Marilyn Maye :: She's Still Here and (Happily) Singing

No less than Ella Fitzgerald referred to Marilyn Maye as "the greatest white female singer in the world." Named an 'Official Jazz Legend' by the American Jazz Museum, she continues to amaze audiences at the age of 88.

Recently reviewing her appearance at Feinstein's/54 Below this past May, New York Times critic Stephen Holden put it this way.

"A vocalist must be a certain age to sing 'I'm Still Here,' a proclamation of resilience by an indomitable show business trouper who hasn't bitten the dust. Right now, no veteran cabaret performer has a stronger claim to ownership of this Sondheim classic from 'Follies' than Marilyn Maye, who turned 88 last month. The song was the thrilling finale of the most detailed autobiographical show I've seen her give, 'Highlights,' which opened on Tuesday evening at Feinstein's/54 Below."

EDGE spoke to the singer, actress, director, arranger, educator, a Grammy nominated recording artist, who has been entire life has been committed to the art of song and performance her entire life.

Still Singing

EDGE: How does a little girl from Wichita, Kansas become one of the best voices in modern music?

Marilyn Maye: Luckily for me, my mom was very musical and because she loved music so much she named me after Marilyn Miller, one of the most famous Broadway stars of the 1920s. I started singing in amateur contest and won a few. [She laughs] When I was nine years old, I won a 13-week radio show contest. Then while in high school, I would skip Spanish class to sing on my own radio show. The men from the Armed Forces would write in their requests and I would sing them. I have always loved performing and I plan to never stop.

EDGE: What musicians influenced you growing up?

Marilyn Maye: Oh so many! I love Mel Torm�, Jo Stafford, and Ella Fitzgerald. Getting to know Ella and becoming close friends is also one of one of the best blessings in my life.

EDGE: I believe you still hold the record of appearing on 'The Tonight Show' 76 times. What was it like having that open invitation from Johnny Carson?

Marilyn Maye: it was fabulous! It definitely helped with my career. Ed McMahon saw me performing in a night club and told me he was going to get me on with Johnny. I would appear every three to four months. It was such a wonderful experience. I'm actually performing my tribute to Johnny Carson while at the Art House. I hope the audience likes it.

EDGE: How do you go about selecting the songs you sing for a performance?

Marilyn Maye: For me, it is all about a good lyric and good story. I always try to choose a song that is positive. I love to sing love songs, but I also know how to sing sad songs too. I was never lucky in love, and with three husbands, I know how to really sing a sad love song and truly know its meaning. I always want my message to be inspiring to others. I'm blessed to still have my voice and health.

EDGE: New York seems to love you.

Marilyn Maye: I'm so lucky that there has been a real resurgent in my career because of New York. I'm performing regularly at the Metropolitan Room and 54 Below. I am so grateful for the love that the Big Apple has for me. I wouldn't be able to make it without them.

EDGE: What has been one of the defining moments in your career?

Marilyn Maye: When Steve Allen called me to be on his show. I was working a little club in Kansas City and he called to ask me to appear on his national television show. I performed about seven times and because of that an RCA executive saw me and I got a recording contact. I am so thrilled that I am still being sought out and asked to perform.

EDGE: You've performed many times in Ptown. What do you like about it?

Marilyn Maye: I believe this will be my sixth or seventh time performing there. Years ago, I rented a house off Commercial Street because I loved going there to shop and see shows. One day, while walking around, I thought I would really love to perform here, so I got in contact with the Art House and the rest is history.

EDGE: What keeps you still performing?

Marilyn Maye: I'm blessed to still have my voice and health. Singing is and has always been my passion and my business. I also started teaching a Master Class to help people perform. It has really enriched my life. I love to share what I have learned, especially since I have been doing it since I was nine years old. I don't know what else to do. I don't want to cook or clean. My love affair has always been with my fans and the audience. I love the audience at the Art House, the crowd is always loving and supportive and they bring me so much joy.

Marilyn Maye performs at the Art House, Provincetown, MA on August 3- 6. For details, . For more information about Marilyn,visit her website.