Legendary nightclub singer Marilyn Maye will appear The Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason, SF, for six shows, Sept 15 - 20 at 7 p.m. and a Sunday, Sept. 16th show at 5 p.m.
TICKETS: $35-40. Opening night special: $30.
PHONE: 866-468-3399 or http://www.therrazzroom.com or directly through http://www.ticketweb.com.
About Marilyn Maye, Cabaret Singer
In the years since Marilyn Maye first appeared in the spotlight as a pre-teen vocalist in amateur contests in Topeka, Kansas, she has received an endless stream of kudos. The late Johnny Carson called her "Super Singer." Ella Fitzgerald dubbed her "The greatest white female singer in the world." And the prestigious Smithsonian Institution chose her recording of "Too Late Now" for inclusion in its Best Performers of the Best Compositions of the 20th Century permanent collection. Add a Grammy nomination, a bevy of awards reflecting her showmanship, and you have an illustrious singing career that is still going strong and amazing audiences who discover she still exudes the vocal strength and stamina of a singer half her age.
Marilyn was born in Wichita, Kansas. Convinced her daughter's path to stardom was in the then-thriving business of amateur contests, her mother started placing her in them at age 7, and Marilyn usually won the top prize. While in high school, Marilyn had her own radio show, "Marilyn Entertains," in which she sang write-in requests from servicemen. The show led to several offers to join nationally-known big bands as their 'girl singer,' but Marilyn chose to continue with radio and became staff vocalist at a radio station.
Marilyn's big break came when she was booked at a supper club in Kansas City for a 3-week gig that turned into an eleven year engagement. She was discovered there by Steve Allen, who invited her to appear on his television show. Soon Marilyn was signed to a recording contract and had another big break when Ed McMahon invited her on The Tonight Show. The studio audience was so enthusiastic that Johnny Carson issued her an open invitation to join him whenever she was in New York She appeared on the Tonight Show 76 times. As the nightclub scene gradually disappeared in the 70's, Marilyn made the transition to theatre, starring in productions of "Can Can," "Follies," "Mame" and "Hello Dolly!"
"Marilyn Maye sets the standard for the way any jazz, pop, or big band singer would like to sound," Peter Nero said when introducing Marilyn at a concert. And no one who has ever heard this songbird sing, whether with an orchestra, a trio or just a lone piano, would disagree.
Website: http://www.marilynmaye.com
