40 Facts About Anita Bryant

Early Life and Beginnings

Anita Bryant's journey began in a small town in Oklahoma, where her early years were filled with music and public performances. Her talent was evident from a very young age.

1. Anita Jane Bryant was born on March 25, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, at her grandparents' house. She was thought to be stillborn until her persistent grandfather, John Berry, revived her.
2. Although her family lived in Oklahoma City, Anita spent her early years in various locations including Velma-Alma, Tishomingo, and Midwest City.
3. Anita began singing at the age of six months, taught by her grandfather. She sang in church and public performances from a young age.
4. Anita gave her first operetta performance at the age of seven in the first grade at Seminole.
5. She made her television debut at the age of 12 on WKY-TV’s Scotty Harrel Show, which later became known as the Anita Bryant Show.

Rise to Fame

Anita's talent and beauty led her to success in beauty pageants and a flourishing music career. Her voice captivated audiences across the nation.

6. Anita attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, where she continued to perform in school musicals and other events.
7. In 1958, Anita won the Miss Tulsa and Miss Oklahoma beauty pageants, which led to her becoming the second runner-up in the Miss America Pageant.
8. After winning the beauty pageants, Anita signed with Carlton Records and released several successful pop songs, including "Till There Was You" and "Paper Roses."
9. In 1962, Anita switched to Columbia Records and continued to have a successful music career.
10. Anita toured with Bob Hope's USO tours, visiting various parts of the world including the Caribbean, Arctic, Pacific Rim, and Far East.

Commercial Success and National Popularity

Anita's career extended beyond music. She became a well-known face in commercials and public events, further cementing her place in American culture.

11. During these tours, she entertained soldiers and received several awards for her dedication to the USO cause, including the Silver Medallion Award by the National Guard.
12. In 1969, Anita became the spokesperson for the Florida Citrus Commission, a role she held for twelve years. She was known as "The Sunshine-Tree Girl" and appeared in numerous television commercials and advertisements.
13. Her efforts significantly boosted the sales of Florida orange juice from 1968 to 1980. She sang the theme song "Come to the Florida Sunshine Tree" during this period.
14. By 1969, Anita’s national popularity had grown substantially. She received much acclaim for her rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which she performed at the 1971 Super Bowl half-time show.
15. In 1973, Anita performed "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" at former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s funeral, a performance that deeply touched the late president.

Author and Spokesperson

Anita's talents were not limited to singing. She also authored books and became a spokesperson for several major brands.

16. In addition to her music career, Anita authored several books, including "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" in 1970 and "A New Day: A Triumphant Story of Forgiveness, Healing, and Recovery" in 1992.
17. Anita also became a spokesperson for Coca-Cola and Kraft Foods, appearing in numerous advertisements for these brands.
18. She was also a spokesperson for Holiday Inn and Tupperware, further expanding her commercial reach.

Controversial Activism

Anita's involvement in anti-gay rights activism marked a significant and controversial chapter in her life. Her stance sparked widespread debate and backlash.

19. In 1977, Anita became embroiled in a campaign against a local ordinance in Dade County, Florida, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Her involvement with the "Save Our Children" campaign was highly controversial and led to her being condemned by gay rights activists.
20. In 1980, Anita divorced her husband Bob Green, whom she had married in 1960. She then married Charlie Dry, a former NASA test crewman, in 1990.
21. After her divorce from Bob Green, Anita founded Anita Bryant Ministries in Oklahoma City. This ministry focused on spreading Christian values and promoting family values.
22. In May 1991, Anita began performing again in Berryville, Arkansas. She continued to perform in various venues across the United States.
23. By 2003, Anita had returned to Oklahoma City and began lending her talents to various fund-raising causes such as the Future Farmers of America, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Western Heritage Museum.

Personal Life and Legacy

Anita's personal life and legacy are complex, marked by both significant achievements and controversies. Her impact on American culture remains a topic of discussion.

24. Anita had four children: Bobby (adopted), Gloria, Billy, and Barbara. Her marriage to Bob Green was marked by her conversion of him to Christianity before their wedding.
25. During her music career, Anita garnered several Grammy Award nominations for her albums and performances.
26. Anita released a total of 45 albums throughout her career, showcasing her versatility in both pop and Christian music genres.
27. She scored four Top 40 hits in the United States during the late 1950s and early 1960s, including "Paper Roses" and "In My Little Corner of the World."
28. Anita performed at numerous public events including the Democratic and Republican presidential conventions in 1968.

Honors and Recognition

Despite the controversies, Anita received numerous accolades and recognition for her contributions to entertainment and culture.

29. She entertained several times at the White House, performing for various presidents and their guests.
30. In 1988, Anita was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, becoming the first woman and youngest individual to receive this honor.
31. Despite her national fame, Anita remained connected to Oklahoma throughout her life. She was born in Barnsdall and later lived in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
32. Anita was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1966, recognizing her contributions to the state’s entertainment industry.
33. She is featured in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, highlighting her significant contributions to Oklahoma’s cultural landscape.
34. Anita is also listed on Simple English Wikipedia, providing a concise overview of her life and achievements.
35. The GLBTQ Archives feature Anita Bryant as a prominent figure in the history of LGBTQ+ rights activism, highlighting her controversial stance against gay rights.

Controversial Campaigns and Public Image

Anita's campaigns and public image were often subjects of intense scrutiny and debate. Her actions left a lasting impact on American society.

36. In 1977, Anita launched the "Save Our Children" campaign to repeal a local ordinance in Dade County, Florida, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This campaign was highly controversial and led to widespread criticism from the LGBTQ+ community.
37. Despite her controversies, Anita remained a beloved figure in American entertainment. She was featured in People magazine and co-hosted eight Orange Bowl parade telecasts for NBC.
38. Anita confessed to a lifelong hatred of men due to her father abandoning her mother. This personal struggle had a significant impact on her public image and career trajectory.
39. Anita Bryant’s legacy is complex, marked by both significant achievements in the entertainment industry and a highly controversial stance on gay rights. Her impact on American culture is undeniable, even if it is multifaceted and often contentious.
40. Anita Jane Bryant passed away on December 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be debated and discussed in the context of American history and culture.

Anita Bryant's Complex Legacy

Anita Bryant's life was a mix of triumphs and controversies. Born in Oklahoma, she quickly rose to fame as a singer and beauty queen. Her hits like "Paper Roses" and "Till There Was You" made her a household name. She also became a prominent spokesperson for brands like Florida Citrus, Coca-Cola, and Kraft Foods. However, her anti-gay rights activism in the late 1970s overshadowed much of her earlier success. The "Save Our Children" campaign made her a polarizing figure. Despite this, she continued to perform and engage in various causes. Anita's story is one of contrasts: a celebrated entertainer and a controversial activist. Her impact on American culture remains significant, sparking discussions that continue today. Whether admired or criticized, Anita Bryant's legacy is undeniably complex and multifaceted.