Written for RDP, where bushboy asks us
to get creative with the word ‘pageant’.
Thanks, Brian! Here’s my take.
When I was a young girl, just like many other young girls at the time, I was fascinated by the Miss America Pageant. It was the only beauty pageant that had a talent competition …. the portion I enjoyed the most. My family would gather around the TV each year to watch the long-anticipated show. Back then, the announcer was the legendary Bert Parks who made famous the song “There She Is, Miss America” ….. a tradition he upheld for 25 years. This particular year, 1964, we were watching as usual. During the talent portion, Bert Parks announced contestant Donna Axum, Miss Arkansas; her talent was singing the aria ’Musetta’s Waltz’ from Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’, with – as Bert said – “an interpretation I think you’ll find a little bit different”. As an opera enthusiast, my dad’s ears perked up. Then his jaw dropped! I must say, her performance was very good, quite memorable, and, as Bert Parks promised, “a little different”. Donna Axum went on to win the pageant and was crowned Miss America 1964. It’s been 61 years and I still remember that night. Let’s take a look.
NAR©2025
This is the performance by Donna Axum, Miss America 1964
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
Great memories indeed, Nancy … and now it’s after 10.00 pm, and I must get to bed … the Market has a10.00 am start, so it’s a very early start for us old guys … 🐶😍📚
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Astonishing! Thank you for sharing
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That was different thanks Nancy. She really could sing. The mash up of tracks at the end montage was so good as well.
Thanks for joining in 😀
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It’s always a great pleasure for me, Brian. Thanks very much. I’m glad to know you enjoyed reading about Miss America.
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Wow just wow ….it’s amazing ,💜💜💜
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The Miss America pageant was always a very big deal here and it’s very old, starting up in the early 1920s in Atlantic City New Jersey. Honestly, I’m surprised the tradition has continued this long and that so many women are still interested in competing. Thanks very much, Willow.
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It’s definitely not my thing but I was very impressed 💜💜💜
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I was very into it as a child, but I grew out of it ages ago. It’s amazing how one word can spark so many memories.
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It truly is 💜💜
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What a show off!
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Those pageant contestants can be ruthless when they’re going for the win …. and she won
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So I’ve heard. Not my kind of thing, too creepy! I can see why she won though.
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When I grew up and realized it was nothing but a meat parade, I stopped watching, and I haven’t seen a pageant in decades. Still, I did enjoy the talent competition.
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Wow! That was some kind of talent! But your soundtrack…I love it! Fantastic songs, Nancy.
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Thanks so much, Lois! I really appreciate your comment and I’m glad to know you enjoyed today’s post. Music is an extremely important part of my life and I try my best to have good music accompanying my writings. I always say it’s like finding that one special piece of jewelry to complement that little black dress. It has to be perfect. Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge my musical choices. It means a great deal to me. ❤️🎶
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