Don Cornell

Don Cornell

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Don Cornell
Music: South side of the 6100 block of Hollywood Boulevard
Singer
Born Luigi Francisco Varlaro on April 21, 1919 in New York, NY
Died Feb. 23, 2004 of emphysema and diabetes in Aventura, Fla.

Don Cornell was a big band singer who scored a string of hits during the 1950s and early '60s, including "It Isn't Fair."

He got his start with trumpeter Red Nichols and big band leader Sammy Kaye before launching a successful solo career. From 1950 to 1962, Cornell chalked up hits such as "I'm Yours," "The Bible Tells Me So," "Most of All," "I'll Walk Alone" and "Hold My Hand."

His singing career spanned more than 40 years and more than 50 million records sold. Cornell was honored in 1963 with one of the first stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame in 1993.

Cornell, known for his longevity, continued to perform into his 80s and was a staple on the club circuit in Atlantic City, N.J.; South Lake Tahoe, Calif.; and Las Vegas. His final performance was in February 2003.

"He didn't sound very much different than he did in the '40s and '50s and '60s," said his widow, Iris. "The voice remained the same."

— The Associated Press in the Los Angeles Times Feb. 24, 2004

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