15 Facts About Alma Cogan

Alma Angela Cohen Cogan was an English singer of traditional pop in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Alma Cogan's father was a singer, but it was Cogan's mother who had showbusiness aspirations for both her daughters: she had named Cogan after silent-screen star Alma Taylor.

Alma Cogan became resident singer at the Cumberland Hotel in London in 1949, where she was spotted by EMI producer Walter Ridley, who became her coach and signed her to His Master's Voice.

Alma Cogan was one of the first UK recording artists to appear frequently on television, where her powerful voice could be showcased along with her bubbly personality and dramatic costumes.

Alma Cogan was especially disappointed that her 1963 cover of the Exciters' US hit "Tell Him" did not return her to the UK charts, according to singer Eddie Grassham.

Alma Cogan had another number one hit in Sweden in 1965, "The Birds and the Bees".

Alma Cogan co-wrote her 1963 record "Just Once More" with her long-time pianist, Stan Foster.

Alma Cogan's 1964 single "It's You" was a Cogan-Foster collaboration, although this time she was credited under her own name.

Alma Cogan recalled in 1964 that The Beatles had been recording in the adjoining studio when she was working on the song:.

Alma Cogan lived with her widowed mother in Kensington High Street in a lavishly decorated ground-floor flat where she frequently entertained other celebrities.

Alma Cogan was close with the Beatles' manager, Brian Epstein.

Alma Cogan was close to the other Beatles as well, especially Paul McCartney, who played the melody of "Yesterday" on her piano.

Alma Cogan embarked on a series of club dates in England in early 1966, but collapsed after two performances and had to be treated for stomach cancer.

The romantic comedy In Love with Alma Cogan is a film starring Roger Lloyd-Pack.

Alma Cogan is an aging manager of an old-fashioned Pier Theatre.