Portia Nelson American cabaret singer, songwriter, actress and writer Date of Birth: 27.05.1920 Country: USA

1. Portia Nelson: A Multi-Talented Cabaret Singer and Actress
2. A Talented Actress with a Diverse Portfolio
3. Albums and Recordings
4. A Life of Creativity and Inspiration
5. Legacy and Later Years

Portia Nelson: A Multi-Talented Cabaret Singer and Actress

Portia Nelson was an American cabaret singer, songwriter, actress, and writer. She is best known for setting the standard for the song "Fly Me to the Moon" by Bart Howard, originally titled "In Other Words." Portia gained the patronage of CBS Records, specifically Goddard Lieberson, who oversaw the release of her five Columbia albums, which revived Broadway shows with their original orchestrations. She became one of the most beloved performers in New York City's nightclubs during the 1950s, gaining legendary status in venues such as Café Society, Blue Angel, and Bon Soir. In addition to her successful singing career, Portia found time to work as a vocal teacher for stars like Jane Russell and Rock Hudson.

A Talented Actress with a Diverse Portfolio

Portia Nelson appeared in five films, most notably as Sister Berthe in Robert Wise's musical biopic, "The Sound of Music." She also joined the original cast of the musical "The Golden Apple" in 1954 and, many years later, played the role of Rachel Gurney in the television soap opera "All My Children."

Albums and Recordings

During the 1950s, Portia recorded three albums that were meant to become classics in their own right. These releases, titled "Let Me Love You," "Portia Nelson Sings Bart Howard," and "Love Songs for a Late Evening," were all reissued under the name of DRG Records. With her remarkable talent, Portia Nelson managed to capture the hearts of audiences, even when performing the saddest songs, thanks to her tireless enthusiasm and unwavering optimism. Her singing style was a unique combination of enhanced Broadway soprano and the intimate cabaret style associated with Mabel Mercer.

A Life of Creativity and Inspiration

Portia Nelson was born as Betty Mae Nelson on May 27, 1920, in Brigham City, Utah. She gained the nickname "Portia" from her friends in elementary school, inspired by the soap opera character "Portia Faces Life." Being the youngest of nine children, with four siblings passing away before her birth, Portia Nelson grew up in challenging circumstances. At the age of 23, Portia caught the attention of CBS Records representatives while singing in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California. Within a year, she made her professional debut at the Blue Angel cabaret.

Legacy and Later Years

Portia Nelson's final album, "This Life," was released in 1996 under the name of DRG Records. In addition, she published her book "There's a Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery," which included poetry, and "Autobiography in Five Short Chapters." Portia Nelson passed away on March 6, 2001, at the age of 80 in New York City. She left behind her brother, Bernell Nelson, as her only surviving family member.