The Blog of Death

Norman was also the voice of Deteriorata from the National Lampoon's album "Radio Dinner"

I loved his voice.

(Parody of the written prose "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. This was written by Christopher Guest of "Spinal Tap" fame. The narator is Norman Rose, and the female singer was an unknown singer at the time named Melissa Manchester.)

http://www.leoslyrics.com/listlyrics.php?hid=Povn1cnfgfw%3D

I'll never forget the time I was introduced to this incredible voice in 1965 when he did the intro to "The Greatest Story Ever Told". I was a college student at the time but I knew then I wanted to meet and/or work with him. I had that oppurtunity in 1997 when I had him voice liners for WRR-FM (the classical station in Dallas). He told me he was very impressed with the way I handled the session (Mixed Nuts Studios). After the session he took me to have drinks and 24 clams on the half shell. We got along so well. I believe they're still using the "Liners" on WRR. (I hope they've paid the royalties as I certinly made sure they were paid until I departed the station in December of 1999.

I will never forget that session. May he Rest in Peace.

Steve "Hillard" Newman

I've been in the broadcasting and voice-over business for over 40 years and one of my greatest influences was Norman Rose.
Not only did he sound magnficent but his incredible command of the nuances of the english language were peerless.
I've been very successful in this business, but when anybody asks me who I think is the best, Mr. Rose's name always clears my lips.
Norman, I will miss hearing those magnificent sounds.

Paul Anthony, New York City

Every Sunday morning, as a child, I would listen to a radio show called "The Eternal Light" narrated by Norm Rose. The show was dramatization of Jewish history. Television not having been invented yet, Mr. Rose's voice provided the picture in my mind. Because of his talent, I was able to live in those times while eating my fried matzohs and bacon!

I first heard Norman Rose's voice in the early fifites. As a kid, living 60 miles from Toronto, I would listen to a radio show called, "The Small Types' Club" out of CBC Radio in Toronto (CJBC, 860 a.m. now broadcasting in Canada's other official language, French.) The "club" was hosted by a huge bear of a man called Byng Whittaker, one of Canada's greatest announcers. Whittaker would play recordings of stories for children, and one of those stories was "Muffin the Dog".
It was read by Norman Rose. I didn't know that name back then. I was only about nine years old.
All I knew was that I loved the story and the voice reading it. As I grew up, I would recognize
"that voice" whenever I heard it on radio or television. For years, I knew the voice but never knew the name of the man behind it.
I grew up and went into radio as an announcer.
It wasn't until my second small station in Niagara Falls, Ontario that I was able to enlist the help of a fan in finding out who belonged to that voice. The lady (I can't remember her name now, so many years later) worked at one of the nearby Buffalo tv stations. She was a film librarian or some such thing. Anyhow, I told her this guy's voice was featured on a public service announcement being played on her station. She went over the reel of film with the announcement on it and determined that it was Norman Rose. I'll always be grateful to her.
As I went from station to station in Canada I kept hearing and anjoying that voice....and being inspired by it. In about 1967, I wrote him to tell him how much I admired what he did. I listed the many items I had heard him doing over the years. He was so impressed he handwrote me a little card about the size of a rolodex card.
Using an elegant fountain pen, he scrawled a thankyou note saying he didn't usually respond to such letters but was very impressed with all the stuff I had heard him do....and how I had retained it all. That emboldened me. About a year later, I worked up the nerve, and phoned him at home. I can't remember the conversation. I was so nervous I could only babble and flatter him like I had done in the letter I sent him. He was very kind.
I'm so glad to contribute this little sentiment about Norman Rose. I'm delighted there are other people who think as much of his voice as I do. During a recent vacation trip to New York, I made sure to drive through Upper Nyack. I drove by the house where he lived. I even phoned his widow to tell her how much I admired her husband's skill.
I had to let somebody know.

sincerely,

Ken Laing.
Announcer Emeritus,
CBC Radio.
Windsor Ontario. Canada.

Lots of us will remember him from childhood as the narrator for many Children's Record Guild 78 rpms. I'm 45 and feel like I grew up to his voice.

Yes. WRR is still running Norm Rose's liners. I only found out today (11/03/05) that he had passed away.

I am WRR's afternoon news anchor, and although I'm told I have very good pipes, my voice sounds kinda weak coming on directly after one of Norm Rose's WRR station breaks.

We'll miss you Norm.

There are very few truly great voices and Norman Rose had one of them. Right up there with Gregory Peck. It had everything. Nobility,marvelous phrasing and cathedral like resonance. As my friend Paul Anthony wrote:someone to record and study. As we say:What a set of pipes! Gene Packard

aloha: norman had a voice to remember and i can remember all my years growing up and hearing that voice but never knew the person that was attached to it. i remember seeing him for the first time in a war movie but i don't remember the name or was i able to really judge his performance in it. norman's voice will be missed from the air waves but for those of us who heard him will always remember him.

Thanks to Norman Rose, his voice first introduced
me to A CHORUS LINE, in the 1976 tv ad, when ACL
was traveling to San Francisco,Ca.
I loved the way he introduced me to CASSIE,RICHIE,VAL,AND MIKE.
And his telling of CBS's NUTCRACKER in 1977 too.
Oooh sigh, give him your attention, do I really have to mention, he's the oooneee.1-1-1-1!

What a coinciden!! I was just up in West Nyack today, where I now know Norman Rose lived. Tonight I just googled his name and found he died in 1987. I am a Roman Catholic Priest and I greatly admired the wonderful things he did with is voice. He did a wonderful voiceover at a very low price for a filmstrip on Our Lady of Perpetual Help MANY years ago, in 1965. A friend of mine who worked at Y & R Publicity in New York was always going to have me meet him. Anyway now he is "comparing his voice to the real God". I hope there is a good match

Didn't Mr. Rose play Abrahahm Lincoln in a TV ad for the College Level Examination Program? It was a classic - self-educated Lincoln applying for a job requiring a college degree; the slimy interviewer munched on a sandwich the whole time. At one point, he says "uh, Lincoln, ya got a chauffeur's license?"

We had a series of records in the 1960's -classical music along with the stories of each composer - narrated by Norman Rose. I was googling to find the record company which produced these records (now out of print), but found this site instead. I'm so glad I did. My name is Jack Rose, and I'm Norman's son. Thank you all for your kind words and warm thoughts about my father. I knew that his voice was almost as recognizable as Charlie Chaplin's face, and wondered if anyone missed him. It's so gratifying to know that his talent was appreciated and admired. A couple of things: Tom Deely posted on 5/6/06, a tribute in which he stated my father died in 1987. He actually died on Nov. 12, 2004 at the AGE of 87. In a posting on 8/17/06, Michael asked if Norman had played Abraham Lincoln in a TV spot. My father never did an on-camera commercial. I remember the spot in question, and as a matter of fact, my father DID bear a resemblance to Lincoln - so much so that one of his agents begged him to audition for on-camera spots depicting Lincoln. He refused. I guess maybe he figured it was more dramatic to keep the face behind his voice a mystery. However, he DID show his face in movies such as "The Anderson Tapes" and "The Front". Ken Laing, thank you for contacting my mother. She truly appreciated hearing from you. I also grew up with my father's voice on "Muffin in the City" and "Train to the Zoo", on little yellow vinyl 78's, along with his voice saying stuff like, "JACK, STOP BURPING AT THE TABLE!!!" I miss him more than words can say. Once again - Thank you all for your kind tributes. Sincerely, Jack Rose.

I met norman in 1977 when I was a senior copywriter at Grey Advertising. I was responsible for the Kenner Star Wars Toys account. We were casting for a baritone-voiced announcer for the campaign which included over a dozen commercials. I specifically asked our casting director for Norman to read for the part. He was incredible. And got the job without any questions. I had kept a friendship with Norman since then. We had a mutual respect for each other's work. In 1987, I left advertising and became a television producer. My first show was producing the International EMMY Awards. I specifically wanted Norman to be the announcer, adding a distinguished flavor to the international broadcast. I went on to produce the event for 8 years and Norman was my announcer each year. I did not know that he passed away. This is sad news for me, but 87 years is a long life and god bless him. And contrary to Jack's information that Norman was NOT on camera in the role of LIncoln for the CLEP commercial, I beg to differ. Norman once told me that hit was him. And he even repeated his great line as LIncoln from that commercial, "I've done a lot of reading, sort of on my own".

About 25 years ago, Norman took me to lunch at the Players' Club on Gramercy Park. He was so proud of that place and it's history and showed me Booth Tarkinton's office upstairs. It was a special afternoon for me to have such a prolific actor like Norman show me the establishment.

I'll miss Norman but I am blessed to have worked with him on so many jobs and there is no more rewarding feeling for a writer than to have one of the greatest voices of all time read your words.

Steve Forrest

I was sad to hear of the death of this fine actor. I was introduced to him when I heard him on a episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, entitle 'A Portrait of Memory'. I also enjoyed all the other episodes he played in as well. However, I never could fine a close-up photo of him so could match a face with the voice until I happen catch him in a supporting role on a episode of Lights Out! being broadcast on the SciFi Channel's RetroTV. I was please to see a distinctive face went with his distinctive voice! He will be missed.

It was a lifelong dream to work with Norman Rose and I was able to in the eighties for two regional hospital television campaigns that I was producing. We did a series of voicevers together at Howard Schwartz, and worked well together. He was genuine and gracious. A year later we lined him up again for a new campaign. We got on the phone patch and he said, "Oh Steve! Wonderful to talk with you again," if for all the world I was the most important person at that second. That's class and professionalism and true personal warmth.

I had met Norman through his nephew Joseph Vagnoni. We spent time at his beautiful home on the Hudson.
Though I never spent one-on-one time conversing with him, it was always a joy to hear his deep resonating voice.

I saw norman when he played psychiatrist Dr. Marcus Polk -- on two ABC soap operas ("One Life to Live" and "All My Children").
I was so impressed because my nane is Norman Rose, and I have a cousin named Jack Rose.....No relation???????

Norman Rose was married to my fathers sister, he had a great voice, but he was also a wonderful
Uncle we all loved him very much and still miss him. Steve Vagnoni

I am a retired audio techinician and between 1967 and 1976 recorded & edited the sound for every film strip produced by Educational Audio Visual (EAV) in Pleasantville, NY. I was able to convince the editors to ask Norman Rose, who was my idol in the voice-over field, to do narration work for us. We paid far less than he could command, but he graciously agreed to record our scripts. I was extremely grateful and overjoyed to have his magnificent voice on several of our projects. I felt honored to have worked with him and shall never forget that melifluous, highly refined instrument (his voice) that was trujly music to my ears. It was later that I learned of his other work and honors. I was wondering about him him and googled this morning. I am sorry to hear of his passing. He is legendary.

Hi all---old string I know, but this is the 1st I've seen with Rose/Vagnoni family members.
And I'm hoping they will visit again and see this.

I spent alot of time at the Rose house---Jack, please verify---haha.

actually, It's Jack and Steve Vagnoni I'd like to say hello to---Jack, it's nice to see your words here. Steve, I knew your aunt Katy quite well, as again Jack can verify, tho I'm not sure I remember you. And Elani---I can't remember you at all, it's the Vagnoni name I recognize.

but since this is a Norman tribute, let me say that I knew him as the father of my friends, his kids. As well, I drove him to NYC occasionally, played piano for him to sing, and generally made a pest of myself around his house. He was a lovely man, and it was a privilege to hear that VOICE even when he yelled at ME!

I am sorry to read of Mr. Rose's passing. I, too, grew up hearing his wonderful voice and never knew his name until he appeared on CBS Radio Mystery Theatre when I was working in radio.

It would have been a pleasure to listen to him reading a grocery list! He will never be equalled. It's good to read that his personality was as fine as his pipes.

I first heard Norman Rose's wonderful voice in the 1950's on Children's Record Guild recordings. I especially remember his portrayal of Bottom in Felix Mendelssohn's musical adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He narrated several other CRC productions, one of which was "The Story of Slow Joe," a boy who moved slowly until the prospect of eating peppermint ice cream set him to moving like the wind.

I listened for his voice on radio and television from then on and was gratified to hear it a lot.

I worked with Norman at the United Nations where he narrated many films and radio programmes. He was a friend and an inspiration. He kept in touch with me many years after I left NYC and moved the the west coast. He never turned down a request for a quick voice over for one of my projects that he never asked a nickel for and often sent them to me at his expense. A gentleman and my person hero.

I had the privilege of working with Norman Rose for more than nine year while I was working at ABC Sports. Twice a week he would come into our recording studios to voiceover the scripts I had written for our sports promos. He made every script he ever read better and, if that wasn't enough, he was one of the nicest, most genuine people I've ever met. I think of him often and he is deeply missed.

I haven't been to this site since I last posted on Sept. 22nd 2006!?! So many new posts!! I want to thank all of you again for taking the time to write about your personal experiences with my father; either professionally or listening to his recordings. It's like seeing my Dad in a whole new light and helps keep his memory close. My Dad was a New York guy. He loved the city, and he loved his work. I am deeply moved to know that he was admired and respected and is missed. Thank you all, and I hope you all come back to this site so you can know how much I appreciate your tributes.

Now Steve, now that you remind me of that line, "I've done a lot of reading, mostly on my own" I recall that my Dad dubbed in the voice for the on-camera actor portraying Lincoln. I am absolutely positively sort of sure that he was not on camera.

Also you guys gave me some good tips on what to look for at the Museum of Television and Radio Artists. ie CBS Radio Mystery Theater "A Portrait of Memory" and "Lights Out" on Sci Fi. (Thanks, Fred). And Paul, thanks for mentioning CRG's recordings of "Mid Summer's" and "Story of Slow Joe". Maybe I can find those somewhere now. Hec, maybe in the back of some upstairs closet.

Tomi, it's really nice to hear from you.

Anyway, if any of you want to get in touch with me, here's my email address:
Zipp0rama@yahoo.com (the "0" is a zero, not the letter "o") Your words moved me to tears. Thank you.

Hey folks - Check out You Tube, and type in "Abraham Lincoln Gets a Job". Those of you who know what my dad looked like, you'll know that ain't him. BUT - it IS his voice dubbed over the actor's. - Jack

I worked as Norman's bookkeeper in the late 80s, early 90s. When he would come to the office, hearing his voice come down the hall brought joy to the day. Leaving that job was made all the more difficult because it meant leaving Norman behind. I'm glad he lived - we shared books, poetry, music and laughter and I will always remember him. You were a prince of this world, Norman. I can only imagine how you are regaling the crowds in heaven. Tinga

Norman was a gentleman of the first order. And what a voice. I was a recording engineer at ABC in the 80s and 90s and probably spent 100 hours with him over the years in sessions. Recording Norman taught me all I'll ever need or hope to know about the human voice. A master of inflection, detail, and resonance. Simply the best. I can still hear him in my head like it was yesterday. And the nicest guy - always in good humor, and I swear that once in a while he would goof up just to break the tension so the rest of us could feel human...otherwise it would have been simply too intimidating - every take was flawless. Very very gracious and with some very talented kids... much missed.

Norman Rose was the owner of the beloved voice on my Children's Record Guild records (78s) from the 50s: Peter the Pusher, Muffin in the City, Muffin in the Country, and many more. I named my dog Muffin after the dog in those stories. I now teach music to children at a Quaker school and my first graders love those records as much as I did. And they still work just fine. What a treasure. This man left the world a great gift!

Jack,
I'm nearing 85 and worked with your dad in the 1960's. Was thinking of him today and googled only to learn of his death. I was at your house in Upper Nyack (I lived in Tappan and my son and
daughter were born in the Nyack Hospital) once or twice when you and your siblings were tots running around. The film actor, Arthur Hill, was having coffee in your kitchen and your dad
had me use him in a filmstrip. Arthur was primarily a film actor and when we started recording, his voice just came out as a squeek. I had to throw that session away and got Nelson Olmsted(the NBC Story Teller) to do it. For The Methodist Church and the National Council of Churches I produced dozens of
filmstrips (before videotape) and your dad narrated most of them - often bringing out nuances
of not even the writer was aware. During those years, Norm's voice was ubiquitous on the airwaves, as well as in my audiovisuals. What good reputation I had was a reflection of the excellence your dad contributed. Once, in the early 60's I watched an outdoor pageant in Cherokee, North Carolina, called "Unto These Hills", a story of the Cherokee's trail of tears. There was a voiceover narration and I thought - That sounds like Norm. When I got back to the city he told me he had done that recording years earlier and was surprised they were still using it. We also worked on some radio programs (with Bryna Raeburn, Staats Cotsworth, and others from The Eternal Light.) Sometimes Norm and three others would change their voices and do scripts
with a dozen characters. Those were fun times - and we were all being paid for having fun.
Once, I had six filmstrips to be narrated, We went to a midtown recording studio where he
taped all six in a row, in an hour, with no need for the editor to do anything. It was perfect.
He's not around to hear my gratitude, but be assured that I admired him beyond words.

Herb Lowe