Barbara McNair

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Biography

Racine, Milwaukee WI, United States

Barbara McNair (March 4, 1934 - February 4, 2007) was an African-American singer and actress.

Born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, McNair studied music at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Her big break came with a win on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, which led to bookings at The Purple Onion and the Cocoanut Grove.

She soon became one of the country’s most popular headliners and a guest on such television variety shows as The Steve Allen Show, Hullabaloo, The Bell Telephone Hour, and The Hollywood Palace, while recording for the Coral, Signature, and Motown labels. Among her hits were You’re Gonna Love My Baby and Bobby. In the early 60s, Barbara made several musical shorts for Scopitone, a franchise of coin-operated machines that showed what were then the forerunners of today’s music videos.

McNair’s acting career began on television, guesting on series such as Dr. Kildare, I Spy, Mission: Impossible, Hogan’s Heroes and McMillan and Wife. She caught the attention of the movie-going public with her much-publicized nude sequences in the gritty crime drama If He Hollers Let Him Go (1968) opposite Raymond St. Jacques, then donned a nun’s habit alongside Mary Tyler Moore for Change of Habit (1969), Elvis Presley’s last feature film. She portrayed Sidney Poitier’s wife in They Call Me MISTER Tibbs! (1970) and its sequel, The Organization (1971).
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  • Tr1xx

    Baby a Go-Go needs more plays. Find it, play it, love it.

    7 Mar 2011 Reply

  • John_Dough_No32

    Hi!

    15 Dec 2009 Reply

  • X80sSkin

    Barbara McNair was one very talented and beautiful lady. The woman was exceptional at whatever she did, whether it was onscreen or the recording studio or the stage.

    1 Apr 2009 Reply

  • gareth1961

    youre gonna love my baby,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,classic

    3 Mar 2009 Reply

  • MrStyle

    Wonderful Voice and she deserves some love in her Shoutbox. Rest In Peace

    13 May 2008 Reply

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