Don Cornell, 84, Big Band singer

February 25, 2004|Associated Press

AVENTURA, Fla. -- Don Cornell, a Big Band singer who scored a string of hits during the 1950s and early 1960s, including "It Isn't Fair" died Monday. He was 84.

Mr. Cornell died at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center from advanced emphysema and diabetes, said Zora Pergl-Cary, his personal assistant.

Mr. Cornell got his start with trumpeter Red Nichols and Big Band leader Sammy Kaye before launching a successful solo career. Between 1950 and 1962, Mr. Cornell chalked up hits such as "It Isn't Fair," "I'm Yours," "I'll Walk Alone," and "Hold My Hand."

His singing career spanned more than 40 years and more than 50 million records sold. Mr. Cornell was honored in 1963 as one of the first stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame in 1993.

Mr. Cornell, born Luigi Francisco Varlaro, was born in New York City on April 21, 1919. He and his wife, Iris, who also served as his personal manager, moved to Sunny Isles Beach in 1979.