Ruth Slenczynska

American famous child piano prodigy of the '30s, a product of her father's ambition. A former violinist in Warsaw, he began her lessons when she was two, with nine hours a day practice. At four, she had her first public appearance, and from five, studied and performed in Europe. Her concerts were a great success in Berlin, Paris, New York and San Francisco. In 1940, Slenczynska fell ill while scheduled for a concert; when her father insisted she continue the appearances, they had a major falling out. Five days later she had an emergency appendectomy. She disowned her father and never spoke to him again; he kept all the money she had earned.

Her first marriage turned out a continuance of her domination, her husband pushing her career until she divorced him. She made a second marriage in August 1967. Slenczynska continues her concert career at a schedule of her own choosing.