Died On This Date (August 10, 2013) Eydie Gormé / Pop Music Icon

Eydie Gormé (Born Edith Gormezano)
August 16, 1928 – August 10, 2013

Eydie-GormeEydie Gormé was an American vocalist who, with her longtime husband and singing partner, Steve Lawrence, made some of the most popular recordings of the mid-20th century.  Born in New York City, Gormé made her first record fronting the Tommy Tucker Orchestra in 1950.  During her early years, Gormé worked with several big bands including that of the great Tex Beneke.  In 1953, she appeared on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen, which kicked her career into high gear.  She also met Lawrence who was also booked on the show that day.  The couple went on to become one of Las Vegas’ must enduring live acts while making countless television appearances and numerous albums.  She and Lawrence were presented with a Grammy in 1957 and Gormé earned a second one in 1967. Throughout her career, she released some 50 singles – solo and with Lawrence – many of which charted.  Her most popular recording was 1962’s “Blame It On The Bossa Nova.”  Gormé began blogging on her website in 2006 and continued to perform until she retired in 2009.  Eydie Gormé was 84 when she passed away on August 10, 2013.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus of Bob Dylan Examiner for the assist.

What You Should Own

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Click to find at amazon.com



Died On This Date (June 23, 2010) Allyn Ferguson / Wrote Several TV Theme Songs

Allyn Ferguson
October 18, 1924 – June 23, 2010

Photo by Bob Chamberlin

Allyn Ferguson was an American pianist and composer, best remembered for his iconic ’70s TV theme songs.  Mostly collaborating with Jack Elliott, Ferguson created the theme songs for such popular shows as Barney Miller and Charlie’s Angels as well as episode music for Starsky and Hutch, The Rookies, S.W.A.T., and many more.  In 1985, he won an Emmy for his contributions to the TV film, Camille.  Over the course of his career, Ferguson also served as musical director for  Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Julie Andrews, Johnny Mathis, as well as for the American Music Awards, The Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award broadcasts.   Allyn Ferguson was 85 when he passed away on June 23, 2010.

Thanks to Craig Rosen at Number1Albums for the assist.