Don Cornell in Person from 1/4/97

Here's Chris Valenti with Don in 1992 at The Concord in the Catskills

 Don Cornell was a dear friend of the family for so many years and when he passed in February of 2004 we were heart broken. Don will always be most remembered for his recording of It Isn't Fair. Enjoy all of his hits and more.

 Short Bio for Don Cornell

Don Cornell (April 21, 1919 – February 23, 2004) was an American singer of the 1940s and 1950s.

Born Luigi Varlaro in The Bronx, New York, Cornell got his start with trumpeter Red Nichols and bandleader Sammy Kaye before going solo. He sold over 50 million records. Among his hits were "It Isn't Fair," "I'm Yours," "I'll Walk Alone," and "Hold My Hand." His version of "Hold My Hand" sold over one million copies, and topped the UK Singles Chart in 1954. In 1993, he was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame where his photo hangs not too far from host Chris Valenti's. He was also a member of  Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity.

He was among the top headliners, appearing on the nightclub circuit during the 1950's, when there were numerous such venues across the nation. Unlike many stars, he was very affable, and far from reclusive, aloof or distant when in public. When headlining at the Beverly Hills Supper Club, Southgate, Kentucky - in metropolitan Cincinnati - he appeared many times on the highly-popular  Ruth Lyons noon television program. He was so popular and engaging, and such a favorite of its star and viewers, that he actually hosted the show during some of Ms. Lyons' periodic absences.

In 1979 Cornell moved to Florida with his wife Iris. He died in Aventura, Florida from emphysema and diabetes at the age of 84 and continued performing right to the end. A true natural.

Learn more about Don by visiting his web site

Hit Records 

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