Musician. He was a singer, songwriter, pianist, and one of the most popular entertainers of the 1950s. He was partially deaf since childhood and began wearing a hearing aid at age 14. In 1951, his first effort was a song he had written titled "Whiskey and Gin," which became a hit and he was signed to the Okeh label. He recorded the song "Cry," which was produced by Mitch Miller and became a number-one smash hit. He soon moved to Columbia Records, where he recorded 25 hits in the top thirty from 1951 to 1957. His many songs included "Little White Cloud That Cried," "Just Walkin' in the Rain", "Walkin' My Baby Home," "Please Mr. Sun," and "Candy Lips." He also appeared on many television shows and in the musical film "There's No Business Like Show Business" (1954). Although he faded from popularity in the United States in the late 1950s, he continued to be popular in Europe, toured Australia many times, and had more performances there than any other American performer. He died in Los Angeles, California, at age 63 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Musician. He was a singer, songwriter, pianist, and one of the most popular entertainers of the 1950s. He was partially deaf since childhood and began wearing a hearing aid at age 14. In 1951, his first effort was a song he had written titled "Whiskey and Gin," which became a hit and he was signed to the Okeh label. He recorded the song "Cry," which was produced by Mitch Miller and became a number-one smash hit. He soon moved to Columbia Records, where he recorded 25 hits in the top thirty from 1951 to 1957. His many songs included "Little White Cloud That Cried," "Just Walkin' in the Rain", "Walkin' My Baby Home," "Please Mr. Sun," and "Candy Lips." He also appeared on many television shows and in the musical film "There's No Business Like Show Business" (1954). Although he faded from popularity in the United States in the late 1950s, he continued to be popular in Europe, toured Australia many times, and had more performances there than any other American performer. He died in Los Angeles, California, at age 63 and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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