Deanna Durbin

Edna Mae Durbin , known professionally as Deanna Durbin, was a Canadian actress and singer, who appeared in musical films in the 1930s and 1940s. With the technical skill and vocal range of a legitimate lyric soprano, she performed everything from popular standards to operatic arias.

Edna Mae Durbin was born on December 4, 1921 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter of James Allen Durbin and his wife Ada , who were originally from Manchester, England. When she was an infant, her family moved from Winnipeg to southern California, and her parents reportedly became United States citizens. At the age of one, Edna Mae was singing childrens songs. By the time she was ten, her parents recognized that she had definite talent and enrolled her in voice lessons at the Ralph Thomas Academy. Durbin soon became Thomas prize pupil, and he showcased her talent at various local clubs and churches.

Source: Wikipedia