Barbara Nugent Haymes & Dick Haymes: Family & Artistry Insights
Was there a voice that serenaded a generation, captivating hearts with its velvety tones? Richard Benjamin Haymes, known to the world as Dick Haymes, was undeniably one of the most beloved male vocalists of the 1940s and early 1950s, a name synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood and the sweet melodies of romance.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on September 13, 1918, Dick Haymes's life was a tapestry woven with threads of international flair, artistic talent, and the complexities of the entertainment world. His journey, from the vibrant streets of Argentina to the dazzling lights of Hollywood, is a compelling story of a man who left an indelible mark on the music and entertainment industries.
Before he became a household name, his younger years were spent in Argentina, and the early influence of his surroundings and heritage laid a foundation for his unique artistic expression. He later moved to United States, where he began his career that would define the soundtrack of a generation. Haymess natural vocal ability, nurtured from a young age, propelled him to the forefront of popular music. His style, characterized by its smooth delivery and emotional depth, resonated deeply with audiences. His musical talent extended beyond his voice. The son of Benjamin Haymes and Marguerite Lou (Wilson) Haymes, he had a brother named Bob Haymes, who followed a similar creative path as an actor, television host, and songwriter. His family was closely related to the entertainment industry.
Beyond his musical achievements, Dick Haymess personal life was marked by a series of high-profile relationships, including marriages to actresses such as Joanne Dru. Their union, however, like many in Hollywood, faced its share of challenges, leading to a divorce. Haymes later married John Ireland.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Benjamin Haymes |
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1918 |
| Place of Birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Date of Death | March 28, 1980 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, Actor |
| Spouse(s) | Joanne Dru (m. 1941; div. 1949), Rita Hayworth (m. 1953; div. 1955), Fran Jeffries (m. 1958; div. 1964), Wendy Howard (m. 1965; div. 1978) |
| Children | Richard Ralph Haymes, Helen Joanna Haymes, Barbara Nugent Haymes |
| Notable Songs | "It Had to Be You," "Little White Lies," "That's for Me," "The More I See You" |
| Key Roles | "Four Jills in a Jeep" (1944), "State Fair" (1945) |
| Reference | IMDB |
His early career saw him embracing the limelight. His talent earned him recognition, launching a journey that would solidify his place in the pantheon of musical legends. In New York City, New York, he met and married Joanne Dru on September 21, 1941. Dick and Joanne, were blessed with three children: Richard Ralph Haymes (born July 24, 1942), Helen Joanna Haymes (born May 13, 1944), and Barbara Nugent Haymes (born September 19, 1947).
His career, however, was not solely confined to the realm of singing. He also acted in films, showcasing his versatility as a performer. One notable example is his role in the classic war epic "A Walk in the Sun" (1945). Though not the main focus of his career, his acting roles added depth and dimension to his public image, further endearing him to his audience.
The narrative of the Haymes family continues with Barbara Nugent Haymes, born in Los Angeles, California, on September 19, 1947, a daughter of Dick Haymes and actress Joanne Dru. While she had a brief period in the entertainment industry, she eventually chose to step back from the spotlight. Her career was not as publicly documented as her mothers. Barbaras life, while not as widely known, highlights the complex interplay of family, talent, and personal choice within the world of fame. Her mother, Joanne Dru, was a woman of many talents, and the family was filled with creativity. Dru, was the daughter of a West Virginia druggist. In 1940, she came to New York, where she worked as a model. Her encounter with Al Jolson and his Broadway play Hold onto Your Hats changed her course, and she married Dick Haymes soon after. In 1949, after divorcing Haymes, Dru married actor John Ireland, though their marriage ended in 1957. Tragically, Barbara Nugent Haymes passed away on September 16, 1993, at the age of 45, in Los Angeles.
The life of Dick Haymes embodies the spirit of the golden age. His ability to connect with audiences through the sheer power of his voice earned him the label of a musical icon. His legacy continues to resonate today. In the world of popular music, his impact is undeniable. The name Dick Haymes remains a symbol of musical excellence and romantic sentiment.
Another important figure in this family is Barbara Nugent Haymes. Her creative expression found form in the world of art, particularly in abstraction, color field painting, and minimalism. Her art, a testament to her innovative spirit, found her exploring new artistic frontiers. The influence of her surroundings during her formative years, coupled with her later embrace of minimalism. Her work is a testament to her creative explorations.
Haymes's impact on the art world highlights the power of artistic expression. Her ability to see the world in terms of shapes, colors, and forms underscores the enduring legacy of creative exploration. Through her work, Haymes inspires new artists to question conventional forms and to imagine alternative ways of self-expression. As a visionary of abstraction and color, her impact on the art world will remain.
The story of Dick Haymes and his family is a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of fame, the enduring legacy of artistic expression, and the complex interplay of personal and professional life. Their contributions to the entertainment and art worlds, respectively, serve as a testament to the human capacity for creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. From the Argentinian streets of his birth to the golden age of Hollywood, Dick Haymess story is a compelling illustration of how a single voice can shape the soundtrack of a generation, while his familys artistic endeavors illuminate the multifaceted nature of creative expression and the enduring power of the human spirit.
