Jane Morgan, the elegant American singer known for her smooth voice and hit song “Fascination,” has died at the age of 101.
Morgan passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday while in hospice care in Naples, Florida, her family confirmed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She rose to fame performing in Paris nightclubs in the late 1940s before returning to the U.S., where she became a popular star through the mid-1960s. Morgan appeared on many TV variety shows and even performed at the Oscars, earning a reputation as a classy and graceful entertainer.
Jane Morgan was born named Florence Catherine Currier on May 3, 1924, in Newton, Massachusetts. She studied music at the Juilliard School and began her career as a vocalist with the orchestra of bandleader Bernard Hilda in Paris. Singing in both English and French, she became a sensation in European nightclubs and developed a devoted following in France.
Her breakout hit came in 1957 with the romantic ballad “Fascination,” which became her signature song. The success of “Fascination” launched Morgan into American stardom, leading to frequent appearances on TV variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Perry Como Show, and The Dean Martin Show. Her classy image and fluent French also made her a favorite with international audiences.
Throughout her career, Morgan recorded dozens of albums, blending pop, standards, and show tunes. She performed for several U.S. presidents and at prestigious venues, including the Academy Awards. While her chart success slowed in the late 1960s, she remained a beloved live performer.
In 1965, she married Jerry Weintraub, a prominent music manager and film producer. The couple had four children and remained together until his death in 2015. After retiring from the spotlight, Morgan lived a quiet life in Florida.
