Barbara McNair
A glamorous and versatile entertainer who broke color barriers on American television and stage while maintaining a successful singing career.
1934–2007 (age 73)·American singer and actress·Birthday: March 4·The Silent Generation
Biography
Barbara McNair emerged from the Chicago nightclub scene with a voice of velvet and a determination that carried her far beyond the chitlin' circuit. Her early success as a recording artist, including a hit with "Till There Was You," opened doors to prestigious venues and a touring spot with Nat King Cole. But McNair refused to be pigeonholed. She conquered Broadway, earning a Theatre World Award, and then turned to television, becoming one of the first Black women to host a nationally syndicated variety show, "The Barbara McNair Show." In Hollywood, she held her own opposite stars like Sidney Poitier in "They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!" navigating an industry rife with prejudice with grace and professional polish. Her career, spanning five decades, was a masterclass in crossing over without compromising her artistry, making her a quietly revolutionary figure in mid-century show business.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Barbara was born in 1934, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Barbara Was Born
The biggest hits of 1934
#1 Movie
It Happened One Night
Best Picture
It Happened One Night
Barbara's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1934Born
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1939Started school
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1947Became a teenager
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1950Could drive
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1952Could vote
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1955Turned 21
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her bus seat
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $9,550Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Rock Around the Clock" — Bill Haley & His CometsBest Picture: Marty
1964Turned 30
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 40
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 50
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1994Turned 60
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2004Turned 70
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Died at 73
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
Key Achievements
- Hosted "The Barbara McNair Show" (1969-1970), a groundbreaking nationally syndicated variety program for a Black woman.
- Starred on Broadway in "The Body Beautiful" and won a Theatre World Award for her role in "No Strings."
- Recorded the hit single "Till There Was You" and performed as a headliner in major Las Vegas venues.
- Appeared in significant film roles, including in "If He Hollers, Let Him Go" and the Sidney Poitier vehicle "They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!"
Did You Know?
She was a skilled pianist and often accompanied herself during early club performances.
She performed for troops in Vietnam during the war.
Her second husband was a dentist named Charles "Rick" Manzie, who was white; their 1968 marriage drew public attention.
She was considered for the role of Diana Ross's mother in "Lady Sings the Blues" but did not get the part.
“You must own the room before you can own the song.”
