Alexander Gray, a self-proclaimed "bashful man with a stutter," was born in Pennsylvania and spent his childhood summers milking his uncle's cows in Lancaster County. Despite his humble beginnings, Gray went on to become a renowned recitalist, operetta star, Broadway actor, film actor, and radio star. He initially showed an interest in mechanical and electrical pursuits, but after attending Pennsylvania State University, he discovered his passion for singing.
Gray's early singing experiences included singing in the Glee Club and enrolling in dramatic classes. After earning his degree in industrial engineering, he worked as a deckman on a merchant steamer, taught carpentry and wood shop in a private boys' school, and even worked on the editorial staff of "Iron Age," a trade publication.
Gray's singing career took off after he won a contest sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs, which led to him being paid to sing recitals in various cities. He eventually took a position as Manager of Advertising and Sales Promotion for the Diamond T. Truck Company of Chicago, where he continued to sing at church.
Gray's big break came when he was discovered by producer Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. and composer Gene Buck, who engaged him to sing in their new production, "Midnight Frolic." He went on to star in several Ziegfeld Follies and musical plays, including "Naughty Riquette" and "Tell Me More."
In 1925, Gray made his first recordings for Columbia Records, and in the mid-1920s, he played the lead juvenile in "The Desert Song," a popular musical show of the decade. He continued to tour with the show, breaking box office records everywhere.
Gray's success on stage led to a screen test with Vitaphone Studios, which resulted in him being signed to co-star with Marilyn Miller in "Sally." He also became the screen's first operetta team, predating Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy.
After his Hollywood stint, Gray returned to New York, where he achieved great success in operetta revivals, vaudeville, and radio. He continued his vocal studies with teacher Jean Teslof and appeared on several radio programs, including the Chesterfield Radio Program and "Voice of America."
Gray's crowning achievement was his first New York recital at The Town Hall, which was met with critical acclaim. He went on to appear on the Chrysler Motors Radio Program and spent the rest of his career singing in operettas, supper clubs, and radio, effortlessly gliding between performances of "Rose Marie," "The Chocolate Soldier," "Blossom Time," and "Rio Rita" across the country.
