Governor Gibbons APPOINTS KAYE Poet Laureate Emeritus

Carson City – Governor Jim Gibbons today honored Norman Kaye for his 40 years of volunteer service to Nevada by appointing Kaye poet laureate emeritus.  The governor personally presented Kaye a certificate of appointment and commission at the governor's office in Las Vegas.

“Norman Kaye has played a large role in music as both a performer and songwriter,” said Governor Gibbons.  “As a member of the Mary Kaye Trio in the 1950s and ‘60s, he helped create what we know as the ‘lounge act.’  As a singer/songwriter, he has written for Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Vicky Carr.  But he also played a significant role in our state’s history by serving as poet laureate for 40 years.   I want Nevadans to continue to benefit from Mr. Kaye’s service in this new emeritus position.”

With his sister, Mary, and fellow member Frankie Ross, Norman Kaye gained prominence in the 1950s and ‘60s in the Mary Kaye Trio, a lounge act which had a profound influence on Nevada gaming entertainment.  They recorded 13 record albums and 21 singles and appeared in movies and television shows as well.  As a songwriter, Norman Kaye wrote the national March of Dimes song “Throw a Dime My Way,” “Have a Heart, Lend a Hand” and songs recorded by several other top recording artists.  He also pursued a successful real estate career in Las Vegas.  Now 84 years old, Norman Kaye still lives in Las Vegas and continues to writes songs.

Norman Kaye was appointed Poet Laureate by Governor Grant Sawyer in 1967.  He was reappointed by Governor Robert List in 1979 and again by Governor Richard Bryan in 1983.  Nevada’s poet laureate position has been largely inactive for two decades.

Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs Director Michael Fischer plans to make the poet laureate position far more active, and plans for Kaye to continue serving the state in his new status.

“Norman Kaye has the experience, knowledge and historical background to enrich the lives of all Nevadans,” said Fischer.  “His new Emeritus position will offer an extended platform from which we can all better understand both our past and future.”

                                                                              #   #   #