Posted by Ronnie Allen on July 19, 2008 at 07:57:58:
Many sources state that Sue was born in 1926, which would make today her 82nd birthday.
However Sue personally told me that she was actually born in 1925, so today is really number 83.
In any event, she is such a gracious, wonderful lady -- as well as an incredibly talented one -- and I hope that she has a wonderful birthday.
As most of you know, I have interviewed Sue Thompson on several occasions. I have done two separate one-hour shows with her, including the one that is on my Radio Page.
For those people on the East Coast, I am keeping my fingers crossed that Sue will be able to be a guest at this year's Friends Of Old Time Radio Convention in Newark, NJ in October.
I met Fred Clemens at that convention back in 2003, when Diane Renay was one of the invited guests.
If Sue is able to make it, this will be my first opportunity to meet someone who has been a long-distance friend for the past five years.
What many are not aware of is that before becoming an "overnight sensation" with "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)" in 1961 on Hickory Records, Sue had recorded for both Mercury and Columbia in the 50s.
All told she has recorded dozens and dozens of songs. Most fall into the pop or country music vein but their are notable exceptions, such as her doowop recording of the Velvets hit "Tonight (Could Be The Night)."
I am proud that a private song that gifted tunesmith Alan O'Day wrote especially for Sue, entitled "Sue Thompson Makes Me Smile," can only be heard on the interview show that I did with Sue which is on my Radio Page and nowhere else!
Maybe I am biased, but I personally think that Sue is a national treasure!