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A very beautiful Miss America

I was in this pageant with Linda Eder! I thought she should have won. I believe she was 4th runner up---stupid judges! Go, Linda! She's a gem.

How in the world can she sing so beautifully ans effortlessly? I can't even see her breath!

Bert was the best because his entire heart was in it. When they say he was our Mr. America they were right.

She's a gifted natural talent and in a class by herself. I'm becoming obsessed with her.

Great original voice, the pitchy notes in between didn't go well with the song but at that age she was well on her way and look at how fantastic she has graced the music industry.

Announcer dude looks like Ed McMahon .... if that’s not foreshadowing for her being on Star Search, than i don’t know what is. 😂

This aria is so cute and it definitely fit her!

Incredible, she always stands out as one of the Best Miss America’s ever

Hi! I noticed you have the 2006 swimsuit and evening wear competitions. Do you have the intro/Parade of States and/or the talent competition? Thanks! You’re the best! 😀

Miss Delaware (Deborah Lipford) was the first African-American to make it to the MAO Top 10

Born To Sing. That's all there is to it.

Howdy! Do you have the 2006 intro? I loved it but forgot to tape it. 😕

Who were with Bert Parks for the 1977 Miss America Pageant?

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Dorothy was a music major at Macalester College, where her voice teacher was Adeline Felstad.

It is time for our first Native-American Miss America and i'm not just saying this because i'm Choctaw-Cherokee, it is just time for our first Native-American Miss America to take the stage.

Probably the most talented of all Miss Americas. The greatest of all American traditions.

She was one of the very few Miss America winners who got the title her first time out...meaning she didn't have multiple tries at winning her state crown.

Possibly the overall BEST Miss America competitor ever! Known for having won every Preliminary Award she competed for...at every level...local, state and MAO!

0:48 A noise of protest for 2nd runner-up?

well eight years later she won the biggest talent show in the world being undefeated in Star Search even beat Sam Harris's record

Her career has struggled during the years. Never became truly famous.

You are so right Joseph Pratt.

She had it all. Beauty, talent, smarts, personality. A truly great Miss America.

She was an amazing, inspiring, soloist in our high school church choir in the 70's and we all knew she had a rare gift, in addition to being so humble and kind. I am even more awestruck by the beauty and clarity of her voice now which sounds straight from heaven. I am so glad she was Miss America so more people could hear her sing. She is a National Treasure and one of the best we have ever had. Judy Hunt Streed

Perhaps the most complete Miss America ever. Beauty, personality, and an abundance of talent.

Hey 61Atlantic do you have the Complete 1976 Miss America Telecast: the Crowning of Miss America 1977 Dorothy Benham in Full Telecast?

Bert Parks was (and still is) one of the best hosts that the Miss America Pageant has ever had!

Still one of the best talents!

There will come a time when you ask "who, not what are our National Treasures?"I'm sure Dorothy Benham will feature in the nominations. Thank you so much for this post. Her performance of "Bless this House" in the Hour of Power is outstanding.

At 3:03 , the note is D above High C. At 2:50, the note is E flat above High C.

what song is this?

amazing

I am not sure either; interesting. Ric Ferencz the MAO website pageant historian and guy who, the last time I visited the Community Hall link on the site (dont know either if CH is still around) was basically its moderator, would definitely know that answer......I can't imagine the pageant NOT doing at least someone that yr for her or the next time she made an appearance, similar to what they do for the ladies on their 50th anniversary. Good question!

7? I think it is six.........but i should re-google i know the other miss america winners have a superlative name for her in reference to how well her body bounces back after all the baby deliveries her body has endured.

Dorothy Benham is the most beautiful and talented Miss America ever.

It's hard to believe she was my age when she sang this and competed in Miss Minnesota! She's come a long way! Brava Linda! <3

The most clear cut victory in the history of the Miss America Pageant. Dorothy was beautiful, intelligent, kind, and her talent remains one the very best in Miss America history.

So many white dresses: MN, TX, and VA stood out

Wow, goosebumps. Thanks for posting.

Thank you! Those were difficult times...I guess I was kind of the Willie Mays of pageants, huh? LOL!

very sad that this talent did not make it to the Miss America Stage...

Wow! Your mom is Barbara Jennings? I was Miss Delaware that year, Day Deborah Lipford. I have been trying to find Barbara for years! Is she still in Maryland? Please email me: daygardner23A@aol.com

Wow...Barbara Jennings is your mom? I have been trying to contact Barbara for years! I was Miss Delaware that year! Is she still in Maryland? I live in Maryland now--would love to get together.

Wow! You have a great memory! I have a copy of the pageant from the year I was in it. That's the only recording I have of me singing that song.

A banner year for Minnesota in the big 2 beauty pagents. Dorothy Benham wins Miss America 4 months after Barbara Peterson wins Miss USA.

Long Live Bert Parks!!!!

RIP Bert Parks

Long Live Miss America!!!!