The Beautiful, Talented Miss Lonette Mckee

[CarlosAlberto]

As Julie in the 1994 B'way Revival of SHOWBOAT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdkWyH7qGdE

How Long Has This Been Goin' On w/Dexter Gordon from 'ROUND MIDNIGHT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt6qoZkDwxo&feature=fvwrel

Ill Wind from THE COTTON CLUB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9nOjTbdPKQ

A 1975 appearance on SOUL TRAIN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEOIcOxwTOI&feature=related

Something He Can Feel from SPARKLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz-R8jKP-84

Hooked on Your Love from SPARKLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_ceVJPgGfE&feature=relmfu

[AEA AGMA SM]

I'm so glad that she toured with the Hal Prince revival of Show Boat. Her rendition of "Bill" broke my heart and still does whenever it pops up when I leave iTunes on shuffle.

[MrMidwest]

Lonette's version of 'Bill'

[PalJoey]

I agree about her "Bill."

[Brian07663NJ]

I was fortunate enough to have seen her performance in Show Boat. It still is a highlight of my theater memories. I forever wish to see her again on stage. Love her!

[Reginald Tresilian]

Does anyone remember her Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"?

[EricMontreal22]

She was amazing in SHow Boat, one of the best theatre performances I've seen. But, I admit, I've followed nothing of hers since then. Thanks for the links!

[CarlosAlberto]

As Sister Williams in her film debut, Sparkle (1976).

[Huss417]

"Does anyone remember her Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"?"

I do. I can't believe it has been over 25 years already. I know at one point way back when there was talk of recording the show but Mckee developed vocal problems and had to leave the show. Interesting tidbit. Her understudy was S. Epatha Merkerson.

[Reginald Tresilian]

I saw Epatha (my first time seeing her, actually). She was wonderful, if not very like Billie vocally.

[ghostlight2]

Worked with her in her cabaret series decades ago. Sweet lady.

[PitPro2004]

LOVED HER in Show Boat! Wish I could see her again in it.

[Miranda3]

Reginald, I remember seeing her in "Lady Day at Emerson's B&G" years ago, when I was new to NY. It was in a smaller theater, where I think you had to walk upstairs for the performance, and there was a lot of exposed brick. Does anyone remember what theater it was?