Kay thompson eloise

1. Early Life and Career
2. Hollywood Career
3. 'Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers'
4. 'Eloise' Children's Books
5. Film and Television
6. Personal Life
7. Legacy

Early Life and Career

Katherine Fink, born in 1908 to Austrian immigrants in St. Louis, Missouri, began her career as a singer and choir director in the 1930s. She later joined the group 'Waring's Pennsylvanians', where she met and married Jack Jenney. In addition to her solo work, Kay led 'The Kay Thompson Swing Choir', which gained popularity in the late 1930s.

Hollywood Career

In the early 1940s, Thompson fortuitously became an arranger for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. By 1943, she became a renowned vocal coach for entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Thompson's arranging credits include films like 'Weekend at the Waldorf', 'Ziegfeld Follies', and 'Till the Clouds Roll By'.

'Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers'

In 1948, Kay left MGM and formed 'Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers'. For several years, she enjoyed immense success with the group, touring America and performing regularly on the radio.

'Eloise' Children's Books

Kay's most iconic work emerged as the author of the popular 'Eloise' children's book series. Collaborating with illustrator Hilary Knight, she published four best-selling books: 'Eloise', 'Eloise in Paris', 'Eloise at Christmastime', and 'Eloise in Moscow.' In 1954, she composed the song 'Eloise', which critics largely saw as a promotion. A fifth book was published posthumously in 2002.

Film and Television

Thompson also starred in several films, including 'Funny Face', 'Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon', and 'The Kid from Brooklyn'.

Personal Life

Kay married twice: first to musician Jack Jenney and later to screenwriter William Spier. Both marriages ended in divorce. She passed away on July 2, 1998, at the age of 89.

Legacy

In 2003, Kay Thompson was honored with a commemorative plaque on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in her hometown.