One can easily understand how the McGuire Sisters became so successful...
By Peter Allman
Both Astaire and songwriter Johnny Mercer were in the studio when the McGuire Sisters recorded this song. ‘Moonglow,’ the theme for the movie ‘Picnic,’ became number 13 on the charts, and ‘Delilah Jones’ became number 37. This song was based on the main title theme of the Frank Sinatra film, ‘The Man With the Golden Arm.’
Sitting with Phyllis McGuire in her home, one could easily reminisce about her career. In 1957, in particular, Phyllis, Christine and Dorothy discovered their most distinctive signature song ‘Sugartime.’ Producer Bob Thiele found this tune while in New Mexico working with Buddy Holly and the Cricketts. ‘Sugartime’ turned gold and had the word "sugar" sung 28 times in the 2-½ minute song. This novelty song remains popular even today.
One can easily understand how the McGuire Sisters became successful when you become familiar with their family teachings. They were brought up with strong family values in their hometown, Middleton, Ohio. Asa, their father, was a steelworker who enjoyed playing guitar. He would occasionally lead his daughters in sing-a-longs of the popular tunes of the day. Lillie McGuire, their mother, was an ordained minister who served as Pastor of the First Church of God in nearby Miamisburg. She had little use for secular music. The McGuire Sisters had a strong foundation in Evangelical singing.
With the new millennium approaching, many individuals are looking for positive changes. Phyllis McGuire answers by saying, "The turning of the century and the new millennium is going to be a bright light, in a new upbeat direction for all of us. I really believe that."
When walking around her home, there are pictures of memorable moments with such stars as Jack Benny, Steve Allen and George Burns, which bring only good times to think about. "It was not in our imagination that we would ever go to New York," Phyllis recalls. That’s where the McGuire Sisters began a long-time relationship with Arthur Godfrey.
"We didn’t even plan to be in show business," says Phyllis. "The fact that this happened so quickly, meeting all the stars, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, George Burns, Perry Como, and all these people that you were suddenly working with, that you didn’t even think at one point you would ever meet, is remarkable. This teaches me to never stop dreaming. Always have a dream. Always know that it can happen."
One of the recent highlights the McGuire Sisters will cherish is their performance at the Rylander Performing Arts Theater for Jimmy Carter’s 75th birthday. "It was just an unbelievable spiritual experience. I will never forget it," states Phyllis McGuire.
Las Vegas has been Phyllis’ home since 1964. Ms. McGuire is somewhat of an ambassador for Las Vegas. "We have a great community in Las Vegas. A fabulous Philharmonic and the Nevada Dance Ballet Theater group. We have wonderful theaters. There are more churches here, probably more per capita than any city in the United States. We’re 25 miles from Mt. Charleston, and in the other direction, we have Lake Mead. Our weather is beautiful year-round," she states.
So Las Vegas is not only a great community for everyone, but it has "a certain energy" as Phyllis puts it, that is unlike any city in the country. "I compare it many times with the energy that I felt with New York in the 60s. There’s a certain energy that is invigorating, and it never lets up."
In closing there are two interesting factors to consider. One is the balance we can achieve in our lives, and the other is Phyllis’ thought on mental attitude.
"I have reached a point in my life right now where I have an inner peace that I haven’t had in my whole life because I’ve been working a lot on going from within and thinking of light and what my thoughts are. Canceling negative thoughts. That brings me to these thoughts. We should be into abundance and not struggle. I think we manifest what we say. If we sit around and say, I’ve been struggling for so long and I just don’t know what’s going to happen next, that’s a negative. You’ll manifest that. So think abundance, joy, be up, think success, and happiness. That everything is good. That will change your position in life."
The McGuire Sisters are performing at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, January 6-9.
Celebrating 50 years in show business The McGuire Sisters will appear at The Orleans this month.
