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Singer BARBARA LEA with a musical tribute to Cole Porter

NPR Reviewed Jul 1, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
Citation-ready fact
Barbara Lea had her start singing in the 1950s in Boston.
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Citation-ready fact
Barbara Lea recorded her first album in 1955.
1955 year · album recording
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Barbara Lea made a comeback during the 1970s in New York's cabaret world.
about 1970 decade · comeback
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Citation-ready fact
Tony Tamburrello accompanied Tony Bennett on the road for 21 years.
21 years · accompanying
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Singer BARBARA LEA with a musical tribute to Cole Porter. She had her start singing in the 1950s in Boston and then moved to New York where she recorded her first album in 1955 to critical acclaim. She's been compared to the late Lee Wiley. Her other influences are Mildred Bailey and Billie Holiday. She dropped out of singing for a while but made a comeback during the 70s in New York's cabaret world. LEA is accompanied by pianist TONY TAMBURELLO. He was Sinatra's rehearsal pianist, and he was on the road accompanying Tony Bennett for 21 years. (REBROADCAST FROM 6

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