Candy Candido

1913–1999 · New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

In the vibrant world of mid-20th century entertainment, few performers could match the vocal versatility and unique charm of Candy Candido. A master of vocal range and comedic timing, Candido became a beloved figure in radio, animation, and live performance, captivating audiences with his extraordinary four-octave voice and memorable characters.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Jonathan Joseph Candido on December 25, 1913, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Candido's musical journey began early. As a young bassist and vocalist, he quickly distinguished himself in the music scene. By 1924, he had become a childhood friend and collaborator of notable musicians, establishing himself as a talented performer with remarkable vocal capabilities. In 1933, Candido married Anita Bivona, beginning a personal partnership that would support his long and diverse entertainment career. His musical talents as a bassist and vocalist in big band ensembles laid the groundwork for his future success in radio and voice acting.

The Radio Years: A Voice Like No Other

Candido's radio career was defined by his extraordinary vocal range and comedic brilliance. His distinctive speaking style became legendary among radio listeners, characterized by an ability to seamlessly transition between tenor, high soprano, and deep bass voices. This vocal flexibility made him a sought-after performer in the golden age of radio. His most famous recurring bit was the line "I'm feelin' miiiighty low," which became a national catchphrase when repeated weekly on Jimmy Durante's radio show. The line was so popular that Candido and Durante even recorded a song with the same title, cementing Candido's status as a radio comedy icon.

Expanding into Voice Acting and Animation

Beyond radio, Candido found tremendous success as a voice actor. His remarkable vocal talents made him a favorite in animated productions. He provided voices for numerous memorable characters, including an angry apple tree in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1939) and a skeleton in various productions. Disney particularly appreciated Candido's vocal range. He voiced the Indian Chief in Peter Pan (1953), one of Maleficent's goons in Sleeping Beauty (1959), and the Captain of the Guard crocodile in Robin Hood (1973). His personal favorites were roles like Fidget the peg-legged bat in The Great Mouse Detective (1986) and the mechanical Giant Mouse of Minsk.

Legacy and Later Career

Throughout his career spanning from 1934 to 1995, Candido demonstrated remarkable adaptability. He appeared in numerous films, both as an actor and musician, and continued to work in various entertainment mediums. His ability to provide animal vocalizations and unique character voices made him a distinctive presence in entertainment. On May 19, 1999, Candido passed away peacefully in his Burbank home at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich legacy. He was survived by his wife Anita, four children, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Works and Appearances

Radio

Various shows, including Jimmy Durante's radio program
Recurring "I'm feelin' miiiighty low" comedy bit

Film Appearances

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1939) - Angry Apple Tree
Peter Pan (1953) - Indian Chief
Sleeping Beauty (1959) - Maleficent's Goon
Robin Hood (1973) - Captain of the Guards
The Great Mouse Detective (1986) - Fidget

Voice Acting

Numerous Disney animated films
Various character voices across multiple productions

Candy Candido's extraordinary vocal talents and comedic timing made him a unique and beloved figure in mid-20th century entertainment, bridging radio, film, and animation with his remarkable performances.