Singer, actress Kaye Stevens dies in Florida
THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Singer and actress Kaye Stevens, a frequent guest on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show,” has died at a Florida hospital at 79.
Stevens performed with Rat Pack members including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop. She also sang solo at venues like Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
During the Vietnam War era, Stevens performed for American soldiers in the war zone with Bob Hope’s USO tour.
Stevens was born Catherine Louise Stephens in Pittsburgh. Her family moved to Cleveland, where a teenage Stevens got her start as a drummer and singer. She later married now deceased bandleader and trumpet player Tommy Amato, and the couple performed throughout the eastern U.S.
During a gig in New Jersey, Stevens was discovered by Ed McMahon, Carson’s longtime sidekick, which led to new bookings. Her big break came when she was playing a lounge at The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Debbie Reynolds became ill and was unable to perform. Stevens filled in and was an instant hit.
