Don Cornell
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Don Cornell (April 21, 1919 – February 23, 2004) was an American singer of the 1940s and 1950s.
Born Luigi Varlaro in The Bronx, New York, Cornell got his start with trumpeter Red Nichols and bandleader Sammy Kaye before going solo. He sold over 50 million records.[citation needed] Among his hits were "It Isn't Fair," "I'm Yours," "I'll Walk Alone," and "Hold My Hand." His version of "Hold My Hand" sold over one million copies, and topped the UK Singles Chart in 1954.[1] In 1993, he was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame.
He was among the top headliners, appearing on the nightclub circuit during the 1950's, when there were numerous such venues across the nation. Unlike many stars, he was very affable, and far from reclusive, aloof or distant when in public. When headlining at the Beverly Hills Supper Club, Southgate, Kentucky - in metropolitan Cincinnati - he appeared many times on the highy-popular Ruth Lyons noon television program. He was so popular and engaging, and such a favorite of its star and viewers, that he actually hosted the show during some of Ms. Lyons' periodic absences.
In 1979 Cornell moved to Florida. He died in Aventura, Florida from emphysema and diabetes at the age of 84.
[edit] References
- ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 121. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
[edit] External links
- The Powerhouse: Don Cornell, article on The Interlude Era site.
- Don Cornell at the IMDB
- Photo
