Abbe Lane

http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/abbe-lane/

Singer Born Abigail Francine Lassman on Dec. 14, 1932 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Abbe Lane had her professional debut at just 4 years old, singing on a popular radio program. As an adolescent, she performed in several short films, and when she was 16, she made her stage debut, favoring musicals.

In 1949, at age 17, Lane sang on Vincent Lopez's television program. It was during her stint on "The Vincent Lopez Show" that Lane met bandleader Xavier Cugat, who hired her on the spot, impressed by her vocal chops. Three years later, the pair were married, and Cugat continued to be instrumental in Lane's rise to fame, making her the focal point of his orchestral show.

After their marriage, Cugat and Lane moved to Italy, where he concentrated on film and television production, often using Lane in his projects. Her star began to rise, and in 1958 she collaborated with Tito Puente on the album "Be Mine Tonight," which was a top-selling record. The same year, she performed on Broadway in "Oh, Captain!" opposite Tony Randall.

Lane gained notoriety when she was asked to change into more conservative clothing before an appearance on "The Jackie Gleason Show," and in 1963 an Adam magazine article proclaimed Lane "The Swingingest Sexpot in Show Business."

When Cugat moved back to New York, Lane chose to remain in Italy. The distance proved too much for the couple, and they divorced in 1964. That same year, Lane returned to the United States and wed Perry Leff, to whom she remains married. Lane has appeared on countless television shows, including "The Flying Nun," "The Brady Bunch" and "Vega$."

— Carina MacKenzie for the Los Angeles Times June 23, 2010