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Kitty White Died

August 29, 2009 | People

Kitty White, who sang "Crawfish" as a duet with Elvis Presley in the 1958 film “King Creole” died.  Professionally known as Kitty White, the performer died of complications from a stroke on Aug. 11 at Palm Springs Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was 86 years old.

The news was released by The Desert Sun, Palm Springs California. During White's career she recorded songs for Capitol, Emarcy and Mercury records. She performed and recorded with jazz artists Laurindo Almeida, Red Callendar, Buddy Collette and Ben Webster. And her music was featured on the soundtracks of 1950s films including “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Night of the Hunter,” in addition to the Presley film.

“Mother said he (Presley) was a really nice young man,” said Bonnie White-Mitchell, White's eldest child. “She had a true love of music and a genuine love of people,” Stagg said. But White's biggest love was right in her home. She was there when her children came home from school and cooked dinner for them, Stagg said.

“My mom always loved to perform but it was a means to an end,” she said. “She wasn't interested in becoming famous. She loved to perform but she loved her family more.” Services for White took place Aug. 18 at the Palm Springs Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband Edward White and second husband, Richard Henry Lee. She is survived by five children, all of whom live in Southern California: Bonnie White- Mitchell, Edward White Jr., Lisa White, Loret Stagg and Richard Lee; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Source:ElvisMatters
JLpResLey wrote on August 29, 2009
Oh, this is some sad news. Although I am not so crazy about the song, I really enjoyed the opening scene in Elvis´ greatest picture, King Creole, where Crawfish was performed. Obviously, she was a very good singer
OtisBlue22 wrote on August 29, 2009
I live for that scene!
Deke Rivers 6 wrote on August 30, 2009
This is a piece of musical history,a fantastic film & soundtrack. I love this opening scene. R.I.P. kitty. We love you.
Deke Rivers 6 wrote on August 30, 2009
I love the way Elvis aka Danny combed his hair then the next scene it was flopping down again lol Thankyou for the vid reminder !
TCBforever wrote on August 30, 2009
A young man in his prime. If only the army calling came a few years later. Now you know what i do for an encore!
Steve V wrote on August 30, 2009
I think Crawfish is Elvis' most underrated song. It is one of my all-time favorites. It is simply divine and sets the mood for the whole movie. I like the LP solo version better but the Kitty duet in the movie is so cool with them going back & forth and she was a very good singer. Thanks & RIP.
jessy wrote on August 30, 2009
wonderfull song; wonderfull elvis! rest in peace mrs white.
circleG wrote on September 01, 2009
For some reason a chill STILL goes down my spine when I watch this. The stars must have been perfectly alligned in the heavens!