When people think of World War II era singing acts, they think of the Andrews Sisters with the song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and their appearance in the 1942 classic “Private Buckaroo”. However, they weren’t the only act in town.
There was another popular trio consisting of Veda Victoria, Dixie Jewel and Betsy Ann Ross known as “The Ross Sisters”. While they too provided the three-part harmony, they also combined acrobatics. Watch the video and witness their skill which remains impressive even by modern standards. The three ladies were stunningly beautiful with their slender figures and snow white complexions.
Their singing would still thrill audiences. This video is of the ladies performing the song “Solid Potato Salad” from the 1944 film “Broadway Rhythm”. While come critics stated the trio’s voices were weak compared to others, they made up for that with their acrobatics and contortions.
After singing the main melody, they turned to acrobatics doing somersaults in place followed by a full backwards contortion with their legs reaching entirely over their heads and touching the floor.
It is as this point that two of the Ross sisters have their heads lowered with their chins resting on the floor while they raise their legs up with their feet resting directly overhead. All three ladies then extend their feet past their heads resting their feet firmly on the floor at which time they raise themselves back up for another somersault.
For their next contortion, they again pull their legs up over their heads so that their head are between their legs while they roll their hips around their body. It is amazing indeed and has to be watched to be believed.