Okoboji, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Nationally known cabaret singer Marilyn Maye is performing for her 70th consecutive year this week in Okoboji.
Maye’s first local gig was in 1956 when the ballroom at The New Inn wasn’t complete yet and she had to sing in the lobby. In more recent years she has been performing on stage at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
Maye’s wikipedia page says she also set a record with 78 appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She was given the choice of doing two songs, or one song and an interview, and always chose the two songs.
Maye was nominated for Best New Artist at the 1966 Grammys, and her hit song “Step to the Rear” was Iowa Governor Bob Ray’s campaign song and was used for TWO years on national Lincoln Mercury car commercials.
Maye performed tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow night (Wednesday) at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.
She turned 98 in April.
