Kitty Kallen was born on May 25th, 1921

Written by: Grace Lee

Kitty Kallen: The Velvet Voice of the 1950s

Kitty Kallen is best known for her chart-topping hit "Little Things Mean a Lot," which stayed at the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard chart for nine consecutive weeks in 1954. This iconic song, which sold over two million copies and took top honor as 1954's number one song of the year, cemented Kallen's status as a singing sensation of the 1950s.

Early Life and Career

Born Katie Kallen on May 25, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Russian Jewish immigrants Samuel and Fannie Kalinsky, Kitty was one of seven children. As a child, she won an amateur contest by imitating popular singers, which sparked her passion for singing. She began her career singing on "The Children's Hour," a radio program sponsored by Horn & Hardart, the legendary automat chain.

As a preteen, Kallen had her own radio program on Philadelphia's WCAU and sang with the big bands of Jan Savitt in 1936, Artie Shaw in 1938, and Jack Teagarden in 1939. It was with Teagarden's band that Kallen cut her first record.

Rise to Fame

In the 1940s, Kallen performed with popular big band leaders, including Jimmy Dorsey and Harry James. Her smooth, velvety voice and unique style made her a standout performer, and she eventually established a solo career.

In 1954, Kallen's solo recording of "Little Things Mean a Lot" catapulted her to fame, earning her the top spot on the U.S. Billboard chart for nine consecutive weeks. This phenomenal success led to her being voted the most popular female singer in 1954 in both Billboard and Variety polls.

Overcoming Adversity

Tragedy struck in 1955 when Kallen lost her voice while performing at the London Palladium. She stopped singing in public for four years, during which time she tested her voice under a pseudonym in small town venues. Eventually, she made a triumphant return to the music scene, going on to achieve 13 top-ten career hits.

Awards and Legacy

Kitty Kallen's incredible career was marked by numerous awards and accolades. In 1954, she was voted the most popular female singer by Billboard and Variety. Her hit song "Little Things Mean a Lot" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004.

Kallen's legacy extends beyond her music. She paved the way for future generations of female singers, inspiring many with her unique voice and determination in the face of adversity.

Fun Facts

• Kitty Kallen's birth name was sometimes erroneously reported as Katherine Kalinsky.
• She was one of seven children, and her father was initially skeptical of her singing talent.
• Kallen's song "Little Things Mean a Lot" was originally recorded by Vera Lynn, but it was Kallen's version that became a huge hit.

Kitty Kallen's remarkable career, marked by her phenomenal success and determination in the face of adversity, continues to inspire audiences today.