Kay Armen (Kay Armen)

Kay Armen

Singer, Actress, Composer. Born Armenuhi Manoogian, she was of Armenian descent.  Armen began her professional career in Chicago singing in nightclubs and on the radio.  She was the featured singer on the radio version of the Bert Parks hosted “Stop the Music” in 1948 and 1949.  Armen’s cousins, best selling author William Saroyan, and Ross Bagdasarian (creator of the “Alvin and the Chipmunks”) wrote the hit song “Come on-a My House” for Armen, which she recorded in 1951.  Armen also appeared on the television version of the show, which lead to her casting in the musical film Hit the Deck in 1955.  She was cast as the mother of lead Vic Damone, despite only being thirteen years his senior.  A clip from the film’s finale, in which Armen sings “Hallelujah,” was featured in “That’s Entertainment!” and used for the film’s promotion.  On television, Arman starred in the brief NBC 1959 sitcom “Love and Marriage,” with William Demarest; she was also a frequent guest on the Ed Sullivan Show and Hollywood Palace, the Merv Griffin Show, and the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.  Arman was the composer and lyricist of many songs for herself and other performers, including the 1950’s standards   “Be Good to Yourself,” “My Love and I” and “It’s a Sin to Cry Over You.” Her final film was in 1981’s “Paternity”.  Following her film career, Armen continued to appear in cabarets into her 80s. (bio by: Stu Haley)

Born

  • November, 02, 1915
  • USA

Died

  • October, 10, 2011
  • USA

Cemetery

  • Irving Park Cemetery
  • Illinois
  • USA

3263 profile views