In Memory, Cliff Edwards

Clifton Avon "Cliff" Edwards

"Ukulele Ike"

June 14, 1895 - July 17, 1971

American pop singer, musician, & actor

Popularity in the 1920s and early 1930s

Specialized in jazz renditions of pop standards and novelty tunes

Especially noted for "Singin' in the Rain"

Noted for voicing such animated characters as Jiminy Cricket in Walt Disney's Pinocchio (1940, introduced "When You Wish Upon a Star") and Dandy Crow in Walt Disney's Dumbo (1941) ... Fun and Fancy Free (1947 Disney animated musical fantasy anthology)

Responsible for the popularity of the ukulele 

Cliff Edwards chose the ukulele because it was the cheapest instrument in the local music shop.  He self taught himself.

"Ukulele Ike" came about by a club owner who could not remember Cliff's name.

Early career in vaudeville - the Palace in New York City and the Ziegfeld Follies

First phonographic records in 1919

Jazz scat singing in 1922

Cliff Edwards has been on Broadway, alongside Fred and Adele Astaire.  

Cliff Edwards has been in film (33 movies for MGM through 1933).  He worked alongside Buster Keaton.

Cliff Edwards has been a feature on radio with CBS Radio (1932) and hosted network radio programs through 1946.

Cliff Edwards was "'an early arrival on television" - CBS variety show in 1949, appearances on The Mickey Mouse Club in the 1950s and 1960s, and more.

Maybe you don't want to know...

Cliff Edwards penned "off-color" novelty songs.  He was financially careless in the 1920s to afford a luxury life but declared bankruptcy four times in the 1930s and 1940s.  He was married and divorced three times.  Much of his income went to alimony.  He was a lifelong heavy tobacco smoker, alcoholic, drug addict, and gambler.

At the time of his death, Cliff was penniless.  His body was unclaimed and donated to the UCLA medical school.  Walt Disney Productions "quietly paid many of his medical expenses."  The Actors' Fund of America and Motion Picture and Television Relief Fund purchased his remains.  Disney paid for his grave marker.

Disney Legend Award (2000)

"When You Wish Upon a Star" 

Grammy Hall of Fame (2002)

(Wikipedia)

For his "only human" flaws and letdowns, Cliff Edwards had an impact on American iconic entertainment.  Where you may not have wanted to know, Cliff was still beloved then for "Jiminy Cricket" and is known with every childhood since. 

Wish upon a star as you sing in the rain.