Morgana King...Happy Birthday! June 4th 2007

This is my tribute to celebrate Morgana King's birthday on June 4th.
Here is a potted biography with information I have collected over the years.
Morgana was born Maria Grazia Messina on June 4 1930 in Pleasantville, NY.
When she was 16 she changed her name to Morgana King and made her professional debut at the Crystal Caverns in Washington, D.C. At 17 she married the rising young Jazz trumpeter Tony Fruscella, sadly the marriage was to break up. Morgana later married trombonist Willie Dennis and became Mrs Berardinis (Dennis's name) in 1961. After recording several albums and touring Jazz clubs, success finally came in 1964 with a album called "With A Taste Of Honey" Mainstream S/6015 that Morgana and Willie had devised. The album charted in the CASHBOX Top 100 reaching number 63 in October 1964. Tragically, Willie was killed in an automobile accident in July 1965 and Morgana retired from performing. Encouraged by friends she started to record again and was signed to Frank Sinatra's Reprise label where she made three successful albums. More tragedy was to follow, when in 1969 Morgana was in a serious automobile accident causing her several months of recuperation. In 1972 she made her movie acting debut in The Godfather followed by Godfather II. More movies were to follow but all in the Italian/Greek/Jewish mama type roles, she also returned to her Jazz roots and started to record albums for the Muse Record label. Her last issued recording was "This Is Always" Muse MCD 5493 in 1994. She did make the odd guest spot in TV soaps and mini series up to the 1990s but has now retired from performing and recording but is "exactly the same as ever. And full of memories."
Morgana has one daughter, Graysan Michele and a grandson Morgan.
Tony Fruscella died in August, 1969.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• streisand
• morgana
• liza
• judy
• godfather
• jazz
• singer

[abbyaries331]

Hello

I have known Morgana since I was a baby in NY and Palm Springs. We have had tragic news that Grace Ann passed away last week. We cannot get any more info and Morgana is in seclusion.

[takhliwx]

A daughter asked what I wanted for my 64th birthday and I said - "Any CD by Morganna King" and one of them arrived today - she found "It's a Quiet Thing" online and I'm glad to get it and pleased to have the performance vids here on YouTube.

Thanks Morganafan for sharing from your collection of Morganna's vocal work.

Dick in Kansas City MO

[patrol681]

What a fantastic tribute to a fantastic, much loved, elegant and exotic singer. My wife and I have admired, enjoyed, and appreciated every word she enunciates from that beautiful voice of hers. When you made this tribute to Morgana you did indeed do great justice to it Thank you for sharing this with all of us who love Ms. Morgana King.

[Revmiss101]

MY mother loved and intorduced me to Ms. King and I have been a fan of her's ever sense! She is one of the few great voices I have ever heard, included in that list are Mario Lanza, Barbar McNair, and the immortal Sarah Vughn

[leesterg]

An absolutely wonderful tribute. Thanks for treasured memories!

[dpbUK]

I meant i love his version of "I'll be seeing you"....

[dpbUK]

yeah man - tony is awesome - i love Tony's blues and his tone!!

[FrekieHalsema]

Tony Fruscella is THE man, check him if you don't know him

[Cris1949]

Morgana King!!! UNIQUE!