Barbara McNair (1934-2007) Singer, Actress

Above: Racine Journal Times columnist Text Reynolds hands talent show award to Barbara McNair (c 1950s).
Racine Journal Times columnist hands talent show award to Barbara McNair (c. 1950s)
The Kiltie Kapers of 1960 started the lovely singer Barbara McNair, a national recording star from Racine. Here the Kilties are see greeting her at the train station in Racine.
Barbara McNair “Just In Time” on The Ed Sullivan Show
Barbara McNair – Bob Hope Vietnam Christmas Show (1967) | All Scenes
McNair Barbara J studt r2036 Racine
-- Horace (Claudia) blastmn Standard Fdry Co h2036 Racine
1952 Racine City Directory, Barbara McNair, age 18, lived at 2036 Racine Street.
2036 Racine Street where Barbara McNair lived with her family

Racine Journal Times, April 29, 1952

Teen-Age Talent Presents Program

Racine teen-agers presented an hour and a half of variety entertainment for a large crowd in Memorial Hall Sunday evening in the amateur hour sponsored by John M. Gross Post of Catholic War Veterans.

First prize, a hundred dollar defense bond, went to Barbara McNair, senior at Washington Park High School, who sang “September Song.”

Second prize was awarded to Bob Ainsworth, student of William Horlick High School, for his accordion selection, “Dance of the Comedians.” Third and fourth prizes went to Johnny Bernez of Mitchell who played “A-Ba-Ba-Re-Ba” as an accordion solo, and to an adagio team, Wayne Gerou of St. Catherine’s and Patty Fergus, student at Mygatt’s School.

Winners were determined by a point system, with Miss Jean Binks, Les Beck and Mayor John Gothner acting as judges. W. C. (Tex) Reynolds served as master of ceremonies and at the close of the program presented the prizes to the winners.


While Barbara McNair was singing the songs that have brought her stardom one television and records, her eyes and her smile were directed often to a couple seated down front. They were her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Horace McNair, 2032 Racine St., with whom she is pictured at right. Recipient of a train station reception in her home town Sunday, Miss McNair also received a framed proclamation from Mayor Jack Humble designating Tuesday, April 12, as Barbara McNair Day. Audience joined the star in singing "Whole World in His Hands."
Barbara McNair and her parents, Horace and Claudia. Racine Journal Times, April 13, 1960
Barbara McNair and her parents, Horace and Claudia. Racine Journal Times, April 13, 1960

3 thoughts on “Barbara McNair (1934-2007) Singer, Actress

  1. My moms parents lived above the liquor store in Racine. I was just told my mom would visit Barbara when she was in town to visit her parents

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