Marlene VerPlanck is a firm believer in her craft. She has listened to great songs and new songs by the best composers throughout her career while shunning mediocre pop music. Hugh Martin, songwriter (“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”) etc. It was well said: “We know that our songs are safe with Marlene VerPlanck and that she will sing them more than anyone else. Marlene’s clear voice was first heard anonymously on television and radio by millions of people. She praised a variety of commercial products and said: “Mm-mm-mm good. That’s what Campbell’s Soups is …”.” But she actually started her career in big-band music as a young singer with Charlie Spivak, Tex Beneke, and she still sings the songs. She met Billy VerPlanck, a musician and arranger, during a brief stint with last Dorsey brothers Orchestra. Marlene was soon one of America’s most active studio singers, supporting vocalists from MelTorme and Frank Sinatra to Kiss. Marlene rose to prominence in 1970s solo performance after her appearances on Alec Wilder’s landmark National Public Radio program, “American Popular Songs.” The Rainbow Room, Michael’s Pub, and Carnegie Hall were a big draw. National TV shows such as “Entertainment Tonight,” CBS’s “Sunday Morning” and “The Today Show,” featured the singer’s profiles. Marlene continues to perform across North America and Western Europe today, while her solo CDs continue to receive critical acclaim. This web site has a section called “Discography” that lists her current recordings on Audiophile. These albums include exciting arrangements by her husband Billy VerPlanck with the accompaniment of many of America’s top musicians. Her Audiophile album, “In a Digital Mood”, featuring Marlene, Mel Torme, and Julius LaRosa, with the Glenn Miller Orchestra on the GRP label was also a gold-certified CD. The CD can be purchased from GRP Records, Inc. Marlene also recorded some of Richard Adler’s most memorable songs at his request. The Varese Saraband label has the CD “You Gotta Have Heart” (Songs of Richard Adler). from http://www.marleneverplanck.com
