She began as a Broadway musical actress, starring in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1949, and Hello, Dolly! in 1964, when she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She revived both roles several times throughout her career, most recently playing Dolly in 1995. Channing was nominated for her first Tony Award in 1956 for The Vamp followed by a nomination in 1961 for Show Girl. She received her fourth Tony Award nomination for the musical Lorelei in 1974.
As a film actress, she won the Golden Globe Award and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967). Her other film appearances include The First Traveling Saleslady (1956) and Skidoo (1968). On television, she appeared as an entertainer on variety shows, from The Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950s to Hollywood Squares. She had a standout performance as The White Queen in the TV production of Alice in Wonderland (1985), and had the first of many TV specials in 1966, An Evening with Carol Channing.
Channing was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981 and received a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 1995. She continued to perform and make appearances well into her 90s, singing songs from her repertoire and sharing stories with fans, cabaret style. She released an autobiography, titled Just Lucky I Guess, in 2002, and Larger Than Life, a documentary film about her career, was released in 2012.
Discography
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Columbia Records, 1950
Show Girl, 1961
Hello, Dolly!, RCA Records, 1964
Lorelei, Decca Records, 1974
Hello, Dolly!, 1994
Additional albums:
Archy And Mehitabel - A Back-Alley Opera (with Eddie Bracken), 1954
Carol Channing, Vanguard Records, 1961
Carol Channing Reads Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Caedmon Records, 1962
Carol Channing Entertains, Command Records, 1965
Carol Channing Reads Madeleine, Caedmon Records, 1970s
C and W (with Webb Pierce), Plantation Records, 1976
Carol Channing and Her Country Friends (guest appearances by Jimmy C. Newman, Hank Locklin, and others), Plantation Records, 1977
Carol Channing on Tour, 51 West Records, 1980
Jazz Baby, DRG Records. 1994
Just Lucky, I Guess: A Memoir of Sorts, Audiobook, 2003
For Heaven's Sake, New Day Records, 2010
True To The Red, White, and Blue, Homesick Entertainment, 2012
Hello Dolly!
Carol Channing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
We feel the room swayin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So, take her wrap, fellas
Find her an empty lap, fellas
Dolly'll never go away again
Hello, Dolly,
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
We feel the room swayin'
While the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
Golly, gee, fellas
Find her a vacant knee, fellas
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away again
The song "Hello, Dolly!" is a joyful and upbeat piece that celebrates the return of the character Dolly to where she belongs. As the song begins, the singer welcomes Dolly back and notes that she looks fantastic. The chorus repeats that sentiment with a catchy melody and lyrics that describe Dolly's continued success and energy. The song continues with a reference to the band playing one of Dolly's old favorite songs from way back when, suggesting that she has a long and rich history. Finally, the song invites the men in the room to find Dolly an empty lap or a vacant knee, indicating that she is in high demand and will never go away.
Overall, the lyrics to Hello, Dolly! are a celebration of life and the joy of being around someone who is vibrant, confident, and full of positive energy. The song speaks to the idea of returning home or finding a place where you feel truly comfortable and happy.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, Dolly,
Greetings, Dolly,
Well, hello, Dolly
It's delightful to see you, Dolly,
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
We're thrilled to have you here again, where you rightfully belong,
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
You are looking lovely and fine, Dolly,
I can tell, Dolly
I can see from your appearance, Dolly,
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still radiating with happiness and confidence,
You're still goin' strong
You are still going with great energy and strength,
We feel the room swayin'
We can sense the excitement and joy in the air,
While the band's playin'
While the band is entertaining us with their music,
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
They are playing one of your favourite classic songs from long ago.
So, take her wrap, fellas
Gentlemen, please help her take off her coat and wrap,
Find her an empty lap, fellas
Please find an available seat for her, gentlemen.
Golly, gee, fellas
Wow, guys!
Find her a vacant knee, fellas
Please find her an open spot on someone's lap.
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly won't leave us,
Dolly'll never go away
Dolly won't leave us,
Dolly'll never go away again
Dolly won't leave us like she did before.
Writer(s): Jerry Herman Copyright: Jerryco-music Co., Edwin H. Morris & Co. Inc., WB Music Corp.
Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@brianpowell5326
There is no other Dolly!!! She’s wonderful!!!
@sharonmangas2919
My late mother adored Carol Channing, and loved "Hello Dolly." My mom had some tough circumstances to overcome in her life. She was widowed very young and raised three children on her own. When she finally got us raised and began to reclaim her life, she adopted 'Hello Dolly" as her theme song. I can still hear mom singing this & adding a lot of dramatic flair. If there's a heaven, she's welcoming Carol today and they're surely singing a duet! RIP Carol. You were one in a million.
@katebowes1
Oh what a beautiful memory that is ❤️ I’m so sorry for the loss of your mum, she sounds like a great character, I’m glad you have some lovely memories of your mum 🥰
@GMMayo-fk9wj
There is Love. Count on it.
@GMMayo-fk9wj
There is a heaven.
@theesweetmud1007
how lovely, rest in power to both powerful women, hello dolly!
@ryan010able
I bet there having the best time up there. Your mum sounded like a strong woman !
@linda1081
I love her voice so much. Whenever I’m feeling bad I put her on and I feel much better.
@louiscaruso4167
I saw Carol Channing in Hello Dolly in March 1978 in New York...she was amazing...she poured every drop of herself into the performance...RIP...
@siluq6485
What a voice! What a performance! What a talented person!!! Bravo, bravo!!!