We're ashamed to admit that the glamorous, utterly fabulous Kim Sisters were completely unknown to us, until we stumbled upon a few YouTube clips. Now we kiss the hem of their mandarin-collared garments.
THE KIM SISTERS (AND MAMA KIM) AT THE TABLES IN RENO, 1960'S
These gorgeous Korean siblings came to Vegas in 1959, and became headliners at the famed Thunderbird Hotel. They also made several television appearances, debuting before American audiences on the legendary Ed Sullivan Show, where they performed "Hound Dog" (!). Ed, of course, had a soft spot for glamorous singing trios, and invited the sisters back a record 22 times.
The Kim Sisters were major international stars throughout the 1960's, performing all over the United States and Europe. As musical fads changed, and the sisters got married and started families of their own, the act gradually sputtered out by the 1970's. Sook-ja, the eldest, still performs occasionally in Korea; Ai-ja passed away in 1987; and Mia is retired.
Sample their greatness below:
Sample their greatness below:
O. My. God.
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe - of them, and of you for finding them.
The presence of Mama, of course, recalls the Gabors; while their whiskey-voiced va-va-va-voom is pure McGuire Sisters.
And there really ought to be a word for the specific kind of euphoria induced by watching frugging, beehived Korean sisters play marimba novelty solos.
I can't even remember WHAT search field I entered which inadvertently led to the discovery for the sisters Kim!
ReplyDeleteThey sang like the McGuires, wore hats like the Gabors, and looked like the Ronettes. Needless to say, it was love at first sight when I found them.
Brilliant!!! I'm so glad I found you blog!
ReplyDeleteScooter -- Glad to have you here!
ReplyDeleteI remember the Kim Sisters from the Sullivan show. My most vivid memory is of them doing "Charlie Brown" by the Coasters, with one of the sisters intoning a basso "Why's everybody always pickin' on ME?" Sublime!
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