Jazz singer Marion Montgomery dies
Jazz singer Marion Montgomery died today, aged 67, her family said.
The American-born star, who had lived in England for more than 30 years, died after a long battle with cancer.
Montgomery became a household name in the 1960s and in the 1970s was resident singer on the Parkinson show.
She was married to composer and arranger Laurie Holloway, who is currently musical director for Parkinson.
During her career she performed in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and was said to have enjoyed a private duet with Princess Margaret.
She sang alongside Bob Hope and Bing Crosby and starred in musicals including Anything Goes and Lionel.
She devised and wrote her own TV specials for the BBC and was among the guests who appeared in The Morecambe and Wise Show.
Montgomery died at her home in Bray, Berkshire, earlier today.
Her husband said in a statement: ‘‘I’m sure you will be sorry to hear that my beloved wife Marion died today at home.
‘‘She fought the fight for 10 years. My daughters Abigail and Karon are devastated. She will live on in her music.’’
Montgomery was still performing up until a few months ago. She had a three-week sell-out season at London’s Pizza on the Park in April and hosted a charity concert in May.
The cancer had spread through her body but Montgomery blamed her lung cancer on passive smoking in cabaret clubs, like the late Roy Castle.
