#kaye stevens

Once I plow through all the Fannie Flagg Match Game episodes, I might have to move on to the Kaye Stevens ones, too, because she’s really doing it for me.

*I lived in Vegas for a bit, and absolutely loved it! The architecture and history, it had an enchanted feeling. But sadly, there is no appreciation for this era. People want bigger casinos, more glitz and lights to entertain their ADD. I cried last year when they knocked down the Sahara. It may have been outdated, but it was still beautiful. It had that glam Rat Pack feel, that at any time Dean Martin could sit down next to me. I know 90% of you have no idea whom Kaye Stevens is, but I do. Her passing brought a tear to my eye. It's another chapter of classic Vegas coming to an end*

Singer, Actress Kaye Stevens Dies In Florida

THE VILLAGES, FL (AP) -- Singer and actress Kaye Stevens, who performed with the Rat Pack and was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show," has died at a central Florida hospital. She was 79.

Close friend Gerry Schweitzer confirmed that Stevens died Wednesday at the Villages Hospital north of Orlando following a battle with breast cancer and blood clots.

Stevens, a longtime South Florida resident, performed with Rat Pack members including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop. She also sang solo at venues like Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and the Plaza Hotel's Persian Room in New York City.

During the Vietnam War era, Stevens performed for American soldiers in the war zone with Bob Hope's USO tour.

According to a handout from friend Rhonda Glenn, Stevens was born Catherine Louise Stephens in Pittsburgh. Her family eventually moved to Cleveland, where a teenage Stevens got her start as a drummer and singer. She later married now deceased bandleader and trumpet player Tommy Amato, and the couple performed throughout the eastern U.S.

During a gig in New Jersey, Stevens was discovered by Ed McMahon, Carson's longtime sidekick, which led to new bookings. Her big break came when she was playing a lounge at The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Debbie Reynolds became ill and was unable to perform in the main room. Stevens filled in and was an instant hit.

Besides singing, Stevens also acted in film and television. She appeared in six movies, earning a Golden Globe nomination in 1964 for "The New Interns." She was a regular celebrity player on game shows and appeared as a regular on "Days of Our Lives" from 1974-79.