Born Florence Currier on May 3, 1924, in Newton, MA; daughter of Bertram Currier and Olga Brandenberg Currier; married Larry Stith, 1962; divorced; married Jerry Weintraub, 1965; children: adopted Julie, 1974; Jamie, 1977; and Jodie, 1980. Education: Attended Juilliard School of Music, New York City, where her vocal teacher was Belle Julie Soudant. Addresses: Business--Jane Morgan, c/o Ms. Mia Beard, P.O. Box 1214, Malibu, CA 90265.

Jane Morgan, pop sensation and actress of the 1950s and 1960s, found success in France and England before achieving recognition in the United States. Born Florence Currier on May 3, 1924, in Newton, Massachusetts, Morgan was the daughter of Bertram Currier and Olga Brandenberg Currier, both of whom were dedicated and accomplished musicians. She was the youngest of five children. Morgan's father played the with the Boston Symphony Orchestra for many years, and her mother majored in piano and graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music. In addition, they were both music teachers, operated a family music school in Newton, and composed music. Morgan was taught to sing, play the piano, dance, and act, but she abandoned violin lessons. When she was ten, Morgan's mother trained her to perform operatic roles while she continued to master the piano. During the summers, Morgan would frequently take on child roles and appear in theater productions at the Kennebunkport Playhouse in Kennebunkport, Maine, which had been started by her brother. By the time she was 13, Morgan was singing as a lyric soprano.

At four years old, Morgan moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, after her father died. She attended grade school there, actively engaged in singing and competing against other students throughout Florida and the Southeast. Upon graduating from Daytona Beach High School, Morgan's multiple musical skills and overall background enabled her prompt acceptance into the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York City where she intended to become an opera singer.

In the 1940s, Morgan began singing popular songs in nightclubs, private parties, bar mitzvahs, and small restaurants to earn spending money to help pay for her tuition expenses at Juilliard. She was hired as a singer at the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan with the house second band for $25 a week, six nights a week. While still attending Juilliard, Morgan was hired by orchestra leader Art Mooney, and he changed her name to Jane Morgan by taking the first name of one of his vocalists, Janie Ford, and the last name of another, Marian Morgan.

Morgan was chosen by the well-known French impresario Bernard Hilda to accompany him to Paris. Hilda was one of the finest society bandleaders in France and he wanted to take a young singer back with him to Paris to perform at a new nightclub he planned to open near the Eiffel Tower. He offered to take Morgan to Paris and make her a star at one of the top night clubs there. She left school and began to appear regularly at the Club Des Champs Elysees, where she performed American songs to mostly French audiences two shows each night. Morgan's mother taught her French and Italian, so she quickly became proficient in French, and within a short time was performing her entire act in flawlessly spoken French, singing the classic songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, French songs, and standards of the century.

Morgan became a sensation in Paris, and accompanied by Hilda and his gypsy violin, quickly became known throughout France. All of French café society would frequent Hilda's upscale club, and it was likened to the Copacabana in New York. Many of the top songwriters in France including Charles Trenet began to come to the club, and they wrote many songs that became subsequent hit recordings for Morgan. Morgan and Hilda soon opened a new weekly hour-long television show, and she began recording on the French Polydor label as well as EMI, Philips, and others. Morgan performed seven days a week except in the summertime when she was booked in clubs in other European countries including Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and England. During this time Morgan was making very little money but was treated elegantly, and many of the finest designers in the world, including Balmain and Dior, provided her with French gowns. Her hats were the work of well-known milliners such as Jean Barthet and John Frederick, and Morgan was regarded as one of the best dressed performers in the world. She remained in Europe for more than four years, becoming a "continental chanteuse," though virtually unknown in the United States.

In the early 1950s, Morgan went to Montreal, Canada, and opened at the Ritz Hotel as a soloist with a bilingual act using French and English. She returned to New York with regular performances in upscale nightclubs and her own radio show on NBC that was complemented by the 50-piece Toscanni Symphony Orchestra. Morgan returned to Europe in 1954 and appeared in a London West End review with comedian Vic Oliver, and later at the Savoy Club and London Palladium.

Morgan wanted to advance her career and become an American recording star, but booking agents and managers in show business tried discouraging her by telling her she would never make it outside the nightclub circuit because she was too specialized. Determined to reach her goal and gain wide public acceptance, she left her agent and began singing at Lou Walter's Latin Quarter in New York. Walters, father of television newswoman Barbara Walters, kept Morgan at the Latin Quarter for a year. There she was noticed by Dave Kapp, an entrepreneur, who had just begun a new recording label, Kapp Records. Kapp signed Morgan at the same time pianist Roger Williams was contracted.

Fearful that she had the reputation as only a French singer, Kapp came up with the idea to have Morgan record a song called "Baseball, Baseball," and her first album release was entitled The American Girl from Paris. She recorded several additional albums and soon was paired with Williams, who had gained national acceptance with his recording of "Autumn Leaves." They recorded "Two Different Worlds," and it was the first time Morgan received a large amount of airplay by American radio disc jockeys.

In 1957, Kapp brought The Troubadors, a virtually unknown group of five musicians, to his studio. They had appeared in the 1957 comedy film Love in the Afternoon which starred Gary Cooper, Audrey Hepburn, and Maurice Chevalier. Morgan, who was scheduled to record at this time, was asked by Kapp to join The Troubadors and sing a song popular in France entitled "Fascination." Although written in 1904 by Italian F. D. Marchetti and entitled "Valse Tzigane," it had been modified and used in Paris at the Follies Bergere as a "strip" number. With English lyrics added by Dick Manning in 1932, it had also been played throughout Love in the Afternoon. The French words were written by Maurice de Ferandy in 1942. In the fall of 1957, Morgan and The Troubadors' rendition was released, and it became an instant sensation, remaining on the best selling charts for 29 weeks and selling millions of records. It marked for the first time Morgan's acceptance as a top flight vocalist by the American public. She became in demand with agents wishing to book her in variety television programs, new nightclub venues, and with major corporations such as IBM, NCR, and Buick. The following year, "The Day the Rains Came," composed by Gilbert Becaud with lyrics by Carl Sigman, was recorded and Morgan's rendition rose to the top 20 on the British charts.

Although she had achieved her goal of being recognized internationally, Morgan's remaining goal was to perform in musicals on the stage and Broadway. She soon appeared in Can Can with David Brooks, and it was a huge success. This was followed by Kiss Me Katewith Earl Wrightson, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Bells Are Ringing, Anniversary Waltz with Russell Nype, Affairs of State with Edward Everett Horton, and others. In the summer and winter she appeared in nightclubs around the United States, complemented with television appearances and bookings in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. She also appeared at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Canada in 1964. She was the lead singer with Bea Lillie and Carol Lawrence in the Broadway musical production of the Ziegfeld Follies and in Mame in 1966. "Being on Broadway was one of the most exciting things in my life because I had always dreamed of it," Morgan said.

In the early 1960s after the death of her agent, Morgan obtained a new manager, Jerry Weintraub. Weintraub played a key role in helping book her in many of the finest venues in the United States. They were subsequently married in 1965 and Weintraub later became responsible for major enhancements to the careers of Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, and Bob Dylan.

Morgan's television credits include appearances on major television programs including the Andy Williams, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, Perry Como, Johnny Cash, and Dean Martin shows, as well as more than 50 performances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Morgan also toured with Jack Benny and John Raitt and appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

Morgan's first American recordings were on the Kapp label in 1956, but other recordings were made on the Epic, London, ABC Colpix, Elektra, MCA, and RCA labels. Morgan recorded more than 30 albums. In addition, she appeared on the RCA soundtrack Marry Me, Marry Mein 1969. She has worked with Burt Bacharach, Roger Williams, The Troubadors, Frank Hunter, Nick Perito, Marty Manning, Peter Matz, Chet Atkins, Maurice Chevalier, Michele Legrand and has recorded in five languages.

by Francis D. McKinley

Jane Morgan's Career

Career was launched in Paris when she was contracted by Bernard Hilda; principal mentor was Edith Piaf; returned to the United States with little success until her recording of Fascination, 1956; performed in summer stock as well as on Broadway; has performed before President Charles de Gaulle of France as well as Presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Bush; performed at the Academy Awards singing "I Will Wait for You," written for her by Michele Legrand.

Jane Morgan's Awards

Six gold records; Woman of the Year Award, Brandeis University, 1971.

Famous Works

Further Reading

Sources

Visitor Comments Add a comment…

over 13 years ago

I have always loved and bought Jane Morgan recordings and whenever Jane appeared at the Kennebunkport Playhouse, my wife and I would always tried to attend! I gues I always had a crush on her..she was at times a mainer,,,her summer home at Blueberry Hill in the port. I never met her but thought I recognized her at a small Bistro in Saco, last year. An older but elegantly beautiful lady. I cannot pass Blueberry Farm without casting a look on the chance that I Might see Mrs. Jane Weintraub. God bless her and hers and may she remain in good health. Bill Langevin, Saco

about 14 years ago

I met Jane Morgan this past summer and spent an evening with her. What a gracious and classy woman she is.

about 14 years ago

Although I was born in 1954, I don't recall ever hearing a Jane Morgan song until a few years back. I was searching for old records for my 1958 Seeburg jukebox and happened upon the record "Fascination". Competing against my other records by The Beatles, Elvis, Simon&Garfunkel and lots of other really great artists I gotta say, this lady blows them all away! Her silky smooth voice combined with the mellow sounds of the orchestra just sound too good. Very talented, classy performer. I recently bought the "Fascination" album, and it's full of the same beautiful sounds as the single. Hats off to the best voice I've heard on a 45 rpm record. May God bless this great lady.

about 14 years ago

I first heard Jane's "Fascination" about 5 years ago when I was searching for older music for my 50's Seeburg jukebox. This record had to compete against some tough competition like The Beatles, Stones, Elvis and many other great records I have. This lady blew them all away! Her silky smooth voice combined with the mellow orchestra made me appreciate a type music I never even bothered to listen to. I later bought the "Fascination" album and it's full of the same bea

almost 15 years ago

Morgan's style was unique and notable in that in her singing there is very little sense of rhythm or beat. She used a very long melody line with lavish and elegant phrasing which blended lyric and melody passages into long extensions with a creamy sound. She didn't get many opportunities to sing really challenging music but when she got the opportunity she took it. "What Now My Love," an album clearly inspired by Frank Sinatra's "Only the Lonely," reveals Morgan as a singer of great depth, emotion and even guts without sacrificing any of her silky musical attributes. Morgan was a skilled performer and her club act was not what you might expect; it incorporate a lot of informality and fun along with impeccable musicianship. And of course she always looked and dressed with the greatest elegance and was always impeccably groomed.

almost 15 years ago

Jane Morgan was extremely inspirational in my teen years over 40 years ago. She had an incredible talent and also was a true classy lady. I have nothing but respect for her. At this point in my life I would love to write a tribute to her because I don't want the world to forget her.

about 15 years ago

I was a disc jockey in detroit in the 50s when jane came to town. I was impressed with her sweetness and down to earth attitude. I took her around the city and introduced her to the music makers who were all impressed. Over the years we became good friends and saw each other often. she never changed in all the times I knew her. she deserved all the fame she aquired. I hope she's in good health.

over 15 years ago

I have long been a fan of Jane Morgan. I think I own every LP that she ever released .. the more obscure ones found via the Internet. And I own all the new re-releases on CD. One gentleman, whom I corresponded with via You Tube, posted an Edith Piaf Medley from a TV Special Jane did in the late 70's I believe, which was excellent. And she looked divine. It would be nice to know if that complete special has ever made available on DVD. I would love to own it. I am a musician (pianist) and also spent time in Paris for music study following graduate school. I always felt that French connection with Miss Morgan, even trying to find (unsucessfully) The Club des Champs-Elysee where she sang in her early days in Paris ... Jane Morgan has a consistently elegant sense of phrasing, and committment to a beautiful and distinctive vocal sound.

over 15 years ago

Jane Morgan's greatest song (in my opinion) was entitled: "In Jerusalem." I can't seem to find it anywhere. Can anyone help me to locate this tune on the Internet? Many thanks!

over 15 years ago

Other internet sources list Jane Morgan's birthdate at 12/25/1920...which is different than is shown here. Does anyone know which is correct?

over 15 years ago

I have been an admirer of Jane Morgan for over forty years. I have never heard a singer that equalled her class and talent. She was always polished and refined. I had the pleasure of meeting her twice and I enountered her as being a sweet genuine person. God bless her for all the beauty she has brought into the world through her lovely talent.

about 16 years ago

JANE MORGAN always presented class wherever she appeared and what a voice. I agree with LL...Jane was not given credit in the J. Weintraub article and it was with her help that he became better known. Jane is doing great in Malibu and still gets a bunch of fan mail. I would bet she still has a great voice.

about 16 years ago

I just read an article on Jerry Weintraub, Jane Morgan's husband, in Vanity Fair. It barely mentions her, talks about their home in California and doesn't state that she lives there. According to dates I find on the Internet, she was born in 1924 and is 13 years old than he is. Anyone know her health status? What a classy singer she was, gorgeous too. LL

about 16 years ago

I would like to find out the names of the men who were the Troubadors, and their connection with the film "Love in the Afternoon". None of their albums tells who they were. The film credits include "The Olga Valery Gypsy Musicians", and also: Gyula & Michael Kokas, Geroge Cocos, and Victor Gazzoli. Were they the gypsy musicians, or were they actors who were being overdubbed? Did the Olga Valery Gypsy Musicians become the Troubadors? Thanks. David Owens DOwens@Pasty.com

about 16 years ago

This article is one of the most informative I have come across. I have loved Jane Morgan all my life, and I am just now learning to negociate the Internet to discover more about Jane.