Jenny Lind, 1850. Public domain. |
Barnum also promoted her proper, generous
character, which made her all the more irresistible. Overall she created such an
impression that to many, Lind became what Barnum biographer Bluford Adams
called "the standard for measuring not just sopranos, or even women
artists, but women" throughout the 1850s.
Lind
(Oct. 1820-Nov. 1887) was born in Sweden, the illegitimate daughter of a bookkeeper
and a divorced schoolteacher whose religious beliefs didn’t permit her to remarry
until her first husband died (it eventually happened, and Jenny’s parents wed
when she was 14). At age 9, Jenny was enrolled in Sweden’s Royal Opera
Program. By 20, she was the prima donna at the Royal Opera in Stockholm and a
court singer for the King of Sweden and Norway.
Within
a few years, she was in great demand throughout Sweden and northern Europe. She
auditioned at the Opera in Paris, but their rejection stung her so much that
once she became an international celebrity, she refused all invitations to
perform there.
Lind as Amina in La Sonnambula. Public Domain |
In
1843, she toured Denmark and met author Hans Christian Andersen. He fell in
love with her, but she didn’t return his affections. It’s thought three of his
fairy tales were inspired by her: The Nightingale, The Angel, and Beneath the
Pillar. Others suggest Lind also inspired the cold-hearted title character in The Snow Queen after she rejected
him.
Mendelssohn, by Childe. Public domain. |
She didn't give in. Nevertheless, they continued to work together and he began an opera, Lorelei,
for her. Mendelssohn’s sudden death at age 38, in 1847, devastated her, and she
founded the Mendelssohn Scholarship Foundation in his memory.
Lind
retired from professional singing soon after, at age 29.
In
1849, P.T. Barnum approached her with the invitation to tour America. Deciding
it would be a good way to earn money for her favorite charities, Lind agreed. Barnum got busy advertising, when she arrived in New York City's harbor in September of 1850, 40,000 people awaited her ship.
Lind
earned $350,000, and Barnum’s wealth grew by $500,000 (in 2016 dollars,
that’s around $10 million and $14.2 million).
By
1851, however, Lind had grown weary of Barnum's methods and severed ties
with him. She continued to tour on her own for a year with conductor and
pianist Otto Goldschmidt. Unlike her previous suitors, Goldschmidt won Lind’s
heart, and they were married in Boston in 1852, at the end of her tour.
Lind
and Goldschmidt returned to Europe in May 1852, settling first in Germany, then
in England, where they lived out the rest of their lives. They had three
children, and Lind continued to sing, teach and support numerous charities,
including the children’s hospital in Norwich, England.
Jenny Lind by Eduard Magnus, 1862, public domain |
Meanwhile, she made such a strong impression wherever she went that her name was given to a chapel, hotel, park, psychiatric
ward, and pub in England. An Australian schooner named for her was
wrecked on a creek on the Queensland cost…and the creek’s name was changed to
Jenny Lind Creek.
In
America, a California gold
rush town was named for her, as was an elementary school in Minnesota. Streets
in Arkansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California bear her name. She’s
been honored since 1948 by the Barnum Festival, a national competition that crowns a soprano in her honor, held every summer in Connecticut. And of course, her name is still used to describe a popular style of baby crib.
**
YOUR TURN:
Had you heard of Jenny Lind? Or did you always wonder why a crib was named that?
BIO:
Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school,
casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she writes in the hope that
her historical romances will encourage and entertain others. A pastor’s wife
and mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, travel, and curling up on
the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. Susanne is the author of over half-dozen historical romances; her latest, For
a Song, is in Barbour’s The Cowboy’s
Bride Collection. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com.
GIVEAWAY:
GIVEAWAY:
The
heroine of For a Song, my new novella in The Cowboy’s Bride Collection, dreams of being
the next Jenny Lind.
I'll give away one copy of The Cowboy's Bride Collection to one randomly-chosen commenter. Contest runs through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, March 6, 2016. Winner announced here. Please leave a way to contact you in your comment.
I'll give away one copy of The Cowboy's Bride Collection to one randomly-chosen commenter. Contest runs through 11:59 pm EST Sunday, March 6, 2016. Winner announced here. Please leave a way to contact you in your comment.
The Cowboy's Bride:
Ride onto the open
range alongside cowboys and cowgirls who embrace the adventures of living in
the Old West from Kansas to New Mexico, Colorado to Texas. Whether rounding up
cattle or mustangs, training horses, fending off outlaws, weathering storms,
competing in rodeos, or surviving drought these cowboys work hard each day. But
when hardheaded men have their weaknesses exposed by well-meaning women will
they stampede away or will a lasting love develop? Find out in this exciting
collection of nine historical romances.
I'd never thought of that before, why a crib style was named after a person, but what an interesting story!
ReplyDeletebcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net
Hi Connie! Isn't it funny that so many types of things were named for her, even a crib? Then again, I suppose I own a few Downton Abbey licensed items, like a dish towel and tea. Fans go nuts for things related to celebrities or shows they like. Nothing new under the sun.
DeleteThanks for coming by, Connie! You're entered into the giveaway.
I grew up with a Jenny Lind bed and always wondered why it was named that. I still have the bed and got a Lind crib for my children. I love the style! LattebooksAThotmailDOTcom
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Susan! How neat that you and your kids had/have Jenny Lind furniture. I think the style is pretty, too. Such a classic.
DeleteI appreciate you visiting the blog and entering the giveaway! Have a great day.
Thank you for a great post! I always knew of the baby bed but never knew the back story. Very interesting!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Melanie, so good to see you! I heard of Jenny Lind cribs but didn't know the backstory, either. It's so interesting how the furniture style has lasted more than 150 years! I wonder about the particular manufacturer who came up with the idea...hmm, more research.
DeleteYou're entered in the giveaway!
I love the collections books, thank you so much for the chance to win a copy of "The Cowboy's Bride Collection".
ReplyDeletewfnren at aol dot com
Hi Wendy! I love Barbour novella collections, too. I have a few shelves full of collections I can't bear to part with. I love the other stories in The Cowboy's Bride...several HHH authors are in it!
DeleteSo glad you came by. You're in the giveaway!
I've heard of her and the many towns that was named after her, but I didn't know much about her. Thanks for the information. It's like a story itself abut her road to fame and the many suitors. Even the many stories she inspired! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJustcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com
Annie, JC, you are so right about this being like a novel! How fun that would be to read! She was such an interesting person. Hmm, now my brain is whirling...
DeleteYou're entered into the giveaway. Hope your day is going well!
I've heard of her and the many towns that was named after her, but I didn't know much about her. Thanks for the information. It's like a story itself abut her road to fame and the many suitors. Even the many stories she inspired! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJustcommonly(at)gmail(dot)com
I have never heard of her. That was a very interesting story, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletedhancock49@gmail.com
Hi Debra! I always wondered who Jenny Lind was because of the crib, but I used to think it was a made-up name, like Holly Hobbie. Then when I found out she was a real person, I was so intrigued! Glad you thought her story interesting, too.
DeleteYou're in the drawing. Thanks for visiting!
This was really interesting. Of Course, I know about the bed, but I've never read about Miss Lind herself.
ReplyDeleteHi Vickie! Isn't it delightful that so many Cowboy's Bride authors are HHH contributors and can celebrate here? What a treat. Congratulations to you!
DeleteI knew a little about Jenny Lind, but not much. This was very interesting. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
Good morning, Susan! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I wish we had a recording of what she sounded like! It must have been amazing.
DeleteYou're entered into the drawing! Thanks for coming by.
Hi Susanne,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the post! Miss Lind was an extraordinary woman. I'm entering the contest on behalf of Debbie Lynne who is so busy right now, but loves cowboy tales! Thanks for holding the contest.
Btw, just yesterday I did a post on "Contest Mavens: An Author's Secret Weapon" over at Novel Rocket--in case you're interested. http://tinyurl.com/jn2plmt
Thanks for the kind words and link, Linore! And you are a very good friend indeed to enter on Debbie Lynne's behalf. Tell her she's entered!
DeleteI'll visit the post.
Such an interesting post, Susie - thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI had heard of Jenny Lind and the crib, also - but knew little about her except that she sang, so enjoyed reading her background story.
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "The Cowboy's Bride Collection" - looking forward to reading "For a Song"!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bonnie, I'm so glad you could come by! I'm glad you enjoyed the post, too. Jenny Lind must have been astounding to hear live. Can you imagine?
DeleteYou're entered into the giveaway! Blessings!
I think I had one of those cribs, but it was 39 years ago, so I'm not quite sure. :)
ReplyDeleteDoreen
PrivesAndPrims at yahoo (dot) com
LOL Doreen! I have no clue what kind of crib I was in, either. I should ask my mom.
DeleteYou're entered into the giveaway! Have a fabulous day.
I alway wondered about the crib and rocking chair I had for my oldest. Thanks for sharing! sanddlax(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteShari, isn't it funny how many of us own(ed) Jenny Lind furniture? What would she say if she knew?
DeleteI've got you down for the giveaway. Have a great day.
I alway wondered about the crib and rocking chair I had for my oldest. Thanks for sharing! sanddlax(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up, my parents had gotten a piano for older sis and me to learn to play. I was not gifted, for sure, but wish now I had kept up with lessons. I learned to play the 'Jenny Lind Polka' and looked up and learned more about her. May have even read a biography, I can't remember where I got the info - long before internet days! I would love to win this, Barbour does put together collections of excellent authors! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this new collection, and the reminder of this Songbird that I wish I could have heard! jeaniedannheim (at) ymail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteMama Cat, I took piano, too. I was not at all talented, but it was a good experience. I wish I could sing well, too. My friend Suzanne has a gorgeous voice, and I used it as a model for my heroine's!
DeleteBarbour does such a nice job with their collections. I say this about the other 8 authors in this one, not me, LOL.
You're entered in the giveaway! Thanks for coming by!
That was a an amazing background! I knew of the crib but never thought about the name, just knew it was a popular brand. She sounds like a woman who didn't give in, but stuck to her standards.
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
I thought the same thing, Melody. I thought it was a brand name or made up name. Then I learned about her and WOW! She was quite a lady! I'm glad she stuck to her values, too.
DeleteYou're entered into the giveaway! Thanks!
I had heard of Jenny Lind long ago but never knew much about her. Loved the bio on her. thank you for sharing. rebunting(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSo kind of you to drop by to say hi, Robin! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. You're entered into the drawing!
DeleteI know I've heard the name - but never went looking for the story :) A person doing those things at that time of the world had to be a very brave and strong woman. Thanks for sharing....
ReplyDeletejking23(at)kent(dot)edu
Great point about all she accomplished, considering she lived in a time that made things difficult for women. I love how she took a stand against PT Barnum and toured on her own, and boy did she make a lot of money!
DeleteYou're in the drawing!
Never heard of her but very interesting. THanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you popped by to read and visit, Kim! Thank you!
DeleteMy husband and I attended a Jenny Lind function when I was pregnant with our first son. I never knew the history behind her name. So very interesting and I love how she found love! This would be a great book! Thanks Susanne for sharing. Jenny
ReplyDeletejennydtipton at gmail dot com
Ooh, Jenny, what sort of function was it? A concert or a fundraiser? Seems like her name is associated with both of these things, even today.
DeleteI'm so glad you came by! You're entered into the drawing.
It was for the crib and children's stuff that the company makes. We almost bought their stuff but it was way to expensive.
DeleteOh, wow! I bet it was quite an event. I confess, I didn't buy a Jenny Lind crib. Our kids slept in their cousins' old crib. We were blessed to have one gifted to us.
DeleteI've heard of her. Just figured someone had named the cribs that for a cute play on the name. Interesting story her life is. That is why I love history, just so much we are impacted by today based on what happened in the past. Right now I am reading K. Willow's book Ice Whispers. Based in the South during the height of slavery. I can't imagine I had so much still to learn about that time. It's a fiction, but her historical knowledge shines through, it's very good.
ReplyDeleteBecky, that book sounds fascinating. I, too, love how we always have new things to learn about the world, history, and other people. I will have to check out that book! Thanks for the intel!
DeleteI've heard of her. Just figured someone had named the cribs that for a cute play on the name. Interesting story her life is. That is why I love history, just so much we are impacted by today based on what happened in the past. Right now I am reading K. Willow's book Ice Whispers. Based in the South during the height of slavery. I can't imagine I had so much still to learn about that time. It's a fiction, but her historical knowledge shines through, it's very good.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and informative post. I knew of the Jenny Lind Crib but not the background. I found her relationship story with Hans Christian Andersen interesting and it was nice to read how charitable Jenny was.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hi Maryann! Yes, Jenny Lind was quite charity-focused. I think that's wonderful. She gave a significant portion of her tour earnings to education in Sweden.
DeleteI'd like to know more about her relationship with Andersen, too!
Thanks for visiting. You're in the drawing!
I had not heard of the singer. I have heard of a Jenny Lind crib but had no idea how it was named. Very interesting research you did. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Jenny Lind knew she inspired a crib? I don't know when it happened, in her lifetime or later. Hmm!
DeleteThanks for coming by and entering the drawing!
I've heard reference to her such as "The singing was good but she was no Jenny Lind!" mrs(dot)nipper(at)gmail
ReplyDeleteWow, Cindy, I haven't heard that! How interesting!
DeleteGlad you shared. You are in the drawing!
I want to be one randomly-chosen commenter :D My dad named our singing bird on our porch Jenny Wren when we lived on the farm ~ he made a little house with a perch for her across from the kitchen door. So sweet ~ until I found out they like to disturb bluebird nests! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen! I love that he named it Jenny Wren! I didn't know they disturb other birds' nests. How interesting!
DeleteYou're entered into the giveaway. Thanks for sharing the story!
SUSIE, this is a fascinating post. I haven't heard of Jenny Lind. Congratulations on your release!!!!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Hi Caryl! Nice to see you! Thanks so much for the kind words. You're entered into the giveaway!
DeleteMy mom always said that you learn something new everyday. I have never heard of Jenny Lind. Interesting history lesson for me today. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHeather, that's totally the truth. I learn something every single day. The world is such a rich, amazing place! I love that we never stop learning!
DeleteSo glad you came by!
I have heard of Jenny Lind all my life and I knew the crib was named for her. spotts06(at)comcast(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you knew about Jenny Lind. I think it's wonderful that she's maintained a following and has had influence for well over 150 years.
DeleteThanks for coming by. You're entered into the drawing!
That is such an interesting history. I have heard of Jenny Lind, but didn't know that much about her. What a fantastic life she lived! Thanks for sharing her story.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to share my email address:
DeleteCagould15(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Carrie! She did indeed live a fascinating life. She made so much money...in one tour! Can't imagine!
DeleteThanks for coming back with your email addy! You're entered into the drawing!
I think my grandmother had a Jenny Lind bed. bjleecontests(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi Becky! The style has been around for several decades, that's for sure. It's a classic.
DeleteI'm glad you came by to say hi and enter the drawing!
How fascinating! I had heard of Jenny Lind cribs, but I did not know about the lady herself. Thanks for sharing, Susie!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Hi Britney! I was just like you; I'd heard of the cribs but wasn't sure who she was. Her story is pretty amazing!
DeleteYou're entered into the drawing! Thanks!
What a fun and informative post! I remember learning about the Jenny Lind sewing machine company in school. I remember seeing part of a film about Barnum and Jenny Lind. Very interesting to watch. Thanks for the opportunity to win your novella collection! Prayers and best wishes for your release!
ReplyDeletenataliedmonk AT gmail DOT com
You've taught me something, Natalie! I had no idea there was a Jenny Lind sewing machine company. Wow! Her name is everywhere! I'm curious about that film, too. I wish I'd seen it.
DeleteI am so grateful for the prayers and best wishes. Thank you! Blessings! Oh--and you're entered into the giveaway, too!
I don't recall her and honestly, I never really thought about the name of the crib. I'm sure I saw the name before, but never really thought about it. Thanks for sharing this, it was very interesting...you learn something new every day.
ReplyDeletedebsbunch777(at)gmail(dot)com
We do indeed learn something new every day, don't we? The world is an amazing place.
DeleteThanks so much for coming by. You're entered into the giveaway. Blessings!
I remember learning about The Swedish Nightingale but I never connected her with the baby bed and I never knew just how influential she was. Thanks for a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
HI Connie! I don't know if she ever knew about the cribs, but I'm sure she knew about other things named after her. Sounds like there was quite a bit of souvenir paraphernalia sold on her tours. Reminds me today of celebrities' clothing lines and cookware, etc.
DeleteYou're entered into the drawing. Thanks for coming by!
Hi Susanne! So glad to see Jenny Lind being discussed here. She gets a couple of mentions in my latest WIP about a singer, so it's wonderful to see people talking about her again! Thanks fro the great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Piper! So good to see you! I admit I'm very curious about your WIP! :) Glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks so much for coming by!
DeleteIf you mentioned the name 'Jenny Lind' to me I would think it sounded familiar, but I don't think I could tell you who she was. Interesting blog post!
ReplyDeletepattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I think a lot of people know her name, Patty, but aren't sure why. That was certainly the case for me until a few years ago. It's fun to keep on learning!
DeleteThanks for coming by and entering the giveaway!
I didn't know Jenny Lind was an actual person. What a fascinating person she was. I am very familiar with Jenny Lind cribs. With 12 children we are went through quite a lot of cribs, a lot of them Jenny Lind. What an exciting book I really look forward to reading The Cowboy’s Bride Collection.
ReplyDeleteDeanne Patterson Cnnamongirl at aol dot com
Hi Deanne! Good to see you! Twelve kids? WOW! I imagine you went through a few cribs!
DeleteI'm so glad you came by and entered the giveaway. Have a great evening!
Thank you for the fascinating history of Ms. Lind and explaining about the crib, etc. being named after her! I had no idea she had so many notable admirers!
ReplyDeleteJanice
pjrcmoore@windstream.net
Janice, I know what you mean about Jenny Lind's admirers! Wow! Authors, composers, musicians, and probably numerous other fellas thought she was exquisite. I also think it's interesting that she was considered the height of femininity. My, how times have changed, perhaps not for the better.
DeleteI'm glad you came by. You're entered into the drawing!
I had never heard of Jenny Lind before. What an amazing story her life was!! I had heard of Jenny Lind cribs but had no clue it was her. I simply thought it was a brand. Her suitors were such interesting men in her time! Too bad one of them was married with children. Thank you for teaching me about someone new. mnjesusfreak @ gmail . com
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi! Good to see you! I thought Jenny Lind was a brand, too. I doubt she saw a dime from the cribs!
DeleteYou're entered into the drawing! Hope you have a great day.
Just popped over to random.org...the winner is Robin Bunting! Thanks to all who entered the drawing. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Robin!
ReplyDelete