| The great
"Schnozzola," Jimmy Durante's career began as a piano player
at parties on the Lower East Side of New York. From there he
played in Harlem, co-owned a speakeasy during the 1920's and
finally ended up in vaudeville, pretty much an overnight sensation
with his partners Lou Clayton and Eddie Jackson. Radio, TV and
movies were also outlets for Jimmy's talents, which included
singing and telling jokes. "Inka Dinka Doo" and "Won't You Come
Home, Bill Bailey?" remain songs still associated with him,
while his trademark closing line, "Goodnight Mrs. Calabash,
wherever you are," still brings a smile to the face of any Jimmy
Durante fan.
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