Bob Manning (pop singer)

Bob Manning (February 1, 1926 – October 23, 1997) was an American big band singer who was popular in the 1950s, and well known through his radio and television appearances.[1][2]

Bob Manning
Birth nameManny Levin
Born(1926-02-01)February 1, 1926
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedOctober 23, 1997(1997-10-23) (aged 71)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresBig Band
OccupationSinger
LabelsCapitol Records
Apollo Records

Biography

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Manning was born Manny Levin on February 1, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Manning was first spotted on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts and first gained notice as Ziggy Elman's vocalist after first touring with local bands and singing on local radio stations.[3] He recorded for MGM Records with Elman and also with Art Mooney[4] and Tommy Dorsey.[3]

Manning was a featured singer on Rhythm on the Road, an hour-long weekly program on CBS in 1955.[5]

In May 1954, Manning was a guest singer on Dave Garroway's television program.[6]

Manning had hits as a soloist after signing to Capitol Records, most notable in with a cover of Glenn Millers, The Nearness of You[3]

Manning's stepson is actor and voice artist Barry Gordon.[3]

Manning died in Los Angeles, California of pneumonia on October 23, 1997, aged 71.[1]

Albums

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  • Lonely Spell (1955, Capitol)
  • Our Wedding Songs (1958, Everest)
  • Tommy Alexander Presents His Golden Trombones (1958, Everest; Manning on four tracks)

Hit singles

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Year Single US Chart position label catalog #
1953 "The Nearness of You" 16[7] Capitol 2383 [8]
"All I Desire" 27[7] Capitol 2493[8]
1954 "Venus De Milo" 29[7] Capitol 2694

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bob Manning; Singer With Big Bands". La Times. 28 October 1997. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  2. ^ "Bob Manning". Family Search. Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d Vera, Billy (2000). From the Vaults Vol. 4: Love Letters (CD). Hollywood: Capitol Records. p. 7.
  4. ^ Herman, Pinky (December 16, 1952). "Television--Radio". Motion Picture Daily. p. 4. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  5. ^ Sies, Luther F. (2014). Encyclopedia of American Radio, 1920-1960, 2nd Edition, Volume 1. McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-5149-4. P. 553.
  6. ^ "(TV listing)". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. New York, Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. May 14, 1954. p. 16. Retrieved January 25, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.  
  7. ^ a b c Pop Memories 1890-1954. Joel Whitburn. 1986. Record Research Inc. p. 293. ISBN 0-89820-083-0
  8. ^ a b Abrams, Steven and Settlemier, Tyrone Capitol 2000 - 2500, numerical listing discography Online Discographical Project. November 1, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
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