Kathy Zee

Rockabilly spitfire Kathy Zee was born Kathleen Ann Zaleski in Pittsburgh on June 12, 1946. By age four, she was playing the mandolin, and that same year made her public debut singing with older brother Jim at a local leukemia benefit. The performance was a success, and despite their eight-year age difference, the siblings teamed as the Harmony Wildcats, regularly appearing on Pittsburgh-area radio and television broadcasts before graduating to the national Ted Mack Amateur Hour. In 1958, manager Elmer Willett signed Kathy to a solo contract, although Jim contributed guitar and backing vocals to her Laurie Records debut, "Buzzin'," a smash hit in Germany that also cracked the U.S. Top 40. For reasons unknown, Willett self-released the follow-up, "Santa Claus Rock and Roll," on his own eponymous label. Credited to Kathy and Jimmy Zee, the single failed to match the success of its predecessor, and their brief recording career ground to a sudden halt. After graduating from Pittsburgh's Divine Providence Academy in 1964, Kathy joined Jim in relocating to California, and over the next several years they appeared in hotel lounges across the Southwest. Kathy later joined Abby Neal & the Ranch Girls before signing on as a featured vocalist and bassist with the Las Vegas nightclub staple the Diplomats. She retired at 27 to raise a family, later confining her singing aspirations to her church choir. ~ Jason Ankeny