American singer-songwriter Lola Dee, who is known for her 1950s hit ‘Pretty Eyed Baby,’ passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday, 7th December. Dee died peacefully in a nursing facility in Hinsdale, Illinois, from natural causes, confirmed publicist Alan Eichle.
Dee left her musical career early to take care of her mother, who had Alzheimer’s. Her final public performances took place in 1978, when she sang the US national anthem at Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox games.
Lola Dee – ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’
Lola Dee was born Lorraine DeAngelis in 1928 in Chicago. Her musical journey started early, gaining attention as a teenager on the American Broadcasting Company’s show, Junior Junction. Dee worked with Columbia Records and Mercury Records during her career. Her early releases, including the hits ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’ and ‘Paper Roses’, were issued under the name Lola Ameche, a nod to her mother’s maiden name.
Dee collaborated with Al Trace and his Orchestra on ‘Pretty Eyed Baby’, which reached number 21 on the Billboard charts in 1951. She continued to showcase her unique voice with over 20 singles released in the following years. Beyond the studio, Dee also toured globally, performing in Mexico, Singapore, and Australia and sharing the stage with legends like Bob Hope and Johnnie Ray.
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