, Florence eventually retired to the state of Maryland, where she spent her golden years surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. It was here that she lived out her remaining days, her life a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring human spirit. Florence passed away at the ripe old age of 80 on September 13, 1998, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.
