Marilyn Maye

{{Infobox person

| name = Marilyn Maye

| image = Marilyn Maye--1967.jpg

| caption = Marilyn Maye in 1967.

| birth_name = Marilyn Maye McLaughlin

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1928|04|10}}

| birth_place = Wichita, Kansas, U.S.

| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|theater actress|masterclass educator}}

| years_active = 1946–present

| spouse = 3, including:
{{ubl|{{marriage|Jimmy De Fore|reason=divorced}}|{{marriage|Sammy Tucker|reason=divorced}}}}

| children = 1

| relatives = Joy Hodges (cousin)

| module = {{Infobox musical artist

| embed = yes

| origin = Kansas City, Missouri

| genre = {{hlist|Cabaret|jazz|pop}}

| instrument = Vocals

| label = {{hlist|Holly|RCA Victor|Marilyn Maye}}

| website = {{URL|marilynmaye.com}}

}}

Marilyn Maye McLaughlin (born April 10, 1928) is an American singer, musical theater actress and masterclass educator. With a career spanning eight decades, Maye has performed music in the styles of cabaret, jazz and pop music. She has received one nomination from the Grammy Awards and had commercial success as a recording artist.

Maye was raised in both Kansas and Iowa. With her mother's encouragement, Maye performed onstage and on the radio during her childhood. In her teenage years, she had her own radio program in Des Moines, Iowa. Maye performed locally during the 1940s and 1950s until being discovered in 1963 by Steve Allen, later appearing on his television show. She also began a 76-episode run on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This led to her signing a recording contract with RCA Victor.

Between 1965 and 1970, Maye recorded a series of albums for RCA. Her debut studio album Meet Marvelous Marilyn Maye was released in 1965. Producer Joe René brought Maye Broadway show tunes to record prior to them appearing in musicals. Many of these songs were issued by RCA as singles and some became successful. Three singles reached the American adult contemporary top ten: "Cabaret" (1966), "Sherry!" (1967) and "Step to the Rear" (1967).

By the 1970s, the nightclub circuit began to disappear and Maye found performing work elsewhere. For two decades, she made regional appearances in musicals like Hello, Dolly!, Mame and Follies. She also continued her recording career, releasing an album of music from Hello Dolly in 1985 and a tribute album of songs to Ray Charles in 2005. She also continued working across the United States in smaller venues. In 2006, she gained attention after performing in New York City at the Mabel Mercer Foundation. This led to Maye gaining a new audience in her late seventies and a renewed interest in her concert appearances. Now in her nineties, Maye has continued to appear regularly in concert.

Early life

Marilyn Maye McLaughlin was born on April 10, 1928{{cite web |title=Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/marilyn-maye/18239 |website=Kansas Historical Society |publisher=Kansas Historical Society |access-date=29 May 2023}} in Wichita, Kansas to father Kenneth and mother Lyla McLaughlin. She was named after Marilyn Miller, a 1920s singer and performer.{{cite news |last1=Errico |first1=Melissa |title=The Unsinkable Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/theater/marilyn-maye-carnegie-hall.html |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=March 15, 2023}} Maye's cousin was Broadway actress Joy Hodges.{{cite news |title=Maye Time |url=https://www.theatermania.com/news/maye-time_10314/ |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=Theater Mania |date=March 16, 2007}} Her father was a pharmacist who relocated the family to nearby Topeka where he ran a drugstore. During this period, her mother encouraged her daughter to sing and perform. "Mother was a very strong lady, so thank God I had talent, because she was determined to make me a singer," she told Theatre Mania in 2007. Lyla McLaughlin had her daughter begin singing and dancing at age three. She also had Maye train with a classical vocal coach in Topeka.

At age nine, Marilyn won a Topeka talent contest. This led to her landing a 13-week radio spot on WIBW and she earned a total of three dollars, which would be {{Inflation|US|3|1937|fmt=eq}}.{{Inflation/fn|US}} In 1939, she performed in a children's revue program in Topeka's Jayhawk Theatre.{{cite book |last1=Friedwald |first1=Will |title=The Great Jazz and Pop Vocal Albums |date=November 7, 2017 |publisher=Pantheon Books |isbn=978-0307379078}} In her childhood, Marilyn's parents divorced. Her mother relocated to Des Moines, Iowa and Marilyn moved with her. By age 13, she was performing inside ballrooms often singing big band music. Since she was underage, prompting Maye's mother kept a book where to record the false ages of her daughter to remember to tell it to agents. She had own her weekly radio program during her teenage years in Iowa.{{cite journal |last1=Loudon |first1=Christopher |title=Marilyn Maye |journal=JazzTimes |date=April 26, 2019 |url=https://jazztimes.com/features/columns/marilyn-maye/ |access-date=29 May 2023}} She often skipped her high school Spanish class so she could make regular radio appearances.{{cite magazine |last1=Cherry |first1=Nina |title=The iconic Marilyn Maye shares the secrets of her longevity and success |magazine=Kansas City Magazine |date=January 9, 2023 |url=https://kansascitymag.com/jazz/the-iconic-marilyn-maye-shares-the-secrets-of-her-longevity-and-success/ |access-date=3 June 2023}} In 1946, Marilyn graduated from East High School in Des Moines.{{cite web |title=Hall of Fame |url=https://desmoinesehsalumni.com/hall-of-fame/ |website=East High School Alumni |access-date=29 May 2023}}

Career

=1946–1961: Early career in the Midwest=

Following her 1946 high school graduation, Maye became a staff vocalist for WHAS radio in Louisville, Kentucky. There she performed with combos and orchestras.{{cite news |last1=Hennessy |first1=Christina |title=Jazz, cabaret greats to conclude Perfect Pairs series at the Palace |url=https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Jazz-cabaret-greats-to-conclude-Perfect-Pairs-5142332.php |access-date=3 June 2023 |work=Connecticut Post |date=January 14, 2014}} She then embarked as a solo performer throughout the Midwest United States, including nightclubs in Chicago, Illinois. Among her Midwest gigs was the President Hotel, located in the downtown district of Kansas City, Missouri. At the hotel she met dancer Jimmy De Fore, whom she later married. De Fore became the opening act in her shows.{{cite news |last1=Neas |first1=Patrick |title=At nearly 95, Kansas City's Marilyn Maye wows NYC's Carnegie Hall |url=https://eedition.kansascity.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=73114682-d6ba-48b7-976e-c64a0c44fb20 |access-date=3 June 2023 |work=Kansas City Star |date=April 7, 2023}}

After marrying De Fore, Maye relocated permanently to Kansas City. During this period, the couple operated a children's dance studio in Kansas City. De Fore taught dancing and Maye taught singing. Maye also took on a gig as the permanent performer at Kansas City's Colony Steakhouse. She worked alongside pianist (and her now second husband) Sammy Tucker. She remained at Colony Steakhouse for 11 years. The arrangements and musical routines she developed at the Colony would later be used on her first albums. Maye then recorded her first album in an attempt to bring her to the attention of major record labels. In 1961, the Holly record label released Marilyn...the Most.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=Marilyn...the Most (Disc Information) |journal=Holly Record Company |date=1961 |id=H-04}} It featured compositions by Midwest writer Carl Bolte, Jr. and was a locally distributed album in Missouri.{{cite book |last=Brewer |first=Carolyn |author-link= |date=2021 |title=Beneath Missouri Skies: Pat Metheny in Kansas City, 1964-1972 |location=Denton, TX |publisher=University of North Texas Press |isbn=978-1574418231}}

=1963–1970: Breakthrough at RCA Records, ''The Tonight Show'' and peak years=

In 1963, Maye was performing at a nightclub when she was heard by television personality Steve Allen.{{cite news |title=SINGER MARILYN MAYE LIVES UP TO HER INITIALS |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1987/03/29/singer-marilyn-maye-lives-up-to-her-initials/ |access-date=6 June 2023 |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=March 29, 1987}} He was also brought to the attention of her debut album, which impressed him enough to book her for several appearances on The Steve Allen Show. She also continued to perform at the Colony Steakhouse in Kansas City. Maye performed on The Steve Allen Show a total of six times. On the sixth show, she was heard by a label executive from RCA Victor. She officially signed with the label in 1965.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Deb |title=15 Questions in 15 Minutes with the legendary Marilyn Maye |url=https://dctheaterarts.org/2021/05/03/15-questions-in-15-minutes-with-the-legendary-marilyn-maye/ |website=DC Theater Arts |date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=4 June 2023}} Maye then began recording with Joe René, who produced her first RCA Victor album. Titled Meet Marvelous Marilyn Maye, the album was released in August 1965 and featured liner notes from Steve Allen.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=Meet Marvelous Marilyn Maye (Liner Notes) |journal=RCA Victor |date=August 1965 |id=LMP-3397 (Mono); LSP-3397 (Stereo)}} It was given a positive review from Billboard magazine, who named it a "Pop Special Merit" pick in its weekly list of albums.{{cite magazine |title=Album Reviews: Pop special merit picks |magazine=Billboard |date=August 21, 1965 |page=30 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YCkEAAAAMBAJ&dq=meet+marvelous+marilyn+maye+billboard+1965&pg=PA30 |access-date=29 May 2023}}

File:Marilyn Maye and Steve Allen--1961.jpg in the early 1960s. Her performances on his television program led to a recording contract with RCA Victor that brought Maye commercial success during the decade.]]

Maye was then heard at a New York City nightclub by Ed McMahon of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He advocated for her to appear on the late-night television program and she first appeared there in 1966.{{cite news |title=Marilyn Maye pays a rare visit to Minneapolis |url=https://www.minnpost.com/arts-arena/2010/02/marilyn-maye-pays-rare-visit-minneapolis/ |access-date=6 June 2023 |work=MinnPost |date=February 17, 2010}} Maye went on to appear on The Tonight Show for a record 76 times, the most of any music artist.{{cite web |title=Marilyn Maye, proudly "old school" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marilyn-maye-proudly-old-school/ |website=CBS News |accessdate=5 August 2018 |date=28 January 2018}} RCA Victor also released two albums of Maye's material in 1966. This began with the release of a live LP titled The Second of Maye. It was recorded at The Living Room in New York City and featured accompaniment from Maye's husband's quartet.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=The Second of Maye (Liner Notes) |journal=RCA Victor |date=April 1966 |id=LMP-3546 (Mono); LSP-3546 (Stereo)}}{{cite web |last1=Lester |first1=Rob |title=A Late New York Night With Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.talkinbroadway.com/cabaret/032607.html |website=Talkin' Broadway |access-date=29 May 2023}} A studio project titled The Lamp Is Low was then released in October 1966. Most of the tracks were new material that were cut in a jazz style.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=The Lamp Is Low (Disc Information) |journal=RCA Victor |date=1966 |id=LMP-3626 (Mono); LSP-3626 (Stereo)}}

After recording "I Love You Today" for an upcoming musical, producer Joe René was inspired to bring Maye more show tune material. In 1966, René had Maye record "Cabaret" from the Broadway musical of the same name. Released as a single, "Cabaret" became her breakthrough recording. In 1966, it reached number nine on America's Billboard adult contemporary chart.{{cite magazine |title=Marilyn Maye chart history (Adult Contemporary) |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/marilyn-maye/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=28 May 2023}} It was followed by "Sherry!", which would appear in the Broadway show of the same name.{{cite journal |last1=Buckley |first1=Michael |title=STAGE TO SCREENS: James Lipton Chats About Sherry and "Inside the Actor's Studio" |journal=Playbill |date=February 15, 2004 |url=https://playbill.com/article/stage-to-screens-james-lipton-chats-about-sherry-and-inside-the-actors-studio-com-117944 |access-date=4 June 2023}} Similar to its predecessor, "Sherry!" climbed into the top ten of the Billboard adult contemporary chart. Both were included on Maye's fourth studio album titled A Taste of "Sherry!" (1967).{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=A Taste of "Sherry!" (Disc Information) |journal=RCA Victor |date=February 1967 |id=LMP-3778 (Mono); LSP-3778 (Stereo)}} It was her next single that became her most commercially successful recording. Taken from the Broadway musical How Now, Dow Jones, Maye's version of "Step to the Rear" reached number two on the adult contemporary chart in 1968. It was then included in Maye's fifth studio album of the same name.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=Step to the Rear (Disc Information) |journal=RCA Victor |date=November 1967 |id=LMP-3897 (Mono); LSP-3897 (Stereo)}}

Now in popular demand, Maye made appearances on many popular television programs. During this period, she appeared periodically on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dick Cavett Show, The Merv Griffin Show and The Mike Douglas Show.{{cite web |title=American Songbook At NJPAC Features Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles/getarticle.php?titlelink=american-songbook-at-njpac-features-marilyn-maye |website=New Jersey Performing Arts Center | date=January 16, 2016 |access-date=19 June 2023}} She continued to be a concert attraction in New York City's nightclub circuit.{{cite news |last1=Haun |first1=Harry |title=Marilyn Maye Shares Her Secret to a Happy Life at Jazz at Lincoln Center |url=https://observer.com/2017/10/interview-marilyn-maye-shares-life-secrets-at-jazz-at-lincoln-center/ |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=The New York Observer |date=October 27, 2017}} She also performed at political functions, including Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray and US Senator Bob Dole.{{cite web |title=Photos of Iowa Gov. Robert Ray: Family and fun |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/picture-gallery/news/2018/07/08/photos-of-iowa-gov-robert-ray-family-and-fun/32777591/ |website=DesMoinesRegister.com |accessdate=6 March 2022|language=en |date=8 July 2018}}{{cite book |last=Cramer |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Ben Cramer |date=1992 |title=What It Takes: The Way to the White House| title-link=What It Takes: The Way to the White House |location=New York |publisher=Random House |page=912 |isbn=978-0394562605}}{{Cite episode |title=Marilyn Maye |url=https://archive.org/details/daves-gone-by-interview-audio-marilyn-maye-10-14-07 |series=Dave's Gone By |first=Dave |last=Lefkowitz |network=TotalTheater |date=9 December 2007|minutes=9:30}} In 1966, she was nominated by the Grammy Awards for Best New Artist, but ultimately lost to Tom Jones.{{cite news |title=Whatever happened to Grammy's Best New Artists? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/whatever-happened-to-grammys-best-new-artists/8/ |access-date=19 June 2023 |work=CBS News |date=February 5, 2023}} In 1969, "Step to the Rear" began being featured in televised advertisements for the Lincoln and Mercury automobiles. Maye recorded the song with new lyrics to match the advertisement. She received a new car from Lincoln–Mercury for several years.{{cite web |last1=Burns |first1=Linda Amiel |title=Encompass Gala Features Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.theaterpizzazz.com/encompass-gala-features-marilyn-maye/ |website=Theater Pizazz |date=June 23, 2018 |access-date=19 June 2023}}

RCA Victor kept Maye under contract until 1970 and she continued recording a steady output of material. Her sixth studio album The Happiest Sound in Town appeared in 1968.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=The Happiest Sound in Town (Disc Information) |journal=RCA Victor |date=September 1968 |id=LMP-4054 (Mono); LSP-4054 (Stereo)}} That same year, the song "Feelin'" became a top 20 single on the Billboard adult contemporary chart. A duet with Ed Ames titled "Think Summer" also reached the adult contemporary top 20 during this time.{{cite book |last1=Whitburn |first1=Joel |title=Joel Whitburn Presents Billboard Top Adult Songs, 1961-2006 |date=2007 |publisher=Record Research, Inc. |isbn=978-0898201697 |page=362}} RCA issued Maye's final studio album with their label in 1970 called Marilyn Maye, Girl Singer.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=Marilyn Maye, Girl Singer (Disc Information) |journal=RCA Victor |date=April 1970 |id=LMP-4299 (Mono); LSP-4299 (Stereo)}}

=1971–2005: Changing directions and musical theater=

Maye departed RCA Victor by 1970. She found less work on the nightclub circuit as supper clubs declined in popularity. "I was too late to have a big career," she told Theater Mania. "It was amazing that I was able to as much as I did in the 1960s, and even more amazing that I was able to carry on into the ’70s — because by that time, of course, music had totally changed." The only concert work she could find was on the American West Coast, which had limited availability. Meanwhile, she maintained consistent appearances The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson throughout the decade. She made her final performance there in 1979.{{cite web |title=TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON, THE {ROBERT BLAKE, JAMES GALWAY, MARILYN MAYE, DAN FORD} (TV) |url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=johnny+carsonp%3D11item%3Dt%3A42941&p=122&item=B:87612 |website=Paley Center for Media |access-date=22 June 2023}}

Maye also started appearing in regional theater productions during the 1970s. She played a series of shows at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. This began in 1970 when she starred as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly!.{{cite web |title=Walk of Stars |url=https://www.kcstarlight.com/about-starlight/starlights-history/walk-of-stars/ |website=Starlight Theatre |access-date=22 June 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2010/10/Features/Maye_in_October.html|title=Maye in October|work=Opera News|date=September 2010}} She also performed in the Starlight's production of Can-Can. "I performed the part of Pistache and loved singing 'C'est Magnifique' each night," she told Playbill magazine.{{cite magazine |title=Elaine Paige, Marilyn Maye, Vivian Reed, Gay Marshall and More Reflect on Edith Piaf |magazine=Playbill |date=December 18, 2015 |url=https://playbill.com/article/diva-talk-elaine-paige-marilyn-maye-vivian-reed-gay-marshall-and-more-reflect-on-edith-piaf-com-374187 |access-date=22 June 2023}} In 1973, she appeared at the Starlight again in The Doc Severinsen Show. In Houston, Texas she played the lead in Mame. In 1990, Maye auditioned for the lead in a regional production of Follies. After the role was given to another actress, Maye was instead giving the supporting role of Carlotta.

Maye also continued her career as singer and recording artist. She took her concerts to performing arts centers and smaller venues around the United States.{{cite news |last1=Churnin |first1=Nancy |title=Veteran Singer Has Lived the Lyrics : Theater: Marilyn Maye will star in the Starlight's production of 'Follies.' |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-24-ca-546-story.html |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=May 24, 1990}} In 1981, she began working with Billy Stritch who has since been her off-and-off accompanist and music director.{{cite interview |subject=Billy Stritch |interviewer=Goodsill |title=Billy Stritch |publisher=City of Sugarland |location=Sugarland, TX |page=4 |url=https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23065/60th-Anniversary---Oral-History---BIlly-Stritch-v2 |format=pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016201321/https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23065/60th-Anniversary---Oral-History---BIlly-Stritch-v2 |archive-date=16 October 2020 |access-date=30 June 2022}} On her own Marilyn Maye Records, she released a studio collection called Marilyn Maye Sings All of Jerry Herman's "Hello Dolly". Released in 1985, the album was a collection of songs from the original musical.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=Marilyn Maye Sings All of Jerry Herman's "Hello Dolly" (Disc Information) |journal=Marilyn Maye Records |date=1985 |id=MM-52885}} Writer of the show Jerry Herman penned the album's lines notes, calling Maye an "extraordinary combination of acting and singing talent".

More studio albums followed. In 2005, she released a studio album of songs first recorded by Ray Charles. Titled Maye Sings Ray, the album was also released on her own record label.{{cite news |last1=Silvers |first1=Jason E. |title='Tonight Show' favorite to perform at Liberty |url=https://www.fstribune.com/story/1177721.html |access-date=28 May 2023 |work=Fort Scott Tribune |date=November 16, 2006}} Author Will Friedwald praised the disc, commenting that "she takes Brother Ray's signatures and refits them for herself while retaining the essence of the original." Maye released another studio album in 2005 featuring songs she performed on Johnny Carson's show called Super Singer – A Tribute to Johnny Carson.{{cite journal |last1=Maye |first1=Marilyn |title=Super Singer – A Tribute to Johnny Carson (Disc Information) |journal=Marilyn Maye Records |date=2005 |id=MM-52885}} The disc included "Here's That Rainy Day", which was Carson's favorite song Maye sang.

=2006–present: No retirement=

Despite her age, Maye stated to many publications that she refused to retire and continued performing.{{cite news |last1=Moshner |first1=Stephen |title=Review: THE MARVELOUS MARILYN MAYE Makes History And Legend At Carnegie Hall |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Review-THE-MARVELOUS-MARILYN-MAYE-Makes-History-And-Legend-At-Carnegie-Hall-20230327 |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=BroadwayWorld |date=March 27, 2023}}{{cite news |title=At 93, nothing can stop Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nothing-can-stop-marilyn-maye/ |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=CBS News |date=July 18, 2021}} In 2006 at age 78, Maye gained notable attention after performing at New York City's Lincoln Center for the Mabel Mercer Foundation.{{cite web |title=MAC Announces Lifetime Achievement Awards – Lavin & Maye |url=https://www.theaterpizzazz.com/mac-announces-lifetime-achievement-awards-lavin-maye/ |website=Theater Pizazz |date=January 21, 2014 |access-date=22 June 2023}} With encouragement from Billy Stritch and her lawyer, Maye went on to perform at New York's Metropolitan Room where she reportedly "blew the roof off". From there, began returning to New York City with more frequency, doing nearly ten shows yearly. In April 2007, she returned to New York and did a 14-show engagement. "Now in her mid-70s, combines Broadway brass and jazz scooby-do with such a natural feel for both that they become twin styles that you can hardly tell apart," wrote Stephen Holden of The New York Times.{{cite news |last1=Holden |first1=Stephen |title=Mix Broadway and Jazz, Then Stir With '50s Flair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/24/arts/music/24maye.html |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=March 24, 2007}}

At age 80, she returned in 2008 to the Metropolitan room with a new stage show of Cabaret music called "Love on the Rocks". The program featured both popular nightclub songs, along with more recent covers such as songs by James Taylor.{{cite news |last1=Holden |first1=Stephen |title=Of Those Whose Lives Are Lonely, Too |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/08/arts/music/08maye.html |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=September 7, 2008}} Maye continued to draw concert work in other places such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,{{cite news |last1=Saunders |first1=Dick |title=Chanteuse Marilyn Maye plays the Prince |url=https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/2008/06/11/chanteuse-marilyn-maye-plays-the-prince/ |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=Main Line Times & Suburban |date=June 11, 2008}} Sioux City, Iowa{{cite news |last1=Horlyk |first1=Earl |title=Go ahead, call Marilyn Maye a 'Super singer |url=https://siouxcityjournal.com/special-section/local/go-ahead-call-marilyn-maye-a-super-singer/article_6c9f5d8a-15f7-5811-82d6-7ab76a753876.html |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=Sioux City Journal |date=June 1, 2009}} and Provincetown, Massachusetts.{{cite journal |last1=Desroches |first1=Steve |title=The Music of Maye |journal=Provincetown Magazine |date=June 1, 2017 |url=https://provincetownmagazine.com/index.php/2017/06/01/the-music-of-maye/ |access-date=22 June 2023}} In the 2010s, Maye continued a regular concert schedule throughout the United States, including continual New York City engagements. In 2010, she performed at a Carnegie Hall concert in celebration of Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday.{{cite magazine |last1=Jones |first1=Kenneth |title=Sondheim at Carnegie Hall |magazine=Playbill |date=November 21, 2010 |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/sondheim-at-carnegie-hall-com-190439 |access-date=22 June 2023}} In both 2011 and 2012, she performed at Feinstein's at Loews Regency.{{cite news |last1=Holden |first1=Stephen |title=American Songbook as Fountain of Youth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/30/arts/music/marilyn-maye-at-feinsteins-at-loews-regency-review.html |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=May 29, 2011}}{{cite news |last1=Holden |first1=Stephen |title=It's April, It Rains. Deal (and Sing). |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/arts/music/marilyn-maye-performs-at-feinsteins-at-loews-regency.html |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=April 27, 2012}}

Approaching the age of 90, Maye was featured in a 2018 episode of CBS Sunday Morning, with a profile by Mo Rocca. When she was 93, Rocca profiled her again for the television program. Maye discussed the loss of concert work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how she continued to perform outdoors when indoor nationwide shutdowns occurred. At age 95, Maye made her solo concert debut at Carnegie Hall. The concert drew positive reviews from critics who remarked at the singer's age and vocal ability. "Maye is a master of the American songbook and for two solid hours, she had the crowd eating from the palm of her hand," wrote Ryan Leeds of the Manhattan Digest.{{cite news |last1=Leeds |first1=Ryan |title=Marilyn Maye Makes Her Solo Debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops |url=https://www.manhattandigest.com/2023/03/27/marilyn-maye-makes-her-solo-debut-at-carnegie-hall-with-the-new-york-pops/ |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=Manhattan Digest}} "For this writer who has, for some time, marveled at the breadth of her talent and endurance, she is The Unstoppable Marilyn Maye," wrote Stephen Mosher of BroadwayWorld.

Masterclasses and coaching

In addition to her music career, Maye also teaches masterclasses about stage presence and singing. She regularly works with performers ranging from young adults to older adults. Maye has also provided individual vocal coaching and performing lessons for aspiring singers. "The teaching has been really inspirational to me," she told Kansas City Magazine. She was approached to teach master classes in her senior years and was originally reluctant to take the opportunity. Ultimately, she agreed to teaching after realizing that she was passing on a legacy to other music artists.{{cite news |last1=Palm |first1=Matthew J. |title=Love of life propels singer Marilyn Maye |url=https://digitaledition.orlandosentinel.com/tribune/article_popover.aspx?guid=ab3bcb92-6808-49de-888c-5fe2833fd6a2 |access-date=23 June 2023 |work=Orlando Sentinel}} "The more I work, the more I learn, and the more I like to pass on to people who have the passion for singing," she told The Observer.{{cite news |last1=Haun |first1=Harry |title=Marilyn Maye Will Celebrate Her 94th Birthday Onstage, Singing: "This Is What I Do. I Can't Cook." |url=https://observer.com/2022/04/marilyn-maye-will-celebrate-her-94th-birthday-onstage-singing-this-is-what-i-do-i-cant-cook/ |access-date=23 June 2023 |work=Observer |date=April 5, 2022}}

Artistry

Maye's musical style encompasses cabaret,{{cite web |title=The New York Pops: The Marvelous Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2023/03/24/The-New-York-Pops-0800PM |website=Carnegie Hall |access-date=23 June 2023}} jazz{{cite news |last1=Fessier |first1=Bruce |title=Kansas City jazz treasure Marilyn Maye now belongs to U.S. |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/arts/2016/01/13/kansas-city-jazz-treasure-now-belongs-us/78710268/ |access-date=31 July 2023 |work=The Desert Sun |date=January 13, 2016}} and pop.{{cite magazine |title=Album Reviews: Pop spotlight |magazine=Billboard |date=March 25, 1967 |page=38 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/1967/Billboard%201967-03-25-OCR-Page-0038.pdf#search=%22marilyn%20maye%20a%20taste%20of%20sherry%22 |access-date=11 June 2023}} For performing in many of New York's nightclubs for several decades, she has been referred to as the "Queen of Cabaret".{{cite web |last1=Lester |first1=Marilyn |title=Marilyn Maye, the Marvelous, Was Totally Captivating at 54 Below |url=https://nitelifeexchange.com/marilyn-maye-the-marvelous/ |website=Nite Life Exchange |date=October 18, 2022 |access-date=23 June 2023}} "To attend one of her shows is to be at an exalted master class of 'how it’s done'," wrote Marilyn Lester of the publication Night Life Exchange. Maye's jazz musical style is shown through her live performances which often include scat singing and vocal swinging.{{cite news |last1=Fessier |first1=Bruce |title=Legendary singer emerges from world of bullying, thriving at 88 |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/music/2016/11/29/legendary-singer-emerges-world-bullying-thriving-88/94629896/ |access-date=23 June 2023 |work=The Desert Sun |date=November 29, 2016}} Bruce Ferrier of The Desert Sun called Maye one of the last "scat-singing" jazz artists and compared her to Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae and Anita O'Day. Ricky Pope of BroadwayWorld said, "The fact that she managed to scat sing in 'NY State of Mind' is a testament to her great artistry."{{cite web |last1=Pope |first1=Ricky |title=Review: MARILYN MAYE Is Not to Be Missed at 54 Below |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/BWW-Review-MARILYN-MAYE-Is-Not-to-Be-Missed-at-54-Below-20211027 |website=BroadwayWorld |access-date=23 June 2023}}

Maye has cited Edith Piaf and Jo Stafford as musical influences.

Legacy, honors and recognition

Nate Chinen of NPR called her "one of our greatest living songbook singers".{{cite news |last1=Chinen |first1=Nate |title=Marilyn Maye: The Queen Of Cabaret |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/01/26/511800088/marilyn-maye-the-queen-of-cabaret |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=NPR |date=January 26, 2017}} The New York Times called her "the last of a great generation of American Songbook singers.". Ella Fitzgerald (a friend of Maye's and a fan of her work) referred to Maye as "the greatest white female singer in the world".{{cite magazine |title=Marilyn Maye @ Feinstein's 3.10 |magazine=The New Yorker |date=March 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/15/theater/marilyn-maye-carnegie-hall.html |access-date=22 June 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Photo-Coverage-Marilyn-Maye-Debuts-at-Birdland-20090730|title=Photo Coverage: Marilyn Maye Debuts at Birdland|website=Broadway World}} Her version of "Too Late Now" was included in the Smithsonian Institution recordings of the 20th Century.

Maye has been the recipient of awards and honors in her later years. In 2008, she received a Distinguished Arts Award from the Governor of Kansas.{{cite web |last1=Berg |first1=Chuck |title=Review: Maye better than ever |url=http://www.cjonline.com/life/2010-10-03/review_maye_better_than_ever_at_tjw |website=Cjonline.com|accessdate=5 August 2018 |language=en |date=3 October 2010}} Other honors include the Jazz Heritage Award, the Kansas City Jazz Ambassador's Award of Excellence, the Elder Statesmen of Jazz Award, and lifetime achievement awards from both the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame{{cite web |title=1st Session of the 49th Legislature (2003) |url=http://www.oklegislature.gov/cf_pdf/2003-04%20INT/sres/sr25%20int.pdf |website=State of Oklahoma |access-date=31 July 2023}} and Kansas City's CODA Jazz Fund. She was given a lifetime achievement award by the American Jazz Museum and inducted into its Walk of Fame.{{cite web |last1=Klopus |first1=Joe |title=Jazz Town: American Jazz Museum fittingly salutes singer Marilyn Maye in May |url=https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article21011334.html |website=kansascity.com |accessdate=5 August 2018 |date=17 May 2015}}{{cite web |last1=Klopus |first1=Joe |title=Jazz Town: Star-studded concert will celebrate Jazz Walk of Fame inductees |url=https://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article211908559.html |website=Kansascity.com |accessdate=5 August 2018 |date=25 May 2018}} She has also received lifetime achievement awards from the Great American Songbook Foundation, Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation, and the Chicago Cabaret Professionals Association.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Sarah Bryan |title=Marilyn Maye brings the party to the Sheldon |url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/marilyn-maye-brings-the-party-to-the-sheldon/article_3532b850-c4d5-5258-a57b-adc02842ec98.html |website=Stltoday.com |accessdate=5 August 2018 |language=en |date=27 July 2013}}{{cite web |last1=Wild |first1=Stephi |title=Marilyn Maye Will Be Honored at the American Songbook Association's First Annual Gala |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Marilyn-Maye-Will-Be-Honored-at-the-American-Songbook-Associations-First-Annual-Gala-20180827 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |accessdate=31 January 2022|language=en |date=27 August 2018}} On September 18, 2012, the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City honored Maye with the organization's Outstanding Kansas Citian Award.{{cite web |title=Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/marilyn-maye/18239 |website=Kshs.org |accessdate=5 August 2018}}

Personal life

Maye has been married three times. She also had one long-term partnership. At age 18, she married her first husband who was a dancer. The pair briefly moved to Florida before divorcing one year later. Maye later cited his gambling and alcohol addictions for the marriage's demise.{{cite news |last1=Fessier |first1=Bruce |title=Kansas City jazz treasure Marilyn Maye now belongs to U.S. |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/entertainment/arts/2016/01/13/kansas-city-jazz-treasure-now-belongs-us/78710268/ |access-date=29 May 2023 |work=The Desert Sun |date=January 13, 2016}} Her second marriage was to Jimmie De Fore. Their union resulted in Maye's only child, daughter Kristi Tucker.{{cite web |last1=Durell |first1=Sandi |title=Legend Marilyn Maye |url=https://www.thethreetomatoes.com/legend-marilyn-maye |website=The Three Tomatoes |date=June 4, 2021 |access-date=29 May 2023}} Maye's daughter is a singer and vocal instructor in Kansas City. Tucker is employed at the Marley School of Dance in Overland Park, Kansas. Her third marriage was to Jazz performer Sammy Tucker. He adopted Maye's daughter. However, she found him abusive and their marriage also ended in divorce. Maye was involved in a long-term relationship with a man for roughly ten years. When the pair ended their relationship, Maye purposely sang "I Will Survive" on The Tonight Show and told her partner to watch the show.

Discography

;Studio albums

Marilyn...the Most (1961)
Meet Marvelous Marilyn Maye (1965)
The Lamp Is Low (1966)
A Taste of "Sherry!" (1967)
Step to the Rear (1967)
The Happiest Sound in Town (1968)
Marilyn Maye, Girl Singer (1970)
Marilyn Maye Sings All of Jerry Herman's "Hello Dolly" (1985)
Rapport: Marilyn Maye and Mark Franklin Communicate {{small|(with Mark Franklin)}}{{cite journal |last1=Franklin |first1=Mark |last2=Maye |first2=Marilyn |title=Rapport: Marilyn Maye & Mark Franklin Communicate (Disc Information) |journal=Marilyn Maye Records |date=2000 |id=MAYE-K01119-04 A}}
Maye Sings Ray (2005)
Super Singer – A Tribute to Johnny Carson (2005)

Awards and nominations

!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

| rowspan="2"| 1966

| Cashbox

| Most Promising Female Vocalist

| {{nom}}

| align="center"| {{cite magazine |title=The Big Three: Winners in Each Category of the Disc Jockey Poll |magazine=Cash Box |date=July 2, 1966 |page=16 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Cash-Box-IDX/60s/1966/CB-1966-07-02-World-Directory-OCR-Page-0016.pdf#search=%22marilyn%20maye%20most%20promising%20female%22 |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 8th Annual Grammy Awards

| Best New Artist

| {{nom}}

| align="center"| {{cite web |title=Marilyn Maye: Artist |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/marilyn-maye/17067 |website=Grammy Awards |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 1967

| rowspan="2"| Cash Box

| Most Promising Up & Coming Female Vocalist

| {{won}}

| align="center"| {{cite magazine |title=Annual Cash Box Disc Jockey Poll |magazine=Cash Box |date=July 8, 1967 |page=68 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Cash-Box-IDX/60s/1967/CB-1967-07-08-OCR-Page-0068.pdf#search=%22marilyn%20maye%20most%20promising%20female%22 |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 1968

| Most Programmed Female Vocalist

| {{nom}}

| align="center"| {{cite magazine |title=Cash Box Awards |magazine=Cash Box |page=70 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Cash-Box-IDX/60s/1968/CB-1968-07-06-OCR-Page-0070.pdf#search=%22marilyn%20maye%20most%20promising%20female%22 |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 2003

| Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

| Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award

| {{won}}

| align="center"|

| 2006

| Kansas City Jazz Coda

| Lifetime Achievement Award

| {{won}}

| align="center"| {{cite web |title=News (scroll to 2006 Marilyn Maye) |url=https://thecodajazzfund.org/news/ |website=Coda Jazz Fund.org |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 2009

| The Breukelein Institute

| Guadium Award

| {{won}}

| align="center"| {{cite web |title=Guadium Award 2009 |url=https://www.breukelein.org/gaudium2009.htm |website=The Breukelein Institute |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 2012

| Chicago Cabaret Professionals

| Lifetime Achievement Award

| {{won}}

| align="center"| {{cite web |title=Honorees |url=https://chicagocabaret.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=748427&module_id=388821 |website=Chicago Cabaret |access-date=23 June 2023}}

| 2018

| Great American Songbook Foundation

| New Standard Award

| {{won}}

| align="center"| {{cite web |title=Marilyn Maye |url=https://thesongbook.org/hall-of-fame/songbook-hall-of-fame-honorees/marilyn-maye/ |website=Great American Songbook Foundation |access-date=23 June 2023}}