Jazz Vocalist, Actress. The oldest of six children, she started singing at the age of four and after acquiring experience in her church choir, she performed on the local TV program "Skyline Melody." She initially had ambitions of becoming a teacher and studied at Central State College, prior to meeting jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who convinced her to try a career in music. Influenced by the likes of Nat 'King' Cole and Dinah Washington, she embarked upon New York and landed a contract with the Capitol label, which resulted in her debut album "Like In Love" (1959). This was followed with "Something Wonderful" (1960). She enjoyed commercial success with the hit single (You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" (1964), which reached number eleven on the American Billboards Chart and in 1968, she had a Top 30 placing with "Face It Girl, It's Over". In 1965, she received a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording for "How Glad Am I." In addition, she enjoyed a more than 30 year career as an actress and appeared on such TV programs as "I Spy," "Room 222," "Hawaii 5-0" and "Police Story." She received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame for her recording career.
Jazz Vocalist, Actress. The oldest of six children, she started singing at the age of four and after acquiring experience in her church choir, she performed on the local TV program "Skyline Melody." She initially had ambitions of becoming a teacher and studied at Central State College, prior to meeting jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who convinced her to try a career in music. Influenced by the likes of Nat 'King' Cole and Dinah Washington, she embarked upon New York and landed a contract with the Capitol label, which resulted in her debut album "Like In Love" (1959). This was followed with "Something Wonderful" (1960). She enjoyed commercial success with the hit single (You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" (1964), which reached number eleven on the American Billboards Chart and in 1968, she had a Top 30 placing with "Face It Girl, It's Over". In 1965, she received a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording for "How Glad Am I." In addition, she enjoyed a more than 30 year career as an actress and appeared on such TV programs as "I Spy," "Room 222," "Hawaii 5-0" and "Police Story." She received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame for her recording career.
Bio by: C.S.
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