Lester was one of the busiest voice-over artists in early 1960s commercials, working in many commercials for Kellogg's breakfast cereal. She was first heard as both of Toucan Sam's infant nephews, with Sam played by Mel Blanc. She also voiced one of the two battling Smackin' Brothers for Sugar Smacks, and sang the commercial's jingle.[4]
Story reader for Disney
In the early 1960s, Disney songwriters Richard and Robert Sherman brought Lester to the attention of Disney's in-house record label. Lester's voice was heard as narrator and singer on dozens of Disney's children's records. One such record was The Story and Song of the Haunted Mansion which also featured the voices of Thurl Ravenscroft and Ron Howard. Her singing voice was heard on the song "Hippity Hop" from the Disney album Peter Cottontail and Other Funny Bunnies. Beginning in 1965, Lester was the "Disneyland Story Reader" on records where she read the stories, acted out all the parts and reminded children to "turn the page" in their accompanying booklet. Her famous phrase "...when Tinker Bell rings her little bells like this (wind chimes)...turn the page" was heard by countless children of a generation. She also provided the voice of Piglet on some of the early Winnie the Pooh records. In Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records, authors Tim Hollis and Greg Ehrbar state, "It is impossible to calculate how many lives Robie Lester touched by singing, acting, and narrating on more individual Disneyland records than any other performer."[3]
Television and films
One of her most famous roles was as "Miss Jessica", the schoolteacher who becomes Mrs. Kris Kringle (Santa Claus) in the 1970 Rankin/Bass TV special Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town. In the Christmas special, Lester sang a powerful ballad entitled "My World Is Beginning Today" in which her character literally lets her hair down and comes to the aid of her future husband, Kris Kringle.[4]
The Disney Storyteller Series album, The Story of the Aristocats, was nominated for a 1971 Grammy Award.[7]
Record producer
In the early 1960s, she formed Mary Music, Funco Publishing, and Golden Key for record production and distribution. She personally produced multiple releases on the Bonanza and Musikon labels.[8]
Later years
Lester spent her final years in Fillmore, California, fund raising and crusading for animal rights. She published two novels: The Twenty Dollar Christmas (1996)[9] and Heaven's Gift (1999).[10] She also gratefully discovered a fan base that had grown up with her work. Her last voice performance was in 2002 for the Adventures in Odyssey radio series.[11]
Terribly Sophisticated Songs: A Collection of Unpopular Songs for Popular People (Warner Brothers Records B1210, 1958) -- "I'm Filled With That Empty Feeling", "Just My Sol"[14]
^The "Reviews of New Pop Records" section of the December 15, 1956, issue of Billboard magazine reviewed both tracks. For "With You Where You Are" the magazine noted, "Here's a harmony dual-tracking job by the gal on a bouncy tune. Songstress has an easygoing style with potential to break thru on future sides." On "Listen To The Wind": "The new thrush offers a slightly mystical, minor-key ballad that has charm. Organ backup makes the whispering wind sound."
^Both tracks "with the Spencer-Hagen Orchestra." From the "Pop Talent" section of the July 1, 1957, issue of Billboard magazine: "Another important chunk of talent blooms here. First, Miss Lester pours out healthy emotion on the pretty tune with a strong lyric. Song has a tasty arrangement and it's in the teen groove. Flip is a charmingly chanted waltz. Sides are strong and the talent figures to move out on these and on future wax."
^B-side by The Gould Singers; both sides with Danny Gould and Orchestra. Both songs from the 1959 film Never Steal Anything Small.
^"Reviews of New Pop Records" section of the February 16, 1959, issue of Billboard magazine said of "The Tree and the Sea", "Miss Lester offers a sweet-voiced interpretation of this pretty ballad with choral effects and the concerto sound in the piano. Gal has pleasant sound somewhat in the Gogi Grant style. Comments on "The Chimney Sweep" follow: "This is an interesting medium-rhythm tune with Miss Lester again coming thru in good style with an interesting percussion sound in the backing. A talented thrush." Both sides written by Al De Lory and Joe Van Winkle. Also released in France on America 45 M 52 in 1959.
^Although originally released as the B-side song, "The Miracle Of Life" on the Lute label "bubbled under" at #107 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for April 25, 1960. Also tabbed as a "Good Sales Potential" item in the March 28, 1960, issue of Billboard magazine with comment, "An inspirational side. Lyric carries a message -- the miracle of life. Chick's vocal is a good one, backed by violin and chorus." Song written by Morey Bernstein.
^Also released on Finer Arts FA-1004 (1961), Polydor (UK) NH 66963 (1961), and Landa 681 (1962). Flip side "The Ballad of Cheatin' John" written by Don Ralke and By Dunham.
^"Pick of the Week" by DJ Bob Hudson of WCIN in the May 29, 1965, issue of Billboard magazine. Written by Wayne Shanklin, eden ahbez, and Lee Esmond. Flip side "Another Show Another Town" written by Van Winkle-Darian. Both tracks produced by J. R. Shanklin.
^Performed on Shivaree January 8, 1965 (episode #50).
^The 1996 CD reissue (Walt Disney Records 60904-7) titled Songs From The Aristocats includes only "She Never Felt Alone". The 2015 2-CD Legacy Collection Edition (Universal) includes additional tracks and alternate versions.
