In memoriam: Nora Bayes remembered for her contributions to music and vaudeville on March 19 death anniversary

Nora Bayes passed away on March 19, 1928, at the Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn at the age of 47 after battling stomach cancer for several years. She resided in Joliet, Illinois, with her husband, Otto Gressing, and began her performing career in nearby Chicago. Taking the stage name Nora Bayes, she joined a touring company that took her to St. Louis, Missouri, and California. Eventually relocating to New York City, Bayes gained recognition as a comic actress and singer. She appeared in prominent theaters, toured extensively across the United States, and completed multiple tours in Europe. Known for her independent opinions and unconventional personal life, Bayes became a media celebrity. Throughout her career, she recorded more than 160 songs, including notable hits such as “Over There” and “Shine On, Harvest Moon.” She continued performing until 1927. In 2018, a headstone was placed on her grave to honor her legacy.