Mary Small
Toronto Daily Star, December 3 1934
Mary Small (1922-2007), at the time of this photograph, had her own 15-minute weeknight radio show on the NBC radio network, immediately preceding that of Frank Sinatra. Nicknamed "The Little Girl With The Big Voice", she remained successful throughout the 1930s and 1940s and toured with the USO in 1943 and 1944. She left show business to raise her two daughters, returning to Broadway in 1966. She later worked as a vocal coach.
YouTube has some recordings of her, including this footage of her from 1934 (she's the third singer performing). She did indeed have a remarkable voice for someone so young.
Created October 9, 2025.