Bobby Breen
In the golden age of entertainment, few performers captured the hearts of audiences quite like Bobby Breen, a Canadian-born child singer and actor who became a radio and film sensation during the 1930s. His remarkable journey from a poor immigrant family to a nationally recognized child star is a testament to talent, determination, and the transformative power of entertainment.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Isadore Borsuk on November 4, 1927, in Montreal, Quebec, Bobby Breen emerged from humble beginnings. His parents, Hyman and Rebecca Borsuk, were poor immigrants struggling to make a life in Canada. The family's financial challenges would ultimately become the catalyst for Bobby's extraordinary career. Bobby's musical talent was first discovered by his older sister Sally, an aspiring musician who recognized her brother's exceptional vocal abilities when he was just three years old. Despite their parents' initial lack of interest, Sally became Bobby's greatest advocate. With assistance from her music teacher, she helped Bobby perform in local nightclubs, where he began winning theatre competitions and providing crucial income for his family.
Rise to Radio Stardom
In 1935, Bobby and Sally traveled to the United States, seeking greater opportunities. His breakthrough came when he became a regular performer on Eddie Cantor's weekly CBS radio show, "Texaco Town," in 1936. His remarkable vocal talents quickly distinguished him from other child performers of the era. Critics and audiences alike were captivated by Bobby's unique vocal style. He was described as a combination of multiple musical influences, which helped him stand out in the competitive entertainment landscape. His radio performances led to a contract with Decca Records, where he achieved moderate success with a series of 78 rpm records. The title song from Let's Sing Again became a national hit, charting at #14 in the summer of 1936.
Hollywood and Film Career
Bobby's radio success seamlessly transitioned into a promising film career. RKO Studios signed him, and he quickly became a sought-after child actor. His debut film Let's Sing Again established him as a top-billed performer, co-starring with established actors and showcasing his musical talents. Throughout the late 1930s, Bobby appeared in several musical films, including Rainbow on the River and Make a Wish. However, as puberty approached and his voice began to change, he found it increasingly difficult to maintain his child star status. By 1939, he had retired from the film industry, focusing instead on his education.
Later Life and Reinvention
Bobby's entertainment career didn't end with his transition from child stardom. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to entertain troops, demonstrating his continued commitment to performance. In the post-war years, he worked tirelessly to reinvent himself, taking singing lessons and exploring various musical styles. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Bobby worked as a nightclub singer, stock theatre performer, and even hosted a local TV show in New York. With his wife Audrey, he later became an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, creating a "condominium circuit" that helped aging stars find performance opportunities.
Conclusion
Bobby Breen's journey from a poor immigrant child to a celebrated radio and film performer is a remarkable story of talent and perseverance. Though his child star era was relatively brief, his impact on 1930s entertainment was significant. He remained connected to the entertainment world throughout his life, ultimately passing away on September 19, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of musical achievement.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- Texaco Town (CBS, 1936) - Regular performer
- NBC Symphony Orchestra - Guest pianist
Film
- Let's Sing Again (1936) - Billy Gordon
- Rainbow on the River (1936) - Philip Ainsworth
- Make a Wish (1937) - Chip Winters
- Hawaii Calls (1938) - Billy Coulter
- Fisherman's Wharf (1939) - Tony Roma
- Johnny Doughboy (1942) - Himself
Television
- Local New York TV show (1950s) - Host
Live Performance
- Nightclub performances (1950s-1960s)
- Stock theatre performances (1950s-1960s)
