Margaret De Fries (1935-2010), singer
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TitleMargaret De Fries (1935-2010), singer
ReferenceGD255
Datec 1955-2005
Archive creator Margaret De Fries
Scope and ContentPhotographs, newscuttings, programme, lucky charm, Scottish souvenirs
Extent1 box
LanguageEnglish
Archival historyDonated by her husband.
Persons keyword Margaret De Fries, Greta Connelle
Level of descriptionfonds
Admin history/BiographyMargaret (Greta) Connelly Gallacher was born in Kirkintilloch on 1 May 1935 to Edward and Euphemia Gallacher, one of 5 children. From an early age Greta sang and danced with other members of her family at convalescent homes and charity shows. After leaving school she worked as a typist in a locomotive factory. At the age of 19 she began her professional singing career under the stage name Greta Connelle, performing with groups including The Five Sharps, the Ogilvie Singers and The Earl King Quartet, before creating her own act the Greta Connelle Four. She regularly performed live on the Scottish Television show 'Dance Party Roof' hosted by Andy Stewart and Rikki Fulton. In 1959 Greta travelled to Germany to perform in a show for US troops. While there she met her future husband Byron De Fries who was a musician in the band. Byron and Greta married in July 1959 in Kirkintilloch while Byron was on leave from the US Army. The couple settled in the USA and brought up a family. They kept close links with the family 'back home' in Kirkintilloch.
Repository nameEast Dunbartonshire Archives - Kirkintilloch