Marilyn Maye is one of the famous Jazz Singer, who was born on the memorable day of April 10 in the year 1928. Hailing from the vibrant city of Kansas, Marilyn Maye is a proud citizen of United States.
Jazz andcabaret singer and musical theater actress who became famous in the 1960s. She was signed to RCA Victor. In 1966, she received a Grammy Nomination.
Over the years, not only have skills been honed, but a significant impact has also been made in the professional field. Whether it's through work, public appearances, or contributions to the community, Marilyn Maye continues to be an inspiration for many.
Personal Information
Details about Marilyn Maye
Popular As:
Marilyn Maye
First Name:
Marilyn
Last Name:
Maye
Gender:
Female
Birthday:
April 10
Birth Year:
1928
Age:
95-years
Career
At the age of 14, she sang for Hugh Martinand Ralph Blane, which landed her a fifteen-minute radio show in Des Moines.
She appeared on The Tonight Show76 times throughout her career.
Family
As a child, her mother accompanied her on the piano. Her father was a pharmacist and owned a drug store. She was a regular guest on Johnny Carson‘s show.
Marilyn Maye Timeline
1920
She was named after Marilyn Miller, a 1920s singer and performer.
1939
In 1939, she performed in a children's revue program in Topeka's Jayhawk Theatre.
1940
Maye performed locally during the 1940s and 1950s until being discovered in 1963 by Steve Allen, later appearing on his television show.
1946
In 1946, Marilyn graduated from East High School in Des Moines.
1960
She found less work on the nightclub circuit as supper clubs declined in popularity. "I was too late to have a big career," she told Theater Mania. "It was amazing that I was able to as much as I did in the 1960s, and even more amazing that I was able to carry on into the ’70s — because by that time, of course, music had totally changed." The only concert work she could find was on the American West Coast, which had limited availability.
1961
In 1961, the Holly record label released Marilyn...the Most.
1963
In 1963, Maye was performing at a nightclub when she was heard by television personality Steve Allen.
1965
Between 1965 and 1970, Maye recorded a series of albums for RCA.
1966
Three singles reached the American adult contemporary top ten: "Cabaret" (1966), "Sherry!" (1967) and "Step to the Rear" (1967).
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1967
Both were included on Maye's fourth studio album titled A Taste of "Sherry!" (1967).
1968
Taken from the Broadway musical How Now, Dow Jones, Maye's version of "Step to the Rear" reached number two on the adult contemporary chart in 1968.
1969
In 1969, "Step to the Rear" began being featured in televised advertisements for the Lincoln and Mercury automobiles.
1970
By the 1970s, the nightclub circuit began to disappear and Maye found performing work elsewhere.
1973
In 1973, she appeared at the Starlight again in The Doc Severinsen Show.
1979
She made her final performance there in 1979.
1981
In 1981, she began working with Billy Stritch who has since been her off-and-off accompanist and music director.
1985
She also continued her recording career, releasing an album of music from Hello Dolly in 1985 and a tribute album of songs to Ray Charles in 2005.
1990
In 1990, Maye auditioned for the lead in a regional production of Follies.
2005
In 2005, she released a studio album of songs first recorded by Ray Charles.
2006
In 2006, she gained attention after performing in New York City at the Mabel Mercer Foundation.
2007
During this period, her mother encouraged her daughter to sing and perform. "Mother was a very strong lady, so thank God I had talent, because she was determined to make me a singer," she told Theatre Mania in 2007.
2008
At age 80, she returned in 2008 to the Metropolitan room with a new stage show of Cabaret music called "Love on the Rocks".
2010
In the 2010s, Maye continued a regular concert schedule throughout the United States, including continual New York City engagements.
2011
In both 2011 and 2012, she performed at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.
2012
On September 18, 2012, the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City honored Maye with the organization's Outstanding Kansas Citian Award.
2018
Approaching the age of 90, Maye was featured in a 2018 episode of CBS Sunday Morning, with a profile by Mo Rocca.