The Singer (Lee Kelson)
Studying law at the University of Illinois in the early 1930s, Lee, no longer “enthused” about “hitting the books”, drops out of law school for a show business career in music. Becoming an original member of the MODERNAIRES, at the suggestion of friends and colleagues, he leaves the group after nine months to go “solo” as a vocalist. He meets his “goilee” in a touring show of STRIKE ME PINK in Buffalo.
“I TOOK THE JOB. YEAH, I BECAME A FURNITURE PEDDLAR. DEATH OF A CROONER. BIRTH OF A SALESMAN.” – LEE KELSON
The Songs
Their love was the marriage of song and dance, a lasting bond between a great singer and a wonderful dancer. Lee Kelson’s songs, written after he walked away from his career, are a testament to the love that kept Lee and Annette together, through all the ups and downs of their 55 year marriage.
“I EMBRACED JACK DANIEL’S. SOUNDS HEALTHIER THAN HOOKED.” – LEE KELSON
The Dancer (Annette Kelson)
After several years of dance class provided by her financially struggling parents, Annette drops out of high school at 16, moves to New York City in search of a dance career. As one of the Hudson-Saint Claire Dancers, billed as “America’s Can-Can Sensations”, Annette meets Lee in the touring show STRIKE ME PINK in Buffalo. She eventually becomes a chorus girl, a member of the Rockettes, where she rises to become a “dance captain”. After a string of dance-related injuries, Annette seeks a “normal” life at 30 with Lee, settling down with a family.
“YOU’RE HIGH ON SOMETHING, MR. KELSON AND I DON’T THINK IT’S THE JACK (DANIEL’S) - ANNETTE KELSON