Nanci

Teresa Brewer, '50s performer, dead at 76

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BY DAVID HINCKLEY

Thursday, October 18th 2007, 4:00 AM

Teresa Brewer, who helped write the soundtrack of the pre-rock 'n' roll 1950s with bouncy hits like "Music Music Music" and who scored big with New Yorkers by recording a love letter to Mickey Mantle, died early Wednesday morning.

She was 76, lived in New York, and had been suffering for several years from the neuromuscular disease PSP, which also afflicted the late comedian Dudley Moore.

Brewer was still a teenager when she hit the top of the charts in 1950 with "Music Music Music." She returned to No. 1 with "Til I Waltz Again With You," though New Yorkers might best remember "I Love Mickey," a duet she recorded with Mantle at the end of his Triple Crown year in 1956.

Mantle contributed a few spoken words while Brewer chirped her affection.

Born in Ohio, Brewer made her professional debut at the age of 2 on the local radio program "Uncle August's Kiddie Show." From ages 5 to 12 she toured with the Major Bowes Amateur Hour before returning home and performing locally for several years.

When she broke onto the national scene again in the '50s, her upbeat style also made her a popular guest on television variety shows.

By the 1960s she had turned to show tunes and jazz, which she continued to record for the next 40 years. She is survived by four daughters and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

• RE: Teresa Brewer - Joseph Pandolfi 10/19/2007 21:59:02 EDT (1)