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| '''June Preston''' (born December 29, 1928) is an American |
'''June Preston''' (born December 29, 1928) is an American child star, singer, and dancer who went on to become one of the most notable and famous opera singers of her time. She made her debut at the age of 24 with the ], "Stars of the Metropolitan Opera" tour in 1952 in the lead role of Mimi in '']'', opposite the Metropolitan star ] as Rodolfo. | ||
| Preston was born in ]. |
Preston was born in ]. She made her screen debut at the age of 4 after being spotted on the ] lot and landed her first role as Mrs. Blewett's Daughter in ], and went on to do numerous movies including in ], '']'', '']'', ], to name a few and guest starring in many '']'' comedies and movies. Preston acted, sang and danced her way through the hearts of fans around the world and in a short time found herself signing on with major merchandising using her name and likeness. There were over 50 manufactures for apparel alone which included the then famous , and Dixie Swirls dresses, , hats, swimsuits, snowsuits, slips, shoes from toddler to teens. Other manufacturing included the then famous , toys, coloring books, paint sets, paper cut out dolls magazines, collectors postcards, , selling millions worldwide. | ||
| ==Film career== | ==Film career== | ||
| Less than a year after Preston visited ] and her mother left a photograph of her, Preston's first film role was at age 4, a "small part" in the RKO film '']'' (1934).<ref>{{cite news |title=Jane (sic) Preston Temple Rival |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58707014/the-los-angeles-times/ |access-date=June 8, 2021 |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=March 20, 1935 |page=13|via = ]}}</ref> Preston acted, sang, and danced. She quickly gained popularity and went on to work under contract with ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] followed by various merchandising contracts such as the June Preston Frocks apparel lines and the famous June Preston Doll. She was considered to be one of the "Big Pay Babes" in Hollywood alongside ] and ]. She was known for her golden curls, cherub like features and charismatic nature. Preston was considered to be "one of the most beautiful children ever seen in films. | |||
| It all began when June Preston's mother had paid a visit to the RKO studio and an executive saw little June Preston and called for an immediate screen test which resulted in a long-term 5-year contract at RKO Film Studios, a very unique and unheard of offer for a newcomer to Hollywood. Her first film role was Mrs. Blewett's Daughter in the RKO film '']'' (1934).<ref>{{cite news |title=Jane (sic) Preston Temple Rival |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58707014/the-los-angeles-times/ |access-date=June 8, 2021 |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=March 20, 1935 |page=13|via = ]}}</ref> Preston acted, sang, and danced and quickly gained worldwide popularity and went on to work under contract with ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] followed by multiple merchandising contracts using her name and likeliness. Preston was considered to be one of the in Hollywood alongside ] and ]. She was known for her golden curls, cherub like features and charismatic nature. Preston was considered to be . And at age 9, Preston signed another contract with RKO for an additional 7 years and went on to do various movies in that time. | |||
| ==Merchandising== | ==Merchandising== | ||
| After signing with RKO, she quickly achieved international fame, she already had a JP fan club at the tender age four and signed with Edward D. Schuwall Clothing Firm in New York, who was one of the first apparel manufactures to start an apparel line bearing her name June Preston Frocks, |
After signing with RKO, she quickly achieved international fame, she already had a at the tender age four and signed on with Edward D. Schuwall Clothing Firm in New York, who was one of the first apparel manufactures to start an apparel line bearing her name , JP Sheer Frocks, RKO Film Star by JP Loomcraft, and "JP Dixie Swirl" dresses. Some other manufacturers included Edward Shuwall & Co., Blossom Infants Coat Co. Inc., H & S Sportswear, I. Schneierson & Son Co. By 1935 she had over 50 manufacturers. Storefronts featuring included frocks/dresses, coats, suites, swimsuits, snowsuits, undergarments, shoes, purses, hats, gloves, and . In 1944, the debut of the became hugely popular with toddlers to late teens and all combined sold millions worldwide. | ||
| In addition to |
In addition to apparel, other merchandising using the included the famous June Preston Doll, and , phonographs, movie star cut outs magazines, paper dolls, and an assortment of JP toys. | ||
| ==Meglin Kiddies== | ==Meglin Kiddies== | ||
| June Preston was also one of the prestigious Meglin Kiddies. She joined in 1934 and was a favorite of Neil Albright, Manager/Owner of the Meglin Dance Studio, he said, "according to Neil Albright, managing owner of the Meglin Dance Studios of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, is expected to develop her into a brilliant child star, under The Meglin artistic training. "Other's that came out The Meglin Dance Studios were ], ], ], ], ], ], and |
June Preston was also one of the prestigious ]. She joined in 1934 and was a favorite of Neil Albright, Manager/Owner of the Meglin Dance Studio, he said, "according to , managing owner of the Meglin Dance Studios of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, is expected to develop her into a brilliant child star, under The Meglin artistic training. And she did... in addition to her movie contracts, June Preston had featured parts in numerous "]" short films such as a in "In Love With Life", "Show Kids", 1935, "Reg'lar Fellers" 1941, as well as radio shows, Our Gang shorts and Our Gang Follies movies featuring Meglin Kiddies. Preston also performed at multiple Hollywood theaters singing and dancing and was a regular at the historic Wadsworth Theatre. Other's that came out The Meglin Dance Studios were ], ], ], ], ], ], and several of the Our Gang child stars. | ||
| Preston sang and danced in many movies with the "]" featured dancer the movie "In Love With Life, "Show Kids", 1935, "Reg'lar Fellers" 1941, ], 1937 and more. | |||
| ==Publicity== | ==Publicity== | ||
| June Preston and ] were similar in style. Shirley Temple was one year older than June Preston and |
June Preston and ] were similar in style. Shirley Temple was one year older than June Preston and in the industry longer but even though they were under contract at separate film studios, they both were often for singing and dancing appearances to publicity autograph events for their own apparel lines and other merchandise. They quickly became friends but despite that friendship in real life the two girls were often publicized from the very beginning as by the studios and trade publications, which made things difficult for June Preston professionally and she was the newcomer to the screen. It was known that Shirley Temple's mother insisted that June Preston not be present at the studio when Shirley was working on a film and Shirley was not allowed on the lot while June Preston was working on her film. | ||
| At age 9 with RKO Film Studio and continued in films until the mid 1940's when she decided to leave the screen and pursue her passion in the operatic field. . | |||
| ==Filmography== | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *''] (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1935) | |||
| *'']'' (1937) | |||
| *'']'' (1937) | |||
| *'']'' (1937) | |||
| *'']'' (1938) | |||
| *'']'' (1939) | |||
| *'']'' (1939) | |||
| *'']'' (1940) | |||
| *'']'' (1940) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1942) | |||
| *'']'' (1943) | |||
| *'']'' (1943) | |||
| *'']'' comedies: | |||
| **'']'' (1934) | |||
| **'']'' (1935) | |||
| **'']'' (1935) | |||
| **'']'' (1936) | |||
| **'']'' (1937) | |||
| **'']'' (1937) | |||
| **'']'' (1937) | |||
| **'']'' (1939) | |||
| **'']'' (1939) | |||
| **'']'' (1941) | |||
| **'']'' (1943) | |||
| **'']'' (1944) | |||
| ==Opera career== | ==Opera career== | ||
| After her film career June Preston went on to become a world famous opera singer. She was always known to have interest in the classics early on, and at age 14 she was already memorizing opera scores while still in the movie industry. Upon leaving the movie industry Preston moved to ] with her parents and began studying with a vocal coach in their home. June Preston's producer/conductor was Gustave Stern Stern heard her vocalizing through a window as he was passing by her home and immediately knocked on the door and said she had tremendous talent and asked if he could have the honor to coach her. She was 16 at the time and he coached her for several years throughout her college years at the ]. Within this period, Preston performed with the Seattle Civic Light Opera Company with which Stern conducted several operettas featuring Preston, such as Camille in '']'' and Marietta in '']''. | |||
| After her film career June Preston went on to become a world famous opera singer. She was always known to have interest in the classics early on, and at age 14 she was already memorizing opera scores while still in the movie industry. Upon leaving the movie industry Preston moved to ], Washington with her parents. As fate would have it, June Preston was vocalizing one day and producer/conductor Gustave Stern heard her through a window as he was passing by her home and immediately knocked on the door and explained to her parents that their daughter had tremendous talent and asked if he could have the honor to coach her. She was only 16 at the time and he coached her for several years throughout her college years at the ]. Within this period, Preston performed with the Seattle Civic Light Opera Company where Stern conducted several operettas featuring Preston as the leading role in Camille in '']'' and Marietta in '']'' Carmen in ]. | |||
| At age 20, Preston was sponsored by Coca Cola and she began touring Central and South America performing in top Opera Houses such as the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires which has near-perfect acoustics, Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Teatro Municipal in Santiago, Chile, Teatro Municipal, Rio de Janeiro, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona. As well as performing recitals for Kings, Presidents, and Diplomats. There were several US Embassy galas in honor of June Preston throughout Central and South America where she also performed as the featured guest. June Preston was considered the "established favorite in the lyric theatres in Central and South America." | |||
| By age 20, Preston was sponsored by Coca Cola and she began touring Central and South America performing in top Opera Houses such as the ] in Buenos Aires which has near-perfect acoustics, ], ], ] in Santiago, Chile, ], Rio de Janeiro, ], Barcelona. As well as performing recitals for Kings, Presidents, and Diplomats. There were several US Embassy galas in honor of June Preston throughout Central and South America where she also performed as the featured guest. June Preston was considered the "established favorite in the lyric theatres in Central and South America." | |||
| In 1952, at the tender age of 24, Preston debuted with The Metropolitan Opera. The tour was named "Stars of the Metropolitan Opera" and featured June Preston in the leading role of Mimì in '']'' opposite renowned Metropolitan star ] as Rodolfo. Preston continued touring with the Met in leading roles opposite Jan Peerce, ], ], ] performing in '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']''. In '']'', her extraordinary vocal range – from ] ] to ] – she was able to play either Carmen or Mercédès. | |||
| In 1952, at the tender age of 24, Preston debuted with ]. The tour was named "" and featured in the leading role of Mimì in '']'' opposite renowned Metropolitan star ] as Rodolfo. Preston continued touring with the Met in leading roles opposite Jan Peerce, ], ], ] performing in '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']''. In '']'', her extraordinary vocal range – from ] ] to ] – she was able to play either Carmen or Mercédès. | |||
| Preston favored recitals above all, and was also particularly well known for her concert recitals ranging from ], ], ] to ] and ]. Preston continued to perform throughout Central and South America until her return to the United States. | Preston favored recitals above all, and was also particularly well known for her concert recitals ranging from ], ], ] to ] and ]. Preston continued to perform throughout Central and South America until her return to the United States. | ||
| In 1960 Preston returned to the US and made her debut at the St. Louis Symphony Hall as a guest star under the baton of ] as the feature singer for the choral finale of ]. Other guest stars included ], ], ] and ]. Preston continued under the baton of ] with St. Louis Orchestra and New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra until her 1962 when she started her European recital and concert tour. Preston debut at the ] in ], and thereafter touring throughout Europe performing in the most prestigious Opera Houses in Europe such as ], ], ], ], ], |
In 1960 prior to her European Tour, Preston returned to the US and made her debut at the St. Louis Symphony Hall as a ] as the feature singer for the choral finale of ]. Other guest stars included ], ], ] and ]. Preston continued under the baton of ] with St. Louis Orchestra and New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra until her 1962 when she started her European recital and concert tour. Preston debut at the ] in ] , and thereafter touring throughout Europe performing in the most prestigious Opera Houses in Europe such as ] Paris, France, ] Milan, Italy, ], ] Barcelona, ] , ], to name a few. The majority of Preston's career and performances were overseas. | ||
| Upon Preston's return to the States, she continued to perform under the baton of ] at Carnegie Hall and with the St. Louis Symphony and the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with high praises for her passionate performances. It was well known that people were so taken by her concert performances that, at the finale, there was a long pause prior to thunderous applause due to the audience being completely captivated by her performance. | |||
| == Repertoire == | == Repertoire == | ||
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| |} | |} | ||
| == |
== Concert recitals == | ||
| On Broadway, Preston performed in the ensemble of '']'' (1925).<ref>{{cite web |title=June Preston |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/june-preston-471847 |website=Internet Broadway Database |publisher=The Broadway League |access-date=June 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608154737/https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/june-preston-471847 |archive-date=June 8, 2021}}</ref> Her concert recitals include works by ], ], ], ], ], ], and other works including an aria specifically written for Preston by her life-long friend Martin Kalmanoff, a writer/composer. | |||
| June Preston's concert recitals include works by ], ], ], ], ], ], and other works including an aria specifically written for Preston by her life-long friend Martin Kalmanoff, a writer/composer. | |||
| ==Marriage== | ==Marriage== | ||
| In 1962 while on her European tour, Preston met her future husband at the ] in ], where she was performing a solo recital with pianist Stranton Carter. Prior to the performance that evening, she arrived with her pianist for rehearsal but the page turner did not arrive. In her words, "A handsome man came up to her and offered to turn the pages." This man was the famous Belgian violinist who was rehearsing earlier that day for an upcoming performance of his own and "came to her rescue". Hoüben was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, who had been following his progress since he was a child and later presented him with an award for excellence in 1955. He was considered a child prodigy, performing his first concerto at age 4. | |||
| In 1962 while on her European tour, Preston met her future husband at the ] in ], where she was performing a solo recital with pianist Stranton Carter. Prior to the performance that evening, she arrived with her pianist for rehearsal but the page turner did not arrive. In her words, "A handsome man came up to her and offered to turn the pages." This man was the famous Belgian born violinist, who was rehearsing earlier that day for an upcoming performance of his own and "came to her rescue". Hoüben was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, who had been following his progress since he was a child and later presented him with an . He was considered a child prodigy, performing his first concerto at age 4. | |||
| Saul Houben and Yehudi Menuhin had been childhood friends. They met when Yehudi Menuhin's parents moved to Paris and Menuhin went on to study in Belgium, where Saul Houben was currently studying under the guidance of ]. Houben and Menuhin studied together for several years and remained friends thereafter. | |||
| n and ] had been childhood friends. They met when Menuhin came to Belgium where Saul Houben was currently studying under the guidance of ]. Houben and Menuhin studied together for several years and remained friends thereafter. | |||
| When Preston and Houben had a child, Preston semi-retired. She said, "she did not want to put her child through the demanding life that comes with constant touring". She wanted to take care of her child and be there for that child, because Preston remembered what it was like growing up in the entertainment industry and did not want her child to go through the hardship of being taken care by others instead of her own parents. | When Preston and Houben had a child, Preston semi-retired. She said, "she did not want to put her child through the demanding life that comes with constant touring". She wanted to take care of her child and be there for that child, because Preston remembered what it was like growing up in the entertainment industry and did not want her child to go through the hardship of being taken care by others instead of her own parents. | ||
| Saul Houben died in 1982 at aged 60. Shortly thereafter, Preston and her daughter attended Yehudi Menuhin's performance at the ] as his guests. Sadly, after the performance, Preston broke the news that his long time friend had just passed. It was a bittersweet reunion for Preston and Menuhin. | Saul Houben died in 1982 at aged 60. Shortly thereafter, Preston and her daughter attended ]'s performance at the ] as his guests. Sadly, after the performance, Preston broke the news that his long time friend had just passed. It was a bittersweet reunion for Preston and Menuhin. | ||
| Subsequently, Preston performed various concert recitals for benefits |
Subsequently, Preston performed various concert recitals for benefits, but did not want to return to the circuit and retired. | ||
| ==Induction== | ==Induction== | ||
| Preston was inducted into the ] Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web |title=WSHS Hall of Fame Member List |url=http://wshsalumniassociation.org/tables-test-1/ |website=The Official Home of the West Seattle High School Alumni Association |access-date=June 8, 2021}}</ref> In 1994, Preston came out of retirement for a farewell concert performance in Seattle where it all began. Her repertoire that evening included an aria "Lamento" written for her by her longtime friend. | |||
| Preston was inducted into the ] Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web |title=WSHS Hall of Fame Member List |url=http://wshsalumniassociation.org/tables-test-1/ |website=The Official Home of the West Seattle High School Alumni Association |access-date=June 8, 2021}}</ref> In 1994, Preston came out of retirement for a farewell concert performance in Seattle where it all began. Her repertoire that evening included an aria "Lamento" written for her by her longtime friend . | |||
| ==Current== | ==Current== | ||
| Preston currently{{when|reason="Currently" is vague. "As of (date or year)" would be much better.|date=June 2021}} lives with her daughter and son-in-law. Preston says "she has no regrets, and would do it all over again exactly the same way. | |||
| Preston lives with her daughter and son-in-law. In an interview, Preston reflects,"she has no regrets, and would do it all over again exactly the same way". | |||
| ==Selected filmography== | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *''] (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1934) | |||
| *'']'' (1935) | |||
| *'']'' (1937) | |||
| *'']'' (1937) | |||
| *'']'' (1937) | |||
| *'']'' (1938) | |||
| *'']'' (1939) | |||
| *'']'' (1939) | |||
| *'']'' (1940) | |||
| *'']'' (1940) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1941) | |||
| *'']'' (1942) | |||
| *'']'' (1943) | |||
| *'']'' (1943) | |||
| *'']'' comedies: | |||
| **'']'' (1934) | |||
| **'']'' (1935) | |||
| **'']'' (1935) | |||
| **'']'' (1936) | |||
| **'']'' (1937) | |||
| **'']'' (1937) | |||
| **'']'' (1937) | |||
| **'']'' (1939) | |||
| **'']'' (1939) | |||
| **'']'' (1941) | |||
| **'']'' (1943) | |||
| **'']'' (1944) | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 00:46, 22 June 2021
American former child film actress (born 1928) | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "June Preston" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| June Preston | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1928-12-29) December 29, 1928 (age 96) Glendale, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Formner child actress, opera singer |
June Preston (born December 29, 1928) is an American child star, singer, and dancer who went on to become one of the most notable and famous opera singers of her time. She made her debut at the age of 24 with the Metropolitan Opera, "Stars of the Metropolitan Opera" tour in 1952 in the lead role of Mimi in La bohème, opposite the Metropolitan star Jan Peerce as Rodolfo.
Preston was born in Glendale, California. She made her screen debut at the age of 4 after being spotted on the RKO film studio lot and landed her first role as Mrs. Blewett's Daughter in Anne of Green Gables, and went on to do numerous movies including Mrs. McDonald's daughter in Christmas in July, Second Chorus, The Strawberry Blonde, Maytime, to name a few and guest starring in many Our Gang comedies and movies. Preston acted, sang and danced her way through the hearts of fans around the world and in a short time found herself signing on with major merchandising contracts and licensing deals using her name and likeness. There were over 50 manufactures for apparel alone which included the then famous June Preston Frocks, Fairytale and Dixie Swirls dresses, handkerchiefs, hats, swimsuits, snowsuits, slips, shoes from toddler to teens. Other manufacturing included the then famous June Preston Doll, toys, coloring books, paint sets, paper cut out dolls magazines, collectors postcards, photo trading cards, selling millions worldwide.
Film career
It all began when June Preston's mother had paid a visit to the RKO studio and an executive saw little June Preston and called for an immediate screen test which resulted in a long-term 5-year contract at RKO Film Studios, a very unique and unheard of offer for a 4 year old newcomer to Hollywood. Her first film role was Mrs. Blewett's Daughter in the RKO film Anne of Green Gables (1934). Preston acted, sang, and danced and quickly gained worldwide popularity and went on to work under contract with Universal Studios, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, MGM, Republic Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Columbia followed by multiple merchandising contracts using her name and likeliness. Preston was considered to be one of the "Big Pay Babes" in Hollywood alongside Shirley Temple and Virginia Weidler. She was known for her golden curls, cherub like features and charismatic nature. Preston was considered to be "one of the most beautiful children ever seen in films'. And at age 9, Preston signed another contract with RKO for an additional 7 years and went on to do various movies in that time.
Merchandising
After signing with RKO, she quickly achieved international fame, she already had a JP fan club at the tender age four and signed on with Edward D. Schuwall Clothing Firm in New York, who was one of the first apparel manufactures to start an apparel line bearing her name June Preston Frocks, JP Sheer Frocks, JP Fairy Tale Frocks RKO Film Star by JP Loomcraft, and "JP Dixie Swirl" dresses. Some other manufacturers included Edward Shuwall & Co., Blossom Infants Coat Co. Inc., H & S Sportswear, I. Schneierson & Son Co. By 1935 she had over 50 manufacturers. Storefronts featuring JP apparel lines included frocks/dresses, coats, suites, swimsuits, snowsuits, undergarments, shoes, purses, hats, gloves, and handkerchiefs. In 1944, the debut of the June Preston Fairytale Frocks became hugely popular with toddlers to late teens and all combined sold millions worldwide.
In addition to apparel, other merchandising using the June Preston name and likeness included the famous June Preston Doll, and June Preston Paint Set, phonographs, movie star cut outs magazines, paper dolls, and an assortment of JP toys.
Meglin Kiddies
June Preston was also one of the prestigious Meglin Kiddies. She joined in 1934 and was a favorite of Neil Albright, Manager/Owner of the Meglin Dance Studio, he said, "according to Neil Albright, managing owner of the Meglin Dance Studios of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, is expected to develop her into a brilliant child star, under The Meglin artistic training. And she did... in addition to her movie contracts, June Preston had featured parts in numerous "Meglin Kiddies" short films such as a feature in "In Love With Life", "Show Kids", 1935, "Reg'lar Fellers" 1941, as well as radio shows, Our Gang shorts and Our Gang Follies movies featuring Meglin Kiddies. Preston also performed at multiple Hollywood theaters singing and dancing and was a regular at the historic Wadsworth Theatre. Other's that came out The Meglin Dance Studios were Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Shirley Temple, Virginia Grey, Jane Withers, Ann Miller, and several of the Our Gang child stars.
Publicity
June Preston and Shirley Temple were similar in style. Shirley Temple was one year older than June Preston and in the industry longer but even though they were under contract at separate film studios, they both were often billed together for singing and dancing appearances to publicity autograph events for their own apparel lines and other merchandise. They quickly became friends but despite that friendship in real life the two girls were often publicized from the very beginning as "Rivals" by the studios and trade publications, which made things difficult for June Preston professionally and she was the newcomer to the screen. It was known that Shirley Temple's mother insisted that June Preston not be present at the studio when Shirley was working on a film and Shirley was not allowed on the lot while June Preston was working on her film.
At age 9 Preston signed an additional long-term 7 year contract with RKO Film Studio and continued in films until the mid 1940's when she decided to leave the screen and pursue her passion in the operatic field. June Preston in her teens.
Filmography
- Anne of Green Gables (1934)
- Have a Heart (1934)
- Here is My Heart (1934) (1934)
- In Love With Life (1934)
- Show Kids (1934)
- A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935)
- Thin Ice (1937)
- History Is Made at Night (1937)
- Maytime (1937)
- Valley of the Giants (1938)
- Second Fiddle (1939)
- You Can't Cheat an Honest Man (1939)
- Christmas in July (1940)
- Second Chorus (1940)
- Reg'lar Fellers (1941)
- Babes on Broadway (1941)
- Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941)
- The Devil and Daniel Webster (1941)
- The Strawberry Blonde (1941)
- Born To Sing (1942)
- Happy Land (1943)
- Heaven Can Wait (1943)
- Our Gang comedies:
- Shrimps for a Day (1934)
- Beginner's Luck (1935)
- Sprucin' Up (1935)
- The Pinch Singer (1936)
- Framing Youth (1937)
- Mail and Female (1937)
- Rushin' Ballet (1937)
- Duel Personalities (1939)
- Time Out For Lessons (1939)
- Babes on Broadway (1941)
- Calling All Kids (1943)
- Radio Bugs (1944)
Opera career
After her film career June Preston went on to become a world famous opera singer. She was always known to have interest in the classics early on, and at age 14 she was already memorizing opera scores while still in the movie industry. Upon leaving the movie industry Preston moved to Seattle, Washington with her parents. As fate would have it, June Preston was vocalizing one day and producer/conductor Gustave Stern heard her through a window as he was passing by her home and immediately knocked on the door and explained to her parents that their daughter had tremendous talent and asked if he could have the honor to coach her. She was only 16 at the time and he coached her for several years throughout her college years at the University of Washington. Within this period, Preston performed with the Seattle Civic Light Opera Company where Stern conducted several operettas featuring Preston as the leading role in Camille in The Merry Widow and Marietta in Naughty Marietta Carmen in Carmen.
By age 20, Preston was sponsored by Coca Cola and she began touring Central and South America performing in top Opera Houses such as the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires which has near-perfect acoustics, Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, Teatro Municipal in Santiago, Chile, Teatro Municipal, Rio de Janeiro, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona. As well as performing recitals for Kings, Presidents, and Diplomats. There were several US Embassy galas in honor of June Preston throughout Central and South America where she also performed as the featured guest. June Preston was considered the "established favorite in the lyric theatres in Central and South America."
In 1952, at the tender age of 24, Preston debuted with The Metropolitan Opera. The tour was named "Stars of the Metropolitan Opera" and featured June Preston in the leading role of Mimì in La bohème opposite renowned Metropolitan star Jan Peerce as Rodolfo. Preston continued touring with the Met in leading roles opposite Jan Peerce, Salvatore Baccaloni, Nicola Moscona, Robert Weede performing in Tosca, La Traviata, Turandot, Madame Butterfly, Aida, Salome, Die Fledermaus, Der Rosenkavalier, La bohème. In Carmen, her extraordinary vocal range – from spinto soprano to contralto – she was able to play either Carmen or Mercédès.
Preston favored recitals above all, and was also particularly well known for her concert recitals ranging from Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms to Puccini and Strauss. Preston continued to perform throughout Central and South America until her return to the United States.
In 1960 Preston prior to her European Tour, Preston returned to the US and made her debut at the St. Louis Symphony Hall as a guest star under the baton of Leopold Stokowski as the feature singer for the choral finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Other guest stars included Isaac Stern, Leonard Bernstein, Leslie Chabay and Jean Madeira. Preston continued under the baton of Leopold Stokowski with St. Louis Orchestra and New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra until her 1962 when she started her European recital and concert tour. Preston debut at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam poster, and thereafter touring throughout Europe performing in the most prestigious Opera Houses in Europe such as Palais Garnier Paris, France, Teatro alla Scala Milan, Italy, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona, Teatro Nacional de São Carlos Lisbon, Portugal, Greek National Opera House in Athens, Greece to name a few. The majority of Preston's career and performances were overseas.
Upon Preston's return to the States, she continued to perform under the baton of Leopold Stokowski at Carnegie Hall and with the St. Louis Symphony and the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra with high praises for her passionate performances. It was well known that people were so taken by her concert performances that, at the finale, there was a long pause prior to thunderous applause due to the audience being completely captivated by her performance.
Repertoire
| Role | Work | Composer |
|---|---|---|
| Carmen | Carmen | Georges Bizet |
| Mercédès | Carmen | Georges Bizet |
| Mimi | La bohème | Puccini |
| Floria Tosca | Tosca | Puccini |
| Violetta Valéry | La Traviata | Verdi |
| Cio-Cio-san | Madame Butterfly | Puccini |
| Lulu | Turandot | Puccini |
| Aida | Aida | Verdi |
| Salome | Salome | Richard Strauss |
| Berta | The Barber of Seville | Rossini |
| Desdemona | Otello | Verdi |
| Octavian, Count Rofrano | Der Rosenkavalier | Hugo von Hofmannsthal |
| Gilda | Rigoletto | Verdi |
| Suzel | L'amico Fritz | Mascagni |
| Adele | Die Fledermaus | Johann Strauss II |
| Marguerite | Faust | Gounod |
| Margherita | Mefistofele | Boito |
| Camille | The Merry Widow | Franz Lehár |
| Cunegonde | Candide | Leonard Bernstein |
| Countess Rosina Almaviva | The Marriage of Figaro | Mozart |
| Charlotte | Werther | Giuseppe Verdi |
| Clara | Porgy and Bess | George Gershwin |
Concert recitals
June Preston's concert recitals include works by Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Puccini, Bach, Strauss, and other works including an aria specifically written for Preston by her life-long friend Martin Kalmanoff, a writer/composer.
Marriage
In 1962 while on her European tour, Preston met her future husband at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels, where she was performing a solo recital with pianist Stranton Carter. Prior to the performance that evening, she arrived with her pianist for rehearsal but the page turner did not arrive. In her words, "A handsome man came up to her and offered to turn the pages." This man was the famous Belgian born violinist, Saul Houben who was rehearsing earlier that day for an upcoming performance of his own and "came to her rescue". Hoüben was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, who had been following his progress since he was a child and later presented him with an award for excellence in 1955. He was considered a child prodigy, performing his first concerto at age 4.
Saul Houben and Yehudi Menuhin had been childhood friends. They met when Menuhin came to Belgium where Saul Houben was currently studying under the guidance of George Enescu. Houben and Menuhin studied together for several years and remained friends thereafter.
When Preston and Houben had a child, Preston semi-retired. She said, "she did not want to put her child through the demanding life that comes with constant touring". She wanted to take care of her child and be there for that child, because Preston remembered what it was like growing up in the entertainment industry and did not want her child to go through the hardship of being taken care by others instead of her own parents.
Saul Houben died in 1982 at aged 60. Shortly thereafter, Preston and her daughter attended Yehudi Menuhin's performance at the Hollywood Bowl as his guests. Sadly, after the performance, Preston broke the news that his long time friend had just passed. It was a bittersweet reunion for Preston and Menuhin.
Subsequently, Preston performed various concert recitals for benefits, but did not want to return to the circuit and retired.
Induction
Preston was inducted into the West Seattle High School Hall of Fame. In 1994, Preston came out of retirement for a farewell concert performance in Seattle where it all began. Her repertoire that evening included an aria "Lamento" written for her by her longtime friend Martin Kalmanoff.
Current
Preston lives with her daughter and son-in-law. In an interview, Preston reflects,"she has no regrets, and would do it all over again exactly the same way".
References
- "Jane (sic) Preston Temple Rival". The Los Angeles Times. March 20, 1935. p. 13. Retrieved June 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- "WSHS Hall of Fame Member List". The Official Home of the West Seattle High School Alumni Association. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
External links
- June Preston at IMDb