Dee Parker

Dee Parker (died March 13, 2000) was an American model, singer, and actress best known for her work on local television in Detroit, Michigan. She also made recordings and performed in night clubs, with big bands, and with a symphony orchestra.

Early years A native of Chicago and the daughter of a Russian tailor,

Career Early in her career, Parker was a model with the John Robert Powers agency.

In the early 1940s, Parker sang in night clubs, performed with Phil Brestoff and his Michigan Theatre Orchestra,

Parker's work in night clubs included the 885 Club in Chicago and the Brass Rail A review of her performance at The Bowery in the trade publication Billboard described Parker as having "a clear, well-controlled but flexible voice, plus showmanship thru [sic] a directly-appealing versatility of expression ...".

In 1944, Parker sang with the Vaughn Monroe orchestra, but she left it to perform with the Star and Garter troupe in Chicago. Also in 1944, she was soloist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. On November 18, 1944, Parker was featured on the Blue Network's On Stage, Everybody program, which each week paired "a rising young starlet with an established performer." In 1948, she had a national radio program, Speaking of Songs.

Parker was best-known for The Auntie Dee Show, which she had on WXYZ-TV in Detroit from 1950 to 1956. The program was a showcase on which youngsters demonstrated their talents in singing and dancing.

She also acted in summer stock theatre in Indiana and in the Los Angeles area. TV shows on which she appeared included Line-Up, Day in Court, Rehearsal Call, and Woman's Diary.

Personal life Parker was initially married to Phil Brestoff,

Death On March 13, 2000, Parker died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California.