Barbara McNair
Barbara Jean McNair[1][2][3][4][5] (March 4, 1934 – February 4, 2007) was an American singer and theater, television, and film actress. McNair's career spanned over five decades in television, film, and stage. McNair's professional career began in music during the late 1950s, singing in the nightclub circuit. In 1958, McNair released "Till There Was You", her debut single for Coral Records, which was a commercial success.[6] McNair performed all around the world, touring with Nat King Cole and later appearing in his Broadway stage shows I'm with You and The Merry World of Nat King Cole in the early 1960s.[7]
Barbara McNair
February 4, 2007 (aged 72)
UCLA (attended)
American Conservatory of Music
- Singer
- actress
1956–2007
Curtis Knight (cousin)
Vocals
By the 1970s, McNair gradually changed over to acting in films and television; she played Sidney Poitier's wife in They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) and its sequel The Organization (1971). In her later years, McNair returned to performing in nightclubs and on cruise ships. McNair died from throat cancer on February 4, 2007, at the age of 72.
Biography[edit]
Early life and education[edit]
With her parents' encouragement, McNair began singing in school productions and during church services.[8] McNair attended Washington Park High School, graduating in 1952.[9]
After high school, McNair studied music at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago.[10] She also briefly attended UCLA because she had been raised to believe that whatever people planned to do with their lives they had to go to college to learn how to do it. She dropped college after one year when she felt it had nothing to do with what she wanted to accomplish.[11]
Bankruptcy, later years, and death[edit]
McNair filed for bankruptcy in September 1987, with debts totaling $458,399 ($1.2 million today).[21] Into her 70s, she resided in the Los Angeles area, playing tennis and skiing to keep in shape, and touring on occasion. McNair died on February 4, 2007, after a seven-year battle with throat cancer in Los Angeles.[22]