Greta Keller and the microphone are children of the same century. They have grown up together and have developed together. And Greta Keller knows the least secret of the microphone. Without that she would be merely a girl. It sounds so little but means so much. Greta Keller is first of all a girl. She has got the charm of the Parisian women and the heart of the Vienna-girl. Her songs are composed in our time, but the first of their tunes are made the day Eve opened her eyes and looked at Adam. (B.T. Copenhagen, 2.7.1935)

For over 45 years, through a life of triumphs and tragedies, her voice was legend-in radio shows, films, revues, concerts and musicals, but above all on shellac and vinyl.  According to her own estimate, Greta Keller made over a thousand records, and it is through this medium that her voice traveled around the world.  On the occasion of her hundredth birthday in 2003, KLEINaberKUNST is pleased to present a selection of rarities by this unique performer and to call attention to some little-known aspects of her work.  The collection offers early records of popular songs and film tunes by the likes of Walter Jurmann, Robert Stolz, Friedrich Hollaender and Ralf Benatzky, alongside her imaginative cycle of "German Classics in Swing," in which she delivers Schubert Lieder to the accompaniment of a small jazz combo.  Previously unpublished test records and radio transcriptions round out the program.

Greta Keller is the new voice of the radio, records, and the loudspeaker.  She makes use of the new technology to take the subtle art of the chanson singer to new heights, using a soft, personal style to create and unmatched sense of intimacy.  She made her first appearances with a "whispering orchestra" and was soon crowned "queen of the microphone."  

In 1923, Variety Radio Reports heralded the appearance of the new international star:
Miss Keller bids fair to become the next mike vogue, with her throaty Marlenedietrichish song delivery. She is versatile in her linguistic versions of Continental-type airs, doing snatches in German and in English. Miss Keller on the air suggests being a very interesting stage personality. At least, to one who has never seen her, that's the impression. If she has the physical allure which (her) mike voice implies, Miss Keller in short order is a cinch for some very interesting stage personals.

Early Recordings (Ultraphon) 1929/30: Mein Herz hab ich gefragt - Mean To Me/ Ich hätte dich so gerne noch einmal geseh'n - Little Pal - That's How I Feel About You, Sweetheart - Es gab nur Eine, die ich geliebt hab' - Lach mich nicht aus -Sieben kleine Tillergirls - Mississippi-Song - Hoboken-Blues - Auch du wirst mich einmal betrügen - Exactly Like You - Little White Lies - Ein Stückerl hinterm Prater - Ja, kann man sich denn wirklich noch verlieben - Ich geh aus und du bleibst da - Wenn ich mir was wünschen dürfte - German Classics In Swing - Schubert-Adaptations, NewYork 1939/40: Ständchen - Am Meer - Der Neugierige - Die Krähe - Der Leiermann -Unreleased recordings: Sleep, My Heart - Sie kommen zum Tee - Ein bisschen Liebe - P.S. I Love You/Aus lauter Liebe

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D-27727 Hambergen

Phone (+49)+4794-9300-0
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