Bob Manning (born Manny Levin; February 1, 1926 – October 23, 1997) was an American big band singer who was popular in the 1950s, and well known through his radio and television appearances.
Biography Manning was born Manny Levin on February 1, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a Jewish family. He began singing professionally for Jewish weddings and nightclubs at the age of fifteen.Vera, Billy (2000). From the Vaults Vol. 4: Love Letters (CD). Hollywood: Capitol Records. p. 7.
Manning was first spotted on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts and first gained notice as Ziggy Elman's vocalist after first touring with local bands and singing on local radio stations. He recorded for MGM Records with Elman and also with Art Mooney and Tommy Dorsey.
Manning was a featured singer on Rhythm on the Road, an hour-long weekly program on CBS in 1955.Sies, Luther F. (2014). Encyclopedia of American Radio, 1920-1960, 2nd Edition, Volume 1. McFarland & Company, Inc. . P. 553.
In May 1954, Manning was a guest singer on Dave Garroway's television program.
Manning had hits as a soloist after signing to Capitol Records, most notable in with a cover of Glenn Millers, The Nearness of You
Manning's stepson is actor and voice artist Barry Gordon.
Manning died in Los Angeles, California of pneumonia on October 23, 1997, aged 71.
Albums Lonely Spell (1955, Capitol) Our Wedding Songs (1958, Everest) Tommy Alexander Presents His Golden Trombones (1958, Everest; Manning on four tracks)
Hit singles Year SingleUS Chart positionlabelcatalog # 1953 "The Nearness of You" 16Pop Memories 1890-1954. Joel Whitburn. 1986. Record Research Inc. p. 293. Capitol 2383 Abrams, Steven and Settlemier, Tyrone Capitol 2000 - 2500, numerical listing discography Online Discographical Project. November 1, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2011. "All I Desire" 27 Capitol 2493 1954 "Venus De Milo" 29 Capitol 2694
References
External links Bob Manning's recording of The Nearness of You from Internet Archive