Bob Manning (pop singer)

Bob Manning (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.^[1][2]

Bob Manning
Birth name	Manny Levin
Born	(1926-02-01)February 1, 1926 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	October 23, 1997(1997-10-23) (aged 71) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Big Band
Occupation	Singer
Labels	Capitol Records Apollo Records

Biography

Manning was born Manny Levin on February 1, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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.^[3] He recorded for MGM Records with Elman and also with Art Mooney^[4] and Tommy Dorsey.^[3]

Manning was a featured singer on Rhythm on the Road, an hour-long weekly program on CBS in 1955.^[5]

In May 1954, Manning was a guest singer on Dave Garroway's television program.^[6]

Manning had hits as a soloist after signing to Capitol Records, most notable in with a cover of Glenn Millers, The Nearness of You^[3]

Manning's stepson is actor and voice artist Barry Gordon.^[3]

Manning died in Los Angeles, California of pneumonia on October 23, 1997, aged 71.^[1]

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	Single	US Chart position	label	catalog #
1953	"The Nearness of You"	16[7]	Capitol	2383 [8]
	"All I Desire"	27[7]	Capitol	2493[8]
1954	"Venus De Milo"	29[7]	Capitol	2694