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Jane Morgan Weintraub: Celebrated Singer of the 1950s and 60s Dies at 101

Jane Morgan Weintraub, a celebrated singer and entertainer, has passed away at the age of 101. Her remarkable career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on the music and television industries.

Jane Morgan Weintraub: A Tribute to the Iconic Singer

Jane Morgan Weintraub, a celebrated singer, nightclub entertainer, Broadway performer, and a familiar face on television during the 1950s and ’60s, passed away on Monday due to natural causes in Naples, Florida. She was 101 years old.

Her family shared the news, stating, “Our beloved Jane passed away peacefully in her sleep.”

Television Stardom

Known simply as Jane Morgan, she was a prominent figure on television variety shows from the Golden Age of the 1950s through the 1960s and even into the early 1970s. One notable appearance was on The Johnny Cash Show in 1971, where she humorously responded to the Man in Black’s “A Boy Named Sue” with “A Girl Named Cash,” a song written for the show by Martin Mull.

She is believed to hold the record for female singers appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show, with a remarkable 50 appearances.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Born Florence Catherine Currier on May 3, 1924, in Newton, Massachusetts, Morgan was raised in a musical family in Florida. She began singing on stage at the young age of 7. By 1948, she was training as a lyric soprano at the Juilliard Conservatory in New York. To support her studies, she performed in nightclubs and small restaurants, where she was discovered by French bandleader Bernard Hilda. Recognizing her unique talent, he brought her to France, where she quickly became known as “The Toast of Paris.”

Upon returning to America, she signed with Knapp Records and released several albums, including The American Girl from Paris and All the Way, ultimately earning six gold records.

Signature Hits and Collaborations

Among her notable singles was “Fascination” (1957), which became a signature tune for her, reaching the Top 10 and serving as the title track for her most successful album, which peaked at No. 13. Throughout the 1950s and ’60s, she continued to produce international hits, including “The Day The Rains Came,” which topped the UK charts in 1959, as well as “With Open Arms,” “To Love and Be Loved,” and “Blue Hawaii.”

In 1962, she began working with Jerry Weintraub, a formidable music manager who represented stars like Elvis Presley and John Denver, and later became a prolific film producer known for hits like The Karate Kid and Ocean’s Eleven.

Jane married Weintraub in 1965, becoming the stepmother to his son Michael and later adopting three daughters: Julie, Jamie, and Jody.

Legacy and Recognition

Throughout her illustrious career, Morgan performed for Presidents and toured with popular comedians of her time. She made numerous television appearances, including hosting her own specials such as The Jane Morgan Hour (1959). Her recording of “Fascination” has been featured in the soundtracks of films like Diner, The Next Karate Kid, Call The Midwife, and Fallout.

On Broadway, Morgan graced the stage in productions like Ziegfeld Follies of 1957, The Jack Benny Show (1963), and Mame (1968).

In 2011, she received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her enduring legacy.

She is survived by her son Michael Weintraub (Maria), daughters Jamie and Jody, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and daughter Julie.

Memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology at UCLA.

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