About the artist
Adele Astaire was an American dancer and stage performer, best remembered as the older sister and longtime dance partner of Fred Astaire. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, she and her brother began performing together as children in vaudeville before rising to become one of the most celebrated brother-sister acts on Broadway and London's West End during the 1910s, 1920s, and early 1930s.
The Astaires became closely associated with the music of George and Ira Gershwin, starring together in landmark musicals such as «Lady, Be Good!» and «Funny Face», which introduced now-classic songs including «’S Wonderful» and «He Loves and She Loves». Adele was widely praised for her comic timing, charm, and light touch as a dancer, often seen as the more naturally charismatic performer of the duo in their early years together, helping define the elegant, witty style associated with the Gershwin musical era.
Adele retired from performing in the early 1930s after marrying into British aristocracy, ending the Astaire siblings' partnership and leaving Fred to continue his career independently, eventually in Hollywood. Though her performing career was relatively short, her work with Fred Astaire left a lasting mark on Broadway's golden age and on the interpretation of Gershwin's musical theatre songs.