Frankie Laine dies - page 2

07-02-2007 12:29

Laine said: "Ten years is a good stretch of scuffling, but I scuffled for 17 years before anything happened and 17 years is a bit much."

Laine sang the instantly recognisable theme song to the 'Rawhide' cowboy TV series and Mel Brooks' Western spoof 'Blazing Saddles'.

His other hits include 'Mule Train', 'A Woman In Love' and 'Hey Joe'.

Laine once said his approach to music was inspired by Louis Armstrong playing the trumpet. He explained: "I use my voice like a horn."

During a career which spanned four decades, Laine starred in a series of musical films including 'Sunny Side of the Street' and 'When You're Smiling' and hosted three different variety shows in the 50s.

Laine's first marriage, to actress Nan Grey, lasted for 40 years - until Nan's death in 1993.

He is survived by wife Marcia Ann - whom he married in 1999 - and stepdaughters Pamela Donner and Jan Steiger from his first marriage.

Laine's family said he would be remembered for the beautiful music he brought into the world and his sense of humour.