Jeanne Grant

Happy Belated Birthday to a pretty amazing woman.

Happy Birthday to such a special woman- It´s not just the impact you had on our lives while here, but just as equally, when you aren´t with us.

To say that Jeanne Grant was an exceptional woman would be an understatement (if ever there was one). Jeanne was as perfect as one can get, and she raised the proverbial bar that we all strive to reach, yet always fall just short of. But we shouldn't be disappointed. We are, after all, mere mortals.


It would seem unfair that one person should possess so many gifts; a brilliant student (high school valedictorian and full scholarship to the U. of Chicago where she graduated summa cum laude); artistic (offered a full ride to the prestigious Illinois Art Institute); top notch mezzo soprano (after attending Jeanne's operatic debut at The New York Opera House in a performance of Berg's 'Wozzeck', Harold Schonberg, the nation's leading music critic, wrote in the NY Times that:
"...Ms. Grant sang excellently," while sneakily commenting on her "well -scrubbed Vassar appearance." Few would argue with Schonberg that Jeanne was a stunning beauty.


But for those that were pedantic enough to measure her solely on her accomplishments, (as had I) it must be mentioned that we overlooked the essence of Jeanne: namely, her confidence and courage. After graduating from college as a twenty -year old, Jeanne already knew her worth; and thus, armed with talent, a burning desire, and the promise of America prodding her forward, she left her native Chicago to pursue the bright lights of Broadway, NYC. And... I'll refrain from the cliché.


Born in 1925, Jeanne personally knew the greats of her day: Lerner and Loewe, Menotti, Ethel Merman, Rosemary Kuhlman, and Gwen Verdon to name a few. From these colorful personalities, Jeanne learned the crucial intricacies that would prove to be invaluable toward her own professional development. Truly, this was what separated the artist from the virtuoso.
Learning about Jeanne's extraordinary life does not suffice in revealing how overwhelming her personality was. It may sound weird, but I do not exaggerate her abilities; if anything, I can never do justice to it. When Jeanne died, so too did an era of American life, for she was the embodiment of the American Dream; she could not always relate to us, but we could her. The world really is a much lonelier place without her.

Le belle voix no sonnera plus

very sorry for your loss Jeanne was a patient of our dental office for many years. she was always so full of life and always had a smile on her face. May she rest in peace

Denise Pollack