Sexy Songbird of the 50's and 60's, Abbe Lane

When I was doing the post about Xaiver Cugat, I was talking about it at dinner with Pat and Andy, and I mentioned that one of Cugat's ex-wives, singer Abbe Lane, was a real Sexpot. Andy wanted to see what she looked like, so here is a video tribute from YouTube, with still shots and a song by her:



The video is 2 minutes and 31 seconds. Here is the commentary about the video:

Abbe Lane Tribute

Here is a good song by the glamorous Abbe Lane.

Dripping with sensuality, Abbe Lane was at her best performing live as a night club singer. Her first big break came when she was selected as the feature vocalist for The Xavier Cugat Orchestra. She turned that break into a short Hollywood film career, usually cast as the "exotic". She would make several more films in Italy, but it would always be her sexy stage shows that her fans will most remember.

Abigail Francine Lassman was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 14th, 1932. Her career dates back to her late teens when she was already an accomplished vocalist. During that time she came to the attention of latin band leader Xavier Cugat. Cugat was riding the crest of the latin-mania of the late 1940's and early 1950's. Her occasional singing spot, with his mainly instrumental orchestra, was the highlight of the nightclub circuit from coast to coast.

Her first appearance on film also came through her affiliation with Cugat. In 1952 she starred in a mini-movie simply entitled "Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra". Her recording career also blossomed around the same time. A host of albums followed during the 1950's. Besides her now legendary recordings with Cugat, Abbe also was feted by and recorded with Sid Ramin, Tito Puente and countless others.

Her marriage in 1952 to Xavier Cugat was one of many for the aging band leader. Her career was prolific both as an actress and vocalist during the 1950's and well into the 1960's.

A rare interview from "ADAM" magazine in 1963 reveals exactly who Abbe was and what she meant to show business: "With her mobile hips, her sultry voice and her free-wheeling outlook on love, Abbe Lane has well earned the crown of... The Swingingest Sexpot In Show Business". She said: "Jayne Mansfield may turn the boys into men, but I take them from there."

Listen to this sexy songbird and enjoy!

Yes, a good song indeed!