Eileen Rodgers Thompson

Eileen Rodgers Thompson, former Broadway and Columbia Records singing star, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2003 at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte.
Formerly of Manhasset, L.I., N.Y., she is survived by her husband of 45 years, retired New York Marketing Executive Bill Thompson. They have lived in their home on Lake Norman in Cornelius for the past 6 years. Also survived by their son, Wm. J. Thompson III of Charlotte, daughter-in-law, Maribeth and granddaughter, Emily Lynn; son, Mark Thompson of Manhasset, NY, daughter-in-law, Rachel and grandsons Luke and Christopher.
Born in Pittsburgh, PA and starting as a nightclub entertainer, Eileen became lead vocalist with the Charlie Spivak Orchestra and was signed by Columbia Records and recorded over 30 singles and 2 albums in the 1950's and 60's. She was discovered by the legitimate theater while appearing in the New York musical review "Chic,' and won critical acclaim in her Broadway debut singing the show stopping "Gentlemen Jimmy' in the Tony Award winning "Fiorello'. She next played the leading role of "Nita' in another George Abbott directed musical "Tenderloin.' On May 15, 1962, Eileen opened in the lead role of "Reno Sweeney' in the revival of Cole Porter's "Anything Goes' at the Orpheum Theater in Manhattan. Her leading man was Hal Linden. Following a year in New York, it became the first Broadway production to open in Las Vegas. Mr. Linden was replaced for the extended Vegas run by Hollywood Squares' Peter Marshall.
Other Broadway credits include her Music Awards singing role of "Bobo' in the original cast album of "Oh! Captain' opposite Tony Randall. In 1966 she was standby for Ethel Merman for the Richard Rogers Broadway revival of "Annie Get Your Gun.' A part that Ethel originated in New York 30 years before! She and Ethel became great friends.
Eileen appeared frequently in most of the TV musical shows of the time, including Ed Sullivan, Dick Clark, The Tonight Show and The Jimmy Dean Show. The "Chevrolet 50th Anniversary' TV Special starred Eileen and Art Carney, and she received standing ovations while appearing at Carnegie Hall with Vic Damone and The New York Philharmonic Orchestra in a black tie tribute to Cole Porter.
Her last professional appearance was at the Palmer House in Chicago with comedian Bob Newhart. Her musical director was Jerry Alter and her reviews were smashing. Following that engagement, she learned that she was pregnant with her first child. She put away her music and never sang again professionally. She decided that she would much rather be Super Mom than Superstar.
The family will receive friends at McEwen Funeral Home in Pineville on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A funeral mass to celebrate her life will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn East Mausoleum in Matthews.
McEwen Funeral Service, Pineville Chapel is serving the family of Eileen Thompson.