Thurl Ravenscroft - A Voice of Distinction

Born this day in 1914, today is the 96th anniversary of the birth of Thurl Ravenscroft! A talented man and a fun name to say. Go ahead, try it. Thurl Ravenscroft. I wish my name was Thurl.

Thurl came to Hollywood from his home in Norfolk, Nebraska in 1933 and almost immediately found success with a vocal group he founded called the Mellomen. Thurl sang bass in a voice I once heard Dr. Demento describe as "so deep you could drown in it." The Mellomen had regular success singing harmony backup for people like Bing Crosby, Frankie Laine, Jo Stafford and Rosemary Clooney and the group and Thurl had a long relationship with Spike Jones and His city Slickers. Thurl also had a penchant for singing gospel songs and made a few forays there as well. If you ask me, those old gospel songs are the reason God created four part harmony.

Here's a few of the reasons you may know Thurl though. One listen and I'll bet you a shiny new dime you'll recognize this deep, deep friendly voice. And then you'll scratch you head and wonder why you didn't know his name.

Anyone who's ever been to Disneyland knows this one too.

Thanks Thurl for a voice we all wish we had!