Cardella DeMilo March 15th 1930 to Janurary 5th 2003
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Cardella De Milo was born to Douglas and Roberta Smith on March 15th 1930 in Watunga, Oklahoma. Her early years saw her through a move to Arizona and then to Richmond, California. She discovered her musical talent and began to sing at the early age of 13. In High School, she began her formal professional singing career. She met, fell inlove and married Curtis Thorton. Out of this union came two Beautiful Humanbeings, Carolyn (Mercedes) a daughter and Ronald Curtis, a son. Ronnie preceeded her (Cardella) with his own (too soon) transition. She continued the pursuit of her dream. She was a Business woman and owned several business's in the Bay area. Cardella began touring the U.S. and Hawai'i. Internationally, her singing graced stages throughout her tours to Japan, Canada, Alaska and the Carribean. She leaves a Treasure of Achievements in the Music and Filmworld, with appearances in several movies by Promident Producers such as; Norman Lear, Eddie Murphy, Jamaa Fanaka, and Ted Turner. Television was part of her Entertainment Territory as well, which included her in popular shows such as, " Sanford & Son ", her latest, " Pirates of Silicon Valley " in which she portrayed the memorable Ella Fitzgerald. She has recorded, written and composed many songs for several record labels. She was and will always be an Alumni of the D-Town Records Family founded by Lee Rogers & Mike Hanks in 1957 Detroit, and being kept alive by Kenneth H. Smith & Debby Clinton, in which Tribute Albums to Lee and Cardella are in the making, with the Beautiful sweet vocals by her Daughter Mercedes also to be included on the songs. Cardella hosted and awarded Many Artists at the Famous Perisian Room and her show Rising Star in Los Angeles for more than 10 years + and also wowed the crowds at such clubs as The Executive Club, The California Club, and many other clubs throughout Los Angeles. She served as a Columnist for "The Scoop" and several newspapers in the Los Angeles area. Ms. De Milo was presented a Resolution by California Governor Jerry Brown for her 11 years of Appearances in the State Penal Institutions, in addition, she received a Congressional Award from Congresswoman Diane Watson as well as such Dignitaries as the late Mayor Tom Bradley and Senator Bill Green. Althought she under went Heart surgery ( 4way bipass) in 1988, it wasn't long and she was right back to entertaining. She lived the moto, "the show must go on! ". In 2001, Cardella was the recipient of " Mother of the Year " awarded by the Rose Cancer Society. Her presentations help launch the careers of Barbara Morrison, Reynaldo Rey, the late comedian Robin Harris and many others of note. Cardella has shared the spotlight with many of the greats, Lionel Hampton, Little Richard, B.B. King, Duke Ellington, Linda Hopkins, James Brown, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Guitar Shorty, Josephine Baker, Carmen McRae, Gloria Lynne, Big Joe Turner, Ella Fitzgerald and many, many more. From the 50's throughout the 90's, Cardella De Milo has gone full circle. A True Trailblazer, she has paved a pathway for many to follow. She left dreams and hope to inspire, and warmth of her Love to those who loved her. Which are too
many to number here ;-) Here's to Sistah Cardella...Shine On!
~~~~~FRIENDS~~~~~
CARDELLA I JUST FOUND OUT RECENTLY THAT YOU ARE NOT AROUND BUT KNOW ANYWAY THAT I LOVE YOU AND I'LL ALWAYS THAT IT WAS YOU THAT GAVE ME THE FIRST AWARD IN LOS ANGELES. THAT AWARD MEANT SO MUCH TO ME. IT SAID THAT SOMEONE WAS LISTENING AND APPROVED OF ME AND MY MUSIC. YOU, LIKE LEE, ARE MISSED SO MUCH THAT IT HURTS. R.G. AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE TWO OF YOU. YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE THAT TWO GROWN MEN IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES COULD CHOKE ON THE PHONE WHILE TALKING ABOUT THE TIMES WE HAD WITH YOU WOULD YOU?I'LL SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE. KEEP A SPOT ON THE SHOW OPEN FOR ME.
JOHNNY LOVE,
YOUR GUITAR PLAYER
......YOU BEEN PROMISING SWEET THINGS BABY, FOR A MIGHTY LONG TIME...
