Before Kaye Ballard, born Catherine Gloria Balotta, was known as television and Broadway presence, she spent many years in nightclubs. Here are a few songs she introduced that became hits.
Ballard played Helen of Troy in The Golden Apple and introduced “Lazy Afternoon.”
Before Nelson Riddle got his hands on it, “Fly Me to the Moon” was a sentimental waltz titled “In Other Words.” But so many people asked for “Fly Me to the Moon” that Bart Howard changed the name of the song.
Ballard tells the story of how the song “Maybe This Time” was written specifically for her. She also discusses how she was a conduit for the success of “My Coloring Book.”
In addition to these songs, Ballard’s distinguished career included the Broadway versions of The Pirates of Penzance, Carnival!. and Molly! along with the Paper Mill production of Follies; and extensive television work including the first television showing of Cindarella and the series The Mothers-In-Law and The Doris Day Show.
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I LOOOOVE her “Lazy Afternoon.” Also love Joan Morris’ version with William Bolcom!
Thanks, Eden! I do too! A link to another great version of Lazy Afternoon coming soon!