Why was Mervyn LeRoy known as the Singing Newsboy in vaudeville?

Mervyn LeRoy was known as the "Singing Newsboy" in vaudeville because of his early experiences following the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. After the destruction of his family home, LeRoy began earning money by selling newspapers. One of his customers, recognizing his potential, helped him secure an onstage role as a newsboy, which served as his entry into show business.1