I was having a text conversation with my younger cousin last week about her vacation up here and I suddenly asked her - Shouldn't you be in school? She responded with "I'm in Bio right now".
Damn you. It's been so long since I've had a beet, I kind of want to try them again. I'm roasting up some vegetables tonight, maybe I'll stop and get a beet to throw in there...
"She does not have dreadful vocals! She is quite a good singer, and just has a stylized voice."
Carol Channing was not a good singer; she is still critically panned for her voice by some today. Many also argue that she wasn't a good actress, and that she just "mugged".
While I don't necessarily agree with those statements (entirely), it does not matter. The beauty of Carol Channing is, that with all of her flaws she still put on interesting, theatrical performances that made people smile!
At first, I did not "get" Carol Channing, but now I do.
I think Channing is a great example of a "star" - someone who has very little talent from a technical standpoint, but has that undeniable star power and charisma that makes her a joy to watch.
However, it does NOT come across on records. I actually kind of hate the DOLLY OBC, much prefer the Pearl Bailey recording.
(For the record, she actually does have what would be considered a technically "good" voice in her very low register, which I take it she's rarely if ever used)