The Bridgeport times and evening farmer. (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1918-1924, 1922-07-13
KING PRAISES
YANK DOUCHBOY

London, July 13-weyland Echols,
a young American who first discov-
cred ne mao vocal AFFINITY wnIle Serv-
ing in the A. E. F., has startled Lon
don by making his debul before the
King and Queen and winning their
applause.
EchOls, whose home is j. Los An
geIes, stood in the wings at Days the
atre during a charity matinee hoping
that some performer would fail to ap-
pear and that he might be given an
opportunity to make his debut in Lsn-
don before the King and Queen. Fate
was kind and Sir Charles Hawtrey was
unable to appear on a moment S
notice young Echols was substituted
and won instant fame
In the following article Echols tells
of his efforts to win recognition:
BY WEYLAND ECHOLS
written for the International News
1 lived in California until the war.
then went to Camp Lewis, Washing
ton, where 1 used to sing for my
over. 1 was sent to New York in No
vember, 1913. Among others, 1 met
Caruso and his wife. Although it was
arranged that he would hear me, it
unfortunately neVeL came to pass.
While in France the opportunity
arose for me to sing to Andre Caplet,
a conductor OF the Paris Opera, who
was then connected with the Ameri-
can Band School at Chaumontt. He
was very enthusiastic over the posi-
bilities.
was demobflized in France and
went out to Vienna and Czecho-SlO-
vakia with the American Relief Ad-
ministration. I came to London and
got job at the American Embassy,
having put myself through business
college in America. 1 went to many
teachers here and almost despaired of
finding one in whom 1 could have con-
fidence until, quite by accident, 1 be-
gan to talk to George r. Ceiley at Tet-
a a. \ a in
October, 1919.
Lessons Are Started
Lessons We're started with him and
work carried on at the Embassy al
the same time. In July. 1921, sang
at a dinner at the Lyceum Club at
which Sir Landon Ronald was present.
After L sang he came up and said
'e-NOR-m posi- bilities." and wit \
another year or two of hard study a
great career ought to be the reward.
went to the Supreme Council in Par
is with Ambassador Harvey in August.
1921, and upon returning left the En-
bassy- 1t had been my great desire to
continue working there and studying
until 1 could make debut in grand
opera or concert, but fate and an I'M
musical government interviewed.
Then began a heartbreaking and
wearying round of singing at theatres
and for manag ers-when they would
hear me. which wasn't every time
apphed-at the same time working in
the chorus of several musical shows
to gain stage experience.
There had been severs.I audiences at
Days, but nothing had come of them,
as quick decisions had to be made con-
corning other offers (for the chorus) J..
An appointment for an audience
with MeTlyn Morgan, the musical di-
rector at Days was made 1 was
out Of town and the train was too late
for me to keep that appointment. Fate
had stepped in again.
Another Appointment Made
Another appointment was made for
Thursday. l was 3 minutes ahead
of time and when the hour approach
ed was told 1 must wait. as Miss Lily
Elsie was rehearsing. After waiting
% minutes more I began to think this
would be only another of a long list of
d[sappointments.
But patience was rewarded when
Mr.. Morgan had me come down on the
stage. The stage seemed enormous
SO bare and friendless. I began to
sing Cavarad ossi's lovely aria "E Luce
van lie Stelle,'' from Tosca. When it
was over three ladies who had been
talking in the green rooom were out
On the stage. One of them was Miss
Lily Elsie, whom I had not known be-
fore She was very kind and it was
arranged that I should stand by at
he charity matinee and deputize in
-ase anyone was unable to appear.
as ready at the rise of the curtain,
out it was not known until the pro-
ram was half over whether anyone
would not appear.