Buddy Greco American jazz and pop singer and pianist Date of Birth: 14.08.1926 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Solo Career and Radio/Television Success
3. Meeting His Fifth Wife
4. Later Career and Move to England
5. Return to the UK
6. Final Years and Legacy

Early Life and Career

Armando Joseph "Buddy" Greco was born in Philadelphia on August 14, 1926. His mother introduced him to the piano at the tender age of four. Greco began singing and performing on the radio at an early age, and by his teenage years, he was playing in Philadelphia clubs.

At age 16, Greco was hired by "The King of Swing," Benny Goodman, and toured the world with his orchestra for four years. He sang, played piano, and made arrangements for Goodman's band.

Solo Career and Radio/Television Success

After returning from Goodman's band, Greco began performing in nightclubs and making his first studio recordings. In the 1960s, he transitioned to the big and small screens. He had a recurring role in the television series "Away We Go" and starred in the television film "The Girl Who Knew Too Much."

Throughout his career, Greco collaborated with numerous artists, including guitarist Ron Eschet. He appeared on various television shows, including "Toast of the Town," "Play It to the Bone," and "Playboy's Penthouse."

Meeting His Fifth Wife

Greco met his fifth and final wife, Lezlie Anders, while performing in Las Vegas. They first met on stage when Anders opened for him at the Desert Inn. After marrying, the couple worked and toured together.

In 1992, Greco had a second career resurgence with a 13-week run in Las Vegas. The following year, he received a star on the Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame and toured Italy, France, Australia, and England.

Later Career and Move to England

After settling in Palm Springs, California, Greco opened a small club in Cathedral City. The club featured paintings of Greco and other American entertainers, such as The Rat Pack and others with whom Greco had befriended. His wife, Lezlie Anders, designed the club.

Greco frequently performed at his club, which became a popular dining spot for celebrities. However, he eventually closed the club in August 2009 and moved to England.

Return to the UK

Greco had first visited the United Kingdom in 1949 and had performed in various British clubs for years. He moved to Essex but maintained his home in Palm Springs, where he would often vacation.

In 2008, Greco toured the UK with Anders, performing with The BBC Big Band and appearing at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. He became the first Las Vegas headliner to transition into a British casino star, headlining a cabaret at Birmingham's Circus Star City Casino in August 2008.

Final Years and Legacy

In 2010, Greco performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra on BBC Radio 2, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. He toured the UK with the "Swinging Las Vegas Legends Show" and performed in over 30 concerts.

In 2011, Greco made a guest appearance on Jools Holland's annual "Hootenanny," singing "Fly Me to the Moon" with the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. He continued to perform in the UK, including at the Thameside Theatre Stage and The Broadway in Essex.

In 2013, Greco celebrated his 80th birthday with a concert in Southend, Essex, featuring Rat Pack members Kenny Lynch, Paul Young, and Michelle Collins. He performed alongside Lezlie Anders at the event.

Buddy Greco passed away at the age of 90 on January 10, 2017, in Las Vegas. He is survived by his fifth wife and seven children. Greco was inducted into the Encyclopedia of Great Performers and the Encyclopedia of Great Jazz Singers and Musicians.