Alan Dale, 75; Pop Singer Hosted Early TV Variety Show

Alan Dale, one of the more promising crooners of the late 1940s and ‘50s, whose hits included “Heart of My Heart” and “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White,” has died. He was 75. Dale died Saturday in New York after a long illness, family spokesman Michael Gregorio told the Associated Press.

Born Aldo Sigismondi in Brooklyn, he had his own television variety show, “The Alan Dale Show,” which was set in a record shop, for the Dumont TV network beginning in 1948.

In 1950, the show moved to CBS, where it thrived until 1951, featuring guest singers and comedians as well as Dale’s work.

The singer also hosted a weekly network radio show.

Before rock ‘n’ roll burst on the scene, Dale had his first hit recording with “Kate (Have I Come Too Early, Too Late)” with Ray Bloch and His Orchestra in 1947.

The next year, Dale and Connie Haines found success with their recording of “At the Darktown Strutters’ Ball.” Among Dale’s other hits were “Oh, Marie,” “Sweet and Gentle” and, in 1955, “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White,” which stayed on the charts for 30 weeks.

A year later came “Heart of My Hearts.” In 1956, Dale also made his feature film acting debut with “Don’t Knock the Rock” starring Bill Haley and the Comets. But films were never to be Dale’s forte.

Popular in such well-known clubs as the Copacabana, Dale had a successful nightclub schedule through the 1960s and ‘70s. His career wound down after that.

Dale is survived by his wife, Hedy.