The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1941-08-23

"
twice that many years.
Three years ago, we might say,
Leon Warrick. who halls from
Toledo, Ohio, was an unknown. To-
day, he is a star In his own right.
lie was spot on n program at
local nitery and receives headline
publicity.
Six-feet tall, young man 2S
years OF age, pleasant and modest.
Leon Warrick sat on the porch OF
the Jackson home on King street
and told a story that made us many
times wonder what has been the
secret OF his success.
Warrick is singer. a baritone.
When he was at Wilberforce. In
1886 and 1887, he did little sing
ing. Also, he was one OF the schools
good athletes. Back In Toledo he
was member of quartet, Four
Brown Buddies. The boys used TO
get around the radio when the
Mills Brothers were on and would
Initiate them. Leon was tops" on
bass. He could make the bass viol
notes come out like the real thing.
Sang In Choir
Back beyond that Warrick sang
with the choir OF st. Benedict's
Catholic church. There" he said.
Il got my basic training" He gave
credit to Marvin Schuppe.
But the biggest thing Leon has
done has been to so impress Bill
Robinson with his artistry that he
has been promised more parts in
any show Bill might produce. lie
has played with that veteran OF the
stage several times. AS soon as his
engagement Is over here, early In
September. he will join Robinson
again for a jaunt TO the coast.
In 1884 singer Warrick made his
first visit TO New York. BY
stroke OF luck he was heard by
the great director, Hall Johnson.
For four months after that he
sang with the startling musical.
Run Little Children" at the Lyric
theater. lie was highly praised by
johnson and appreciated greatly
the training he had received as a
member OF the chorus.
Warrick's forte is semi lassics.
In his repertoire he has many
songs, among them "Ole Man
River" without A Song" "To-
bacco Road" Deep Purple"
Wagon Wheels" "Shortenin'
Bread" "L'Amour Toujours and
Chloe" Particularly does he like
Water Boy"
Toledo's papers characterized
him as "Toledo's Paul Robson"
AL Jolson heard him and inter-
viewed him. lionel Stander. noted
actor. spoke OF him In glowing
terms.
Warrick dramatizes his songs.
Lawrence Tibbett is his favorite
singer. He has even composed
little number, Fog over Hudson"
which he plans TO get out later.
Warrick had a fine program
on the radio In Toledo some years
ago. He was featured, along with
organ music. lie has done no con-
cert work and does not look igor
ward TO any.
Uses Costume
Out at the local nitery, Warrick
follows "Stepin Fetchit. One Of the
costumes he uses is shown here.
He believes in suiting the mood to
the song. Last year he was at the
Garrick Theater in st. Louis and
was at New York's Apollo earle
this year. He was also in Wash
ington. DC. for a week
The future OF the Negro on the
stage depends on whether "he has
something" 10 offer, said Warrick.
There Is too much sameness In the
stage Negroes acting today, he
felt. II we are going 10 overcome
the prejudices OF stage life. and
there are some, we must have more
ability that the other man. Per-
haps that was the reason for his
32-week engagement last year
here, and for his return.
Warrick just wanted 10 sing.
At first he was nervous. But time
soon gave him courage. He has
been singing ever since. Now he
wants IN Co into Tho gnovfoa Ho |