Jane Morgan: Voice, Style, and Grace – From Paris to Hollywood
Jane Morgan (real name Florence Catherine Curry, May 3, 1924 – August 4, 2025) truly lived an extraordinarily rich and long life. Her singing career began in childhood, then she conquered the stages of Paris, became a favorite of American audiences, shone on television and Broadway, and her song “Fascination” became a worldwide hit. Her sophistication, elegance, and modesty made her a true icon of the golden era of the entertainment industry.
Early Years and Path to the Stage
Florence Catherine Curry was born on May 3, 1924, in Newton, Massachusetts, into a family of musicians – her father, Bertram, and her mother, Olga. From an early age, she began taking vocal and piano lessons. During the summer, she participated in productions at the Kennebunkport Playhouse, founded by her brother. This was where her love affair with the stage began. After graduating from school, she entered Juilliard, intending to become an opera singer. She performed at night in clubs to pay for her education. It was during this time that orchestra leader Art Mooney suggested she adopt the stage name “Jane Morgan” (taking “Jane” from vocalist Janie Ford and “Morgan” from Marian Morgan).
Paris Triumph: From Nightclubs to Stardom
In 1948, French bandleader Bernard Hilda invited Jane to Paris. There, she became a real sensation: performing in nightclub venues, recording albums with Hilda’s orchestra for Polydor and Parlophone, and quickly gaining recognition. During this period, she frequently appeared on television and recorded songs in several European languages. Paris became her springboard to international fame.
Return to the USA: Success and Recognition
Upon returning to the United States, Jane signed a contract with Kapp Records. In 1956, her album The American Girl from Paris was released, emphasizing her style and connection to Europe. In 1957, one of her most iconic songs, “Fascination,” recorded with The Troubadours, was released. This melody was featured in the film Love in the Afternoon, became a global hit, charted for 29 weeks, and reached #7 on the Billboard charts.
In 1958, Jane recorded the song “The Day The Rains Came,” performed in both English and French – a hit that topped the UK chart in 1959.
Television, Broadway, Awards
In the United States, Jane became a well-known figure on television. She appeared on a variety of shows – from The Jack Benny Program to The Hollywood Palace – but she was particularly remembered for her record of more than 50 performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, more than any other female singer. She also performed at the Academy Awards and in her own television specials, such as The Jane Morgan Hour (1959), Voice of Firestone: An Evening in Paris (1959), and The Jane Morgan Show (1968).
On Broadway, she shone in productions like Mame (replacing Angela Lansbury in 1968–1969), Can-Can, Kiss Me Kate, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The King and I, and participated in Ziegfeld Follies of 1957 and The Jack Benny Show.
Throughout her career, she received six gold records, and her name was even placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, with the ceremony held on May 6.
Musical Legacy and International Recognition
Jane performed for French President Charles de Gaulle and six U.S. presidents (Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush Sr., and Bush Jr.). Her discography includes dozens of albums and singles, performing in various genres and languages. She had around 30 original albums (including compilations and reissues), and CD releases appeared in the 1990s and 2000s.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Jane was a beloved figure: refined, elegant, composed, she embodied the dream of beauty, grace, and talent in one person.
Family, Retirement, and Later Years
In 1965, Jane married her manager, film producer Jerry Weintraub. They adopted three daughters, and one son became her stepson. Weintraub passed away in 2015, and although the couple had been separated since the 1980s, they never formally divorced.
By the early 1970s, Jane had almost stopped performing to take care of her family. Her last public concert took place in 2009 at a charity event in memory of her husband. She also worked as an assistant producer on the film Ocean’s Eleven (2001 remake).
In 2022, a special exhibition of her stage dresses, showcasing her style and legacy, was held at the Brick Store Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.
The Legend Completes Her Journey
Jane Morgan celebrated her 100th birthday on May 3, 2024, with interviews, stage credits, and reflections. In one interview, a year before her passing, she joked that her longevity was due to “wearing 30-pound dresses and 4-inch heels.”
She peacefully passed away on August 4, 2025, at her home in Naples, Florida, at the age of 101. Her family reported that she “fell asleep peacefully.”
A Legacy That Resounds Forever
Jane Morgan was more than just a singer: she became a symbol of refinement, artistry, and professionalism. Her smooth voice and elegant style inspired many; she not only captivated audiences but earned their respect and admiration. Her songs, collections, recordings, and style continue to live on, inspiring new generations of artists and music fans.
