FRIDLEY, Minn. — After just wrapping up a successful four-day, five-show run at Crooners Supper Club in Fridley over the weekend, NYC jazz singer Marilyn Maye already has plans to fly back and entertain audiences here in the metro. While the exact dates have yet to be announced, the club says they're planning on welcoming her back in April--within days of her 94th birthday.
"This isn't just any jazz club," Maye said. "The seating, the sound, the lights, the atmosphere...I've worked many, many clubs around the country, and it's nice to work for people that care."
It's clear that Maye cares as well. After all, she's continuing to sing her heart out in high-energy performances just six years short of a century. While passionate about her craft, she also sees performing as a practical matter.
"It's called make a living," she told KARE 11's Eva Andersen. "That’s what I do. I’m lucky that I’m making a living and I’m happy doing it."
Marilyn has been "making a living" that way since she was nine years old. The singer was booked on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson a record 76 times.
She still puts as much effort into her shows as she did when she was new to the career.
"It’s not easy, it’s very difficult," she said. "It’s not just get up and sing a few songs. It’s a lot of work, and it’s important to please the audience and it’s important to do business. It’s important for the house to bring people in, to sell…so you have to figure out a way to be able to present."
The club's re-opening after a January-February remodel was delayed due to supply chain issues. Up until the day Maye arrived this week, club owner Mary Tjosvold said they were preparing her performer dressing room.
"We were scrambling -- Monday we were painting it, Tuesday we were putting the decorations, the mirror, the picture up, but we made it," Tjosvold said.
A portrait of Maye is now a permanent fixture in the club's dressing room.
"I think she's kind of helped us raise the standard about performers and how they deserve to be treated," Tjosvold said. "People are captivated by her."
Maye will be back at the club again in April, after her 94th birthday.
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