At the recommendation of Gower Champion, she was picked to be
Carol Channing's standby in the original 1964 Broadway
production of "Hello Dolly!" Channing, unfortunately, was known for
never missing a performance. Jo Anne later played the title role on the
road.
I have a big mouth, and I'm sorry to say I've always had one. When I
was young, in church, I never sang with everybody else. I only mouthed
the hymns, so I wouldn't drown everyone else out. I have my quiet
moments. But I don't have many.