The Most Famous Singer You Never Heard Of

Thurl Ravenscroft:   The Most Famous Singer You Never Heard Of

Ever wondered who that distinctive bass is who sings that "Grinch Song" that you likely hear repeatedly every Holiday season?  You know:  "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch . . ."  Feel like you should recognize him, but can't quite place him?

The song is from a 1966 half hour CBS TV cartoon Christmas special, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."

The singer was actually inadvertently uncredited (basses just never get any respect - even though most men are basses).  His name was Thurl Ravenscroft.   Boris Karloff is the voice of the Grinch, but the song is sung by Ravenscroft.

Ravenscroft is also familiar, but not famous, as the uncredited, anonymous voice of Tony The Tiger (Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, "Theyy'rrre  Grrrreat). Notice the facial resemblance between Thurl and Tony.

If you've been to a Disney park, you've heard him in the Haunted Mansion, Country Bear Jamboree, Mark Twain Riverboats, Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland Railroad and Tiki Room. (What a great name for an actor in the Haunted Mansion - Ravenscroft)

In this video, he talks about making the Haunted Mansion attraction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhox48qhnxU

He got his start as one of The Mellowmen, who backed up Bing Crosby, Frainkie Lane, Spike Jones, Rosemary Clooney (Ravenscrift is the bass in her #1 hit "This Ole House", and also on Stuart Hamblin's original version) and other Big Band era singers.

Here's a Mellowmen album:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkXS1FKCjUY

The Mellowmen can be heard in several Disney films, including Alice in Wonderland. and Lady and the Tramp.

Ravenscroft is the bass in Bobby Vee's 1960 hit  "Devil or Angel."

It's astounding how many familiar songs, movies, Disney rides, TV shows and commercials Ravenscroft's distinctive voice is heard in, all without you hearing his distinctive and unforgettable name.  Now you know.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thurl_Ravenscroft