LIZ SMITH, New York Post, July 2, 2002

ROSEMARY CLOONEY'S death robs us not only of a lovely person, but significantly narrows the field of artists who are masters at interpreting lyrics. Time and trouble had taken its toll of Clooney's voice, which grew huskier and more limited in power, but she masterfully used what remained to make the most of each and every song. The intimacy, precision and warmth of her delivery increased and she produced her greatest albums during the past decade.

Clooney also wrote a marvelous memoir, "Girl Singer," in which she candidly tackled her tumultuous marriage to Jose Ferrer, her emotional breakdown, drug dependency and her eventual revival, on and off-stage.

Though her finest work came later in life and she was primarily a recording artist, Rosemary Clooney did provide an indelible big-screen moment. In "White Christmas," a young and gorgeous Clooney, in tight black velvet, sultrily crooned "Love You Didn't Do Right By Me." But as sex-symbol or earth-mother, that voice was unmistakable and eternal. We'll miss her.