For singer Marilyn Maye, there is no reason to slow down.
“This is what I’ve done all my life,” Maye said. “I’ve worked all over the country.”
Great American Songbook Hall of Famer Maye, who turned 95 April 10, will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 21-22 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.
Maye appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” 76 times, a record for a singer. She also appeared on “The Mike Douglas Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
“But I’ve worked all my life and continue to do so,” Maye said. “There has never been a time when I didn’t sing.”
Maye began her professional career at age 9 when she earned a 13-week appearance on radio station WIBW in Topeka, Kan. She appeared on “The Steve Allen Show” many times.
“That led to my recording contract with RCA,” she said.
Maye is making her third appearance at Feinstein’s in Carmel.
“My musicians are fantastic,” she said.
Maye said she always sings “Secret of Life” and “Here’s to Life.”
“Those are two very important songs, and they are meaningful to anyone at any age,” Maye said. “The lyrics are important to me, and I choose lyrics that are meaningful to the people in the audience.”
Besides singing, Maye teaches and designs acts for other performers.
“I have great energy and I’m grateful for that,” she said. “I always say the secret is to keep moving.”
Maye made her Carnegie Hall debut March 24, celebrating her upcoming birthday, with the New York Pops.
“The Carnegie Hall concert was fabulous,” Maye said. “It was a two-hour concert of the Great American Songbook Music.”
The Smithsonian Institution selected her recording “Too Late Now” for its album of the 110 Best American Compositions of the Twentieth Century.
For more, visit feinsteinshc.com and marilynmaye.com.
