Eddie Fisher: The Rise and Fall of a 1950s Pop Icon
Edwin Jack Fisher, known to the world as Eddie Fisher, was a powerhouse of American entertainment during the mid-20th century. A singer and actor with a melodious tenor voice and striking looks, Fisher became one of the definitive teen idols of the 1950s. His career was marked by staggering record sales, high-profile television shows, and a personal life that frequently mirrored the dramatic plots of the movies he appeared in.
Key Facts
- Peak Popularity: Achieved 17 Top 10 hits and 35 Top 40 hits between 1950 and 1956.
- Chart-Toppers: Had four US chart-topping singles, including "Wish You Were Here" and "I Need You Now".
- Television Presence: Hosted Coke Time with Eddie Fisher and The Eddie Fisher Show.
- High-Profile Marriages: Married entertainment legends Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor.
- Industry Milestone: Signed a record-breaking $1 million deal with the Tropicana Las Vegas in 1957.
Early Life and Roots
Born on August 10, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fisher was the fourth of seven children. His parents, Joseph and Kate Fisher, were Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from the Russian Empire. Within his family, he was affectionately nicknamed "Sonny Boy," a reference to the Al Jolson song from the 1928 film The Singing Fool.
The Ascent to Stardom (1946–1959)
Fisher began his professional journey in 1946, crooning with the bands of Charlie Ventura and Buddy Morrow. A pivotal moment occurred in 1949 at Grossinger's Catskill Resort Hotel, where he was "discovered" by Eddie Cantor—an event later revealed to be a calculated publicity move by the resort's director, Milton Blackstone.
His trajectory was briefly interrupted by military service. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951, Fisher served a year in Korea and became the official vocal soloist for the United States Army Band (Pershing's Own). Even while in uniform, he maintained public visibility through guest television appearances as "PFC Eddie Fisher."
Upon his discharge, Fisher's career exploded. He became a staple of the NBC network, starring in Coke Time with Eddie Fisher (1953–1957) and later The Eddie Fisher Show (1957–1959). His recording success with RCA Victor was immense; his 1953 hit "Oh! My Pa-Pa" set a company record by selling over 250,000 copies in a single week.
Fisher's appeal extended beyond music into the realm of pop culture. In 1954, the song "I Want Eddie Fisher For Christmas" by Betty Johnson reached No. 28 on the national charts, cementing his status as a cultural phenomenon.
The Scandal That Changed Everything
While his professional life soared, Fisher's personal life became a tabloid obsession. In 1956, he costarred in Bundle of Joy with his then-wife, Debbie Reynolds. However, Fisher began an affair with Elizabeth Taylor, the widow of his best friend, producer Mike Todd. The subsequent divorce from Reynolds and marriage to Taylor sparked a massive public scandal. The backlash was so severe that NBC canceled his television series in March 1959.
Career Decline and Later Years
The 1960s brought a decline in commercial viability. RCA Victor dropped him in 1960, leading Fisher to experiment with his own label, Ramrod Records. He later signed with Dot Records in 1965, where he introduced the standard "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof, though it saw limited pop success.
Fisher experienced a brief resurgence in 1966 upon returning to RCA Victor. The single "Games That Lovers Play," arranged by Nelson Riddle, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. However, by 1969, his charting success ended with the release of "I'll Pick a Rose for My Rose" via Musicor Records.
In his later years, Fisher struggled with addictions to gambling and drugs, including methamphetamine shots administered by Max Jacobson (known as "Dr. Feelgood") starting in 1953. He eventually sought treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic, overcoming his addiction in 1990. Despite a failed comeback tour in 1983, his final recordings with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1995 were praised by conductor Vincent Falcone as the best singing of his life.
Summary of Career and Personal Life
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Genres | Traditional Pop, Adult Contemporary |
| Major Labels | RCA Victor, Dot Records, Musicor Records, Ramrod |
| Notable Hits | "Oh! My Pa-Pa", "Any Time", "I Need You Now", "Games That Lovers Play" |
| Spouses | Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, Connie Stevens, Terry Richard, Betty Lin |
| Honors | Two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Recording and Television) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many records did Eddie Fisher sell?
While exact total career numbers are not listed, Fisher sold millions of records during the 1950s, with several singles, such as "Any Time" and "Oh! My Pa-Pa," selling over a million copies each.
Who were Eddie Fisher's most famous wives?
Fisher was married five times, most notably to actress and singer Debbie Reynolds and legendary film star Elizabeth Taylor.
What caused the cancellation of his TV show in 1959?
His television series was canceled by NBC due to the unfavorable publicity and public scandal surrounding his affair with Elizabeth Taylor and his divorce from Debbie Reynolds.
Did Eddie Fisher have any children?
Yes, he had four children: Carrie, Todd, Joely, and Tricia Leigh.
When and how did Eddie Fisher die?
Eddie Fisher died on September 22, 2010, at the age of 82. He passed away at his home in Berkeley, California, due to complications following hip surgery.