Frankie Vaughan; British Song and Dance Man

British song and dance man Frankie Vaughan, a crooner who appealed to audiences in Las Vegas and New York as well as his native England, died Friday at age 71.

Vaughan, who had been plagued by health problems the last several years, underwent heart surgery in May after doctors discovered a ruptured aneurysm. His agent said he was buried Friday afternoon.

“He died peacefully with his family and was buried in accordance with the Jewish tradition,” said a statement from the office of Vaughan’s agent, Peter Charlesworth.

The singer was known as “Mr. Moonlight” for his theme song, “Give Me the Moonlight.” He also made hits of “Green Door” and “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine.” He was an energetic performer whose trademarks included a top hat and cane and an athletic kick.

He had a moderately successful career in the movies in the 1960s. He was playing his second season in Las Vegas when he was chosen to star with Marilyn Monroe in “Let’s Make Love” in 1960.

In a 1994 interview with the Daily Mail of London, he said he was so naive at the time that he failed to realize when Monroe had propositioned him.

“One day she said: ‘We have got to get this dialogue right, so if you would care to come around to my bungalow we can really get to know each other. . . .’ I had brought my wife with me to Hollywood, so I went home and said to [her]: ‘Marilyn really is a nice girl. She’s suggested I go to her bungalow to work on the lines.’ To which Stella replied, very firmly: ‘If anybody is going to help you with your lines, it will be me!’ ”

He said that preserving his marriage was the reason he eventually left Hollywood and returned to England.

Vaughan was born Frank Abelson in his Russian grandmother’s house in Liverpool on Feb. 3, 1928. She inspired his stage name by always referring to him as her “Number Vorn” grandchild.

Vaughan turned to show business after studying at Leeds College of Art. He auditioned as a singer, landed a week’s work at a music hall, and then started his career on the British variety circuit.

He starred at all the major British theaters and had hit cabaret shows in Las Vegas and at New York’s Copacabana.

Vaughan is survived by Stella, his wife of 47 years, his daughter and two sons.