Ethel Merman's ImpactEthel Merman is described by PBS as the most successful musical comedy performer of her generation. Merman is known for bringing her strong, clear voice to the Broadway stage and for changing the way people looked at women on Broadway (PBS) too. Appearing and starring in several Broadway hits, her acting career seemed to go through transitional phases where she could act less and less as herself in character. Merman has made her mark as an entertainer and her voice continues to be a showstopper. Ethel's life before Broadway speaks volumes about her Broadway career. Ethel Agnes Zimmerman was born in the Astoria neighborhood of New York. Merman showed her love of singing as a child, singing in the church she went to with her parents. Additionally, she went to Vaudeville shows to see stars like Fanny Brice (Kenrick) perform. Ethel's parents believed that she should receive an education because show business was not a viable career choice, especially for women during this time. She became a stenographer but continued singing in New York nightclubs for extra money (Kenrick). As his performances began to gain recognition and his name more acclaimed, he shortened it to Merman and began performing on the Vaudeville circuit at the Palace Theater (PBS). Merman's first major Broadway musical was in George and Ira Gershwin's Girl Crazy (1930). He gave a notable vocal performance, the musical produced songs such as "I Got Rhythm", in which he sang a C note for sixteen bars, something audience members had never seen before (Kenrick). Merman's performance was described primarily as a singing performance where her lines were kept to a minimum and she let her voice do the talking...middle of the paper...is supreme over anyone who follows her. It is clear that she was famous in an era that did not require media managers to create stars; she created herself out of self-confidence (Singer). These are the characteristics of her voice and character that catapulted her to stardom on Broadway. Overall, Ethel Merman has become a historic figure in Broadway history. She has been maintained as the best and most successful musical comedy performer for her voice and transitional acting. These attributes have given her the key to working with the most notable producers, writers and music producers in Broadway history. Her many shows have given her the opportunity to understand herself as a Broadway actress and her voice is unique to all the people who have followed her. His voice will live on in the theater and will continue to remain a pinnacle of Broadway history.