Anita Bryant: The rise and controversy of a legendary singer

Anita Bryant, a renowned singer, entertainer, and anti-gay activist, has died at the age of 84. Her family said she died on Dec. 16 at her home in Oklahoma surrounded by family and friends. She became known as “Anita Bryant Dry” after the death of her husband, former astronaut Charlie Dry.

Anita Bryant began her career in music by appearing on television shows at the age of 12. She was crowned Miss Oklahoma in 1958 at the age of 18. Her hit songs “Paper Roses” and “In My Little Corner of the World” reached the Billboard Top 10. “Till There Was You” also topped the charts. She appeared as a guest on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand” and other television programs.

The Grammy-nominated singer was known for her soulful performances. Her performance of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” in particular captivated audiences. Her musical talent earned her the invitation of President Lyndon B. Johnson to sing at the White House and to accompany Bob Hope on entertaining tours of U.S. troops overseas.

Her performance at the 1971 Super Bowl and her nine-year stint as co-host of the Orange Bowl Parade are notable highlights of her career. She has also appeared in television commercials for Florida Juice and Coca-Cola.

Can Read: Richard Hammond and his wife Mindy have announced the end of their 28-year marriage.

However, there is another chapter in her life besides music. In the late 1970s, she became known as an opponent of the gay rights movement. She founded an organization called “Save Our Children” and began campaigning against gay rights. In 1977, she campaigned to repeal the anti-gay discrimination law in Dade County, Florida.

Her actions sparked controversy and helped strengthen the gay rights movement. At a press conference in Iowa, a worker named Tom Higgins threw a pie in her face to protest her actions. She responded by saying, “At least it was a fruit pie.”

The Florida Citrus Commission dropped her as its spokesperson for the incident, and her family endured constant threats and hate mail.

She retired from acting in 1980. In a 2011 interview, she said, “What I did was right. I never hated gay people.”

She is survived by four children, two stepdaughters, and seven grandchildren. While Anita Bryant’s life was controversial, her musical talent and historical role will live on.

Can Read: Maestro in Blue Season 2: Coming Soon to Netflix

FAQ