Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

For many, those words, who wants to be a millionaire, bring to mind a TV game.  Those of a different generation may well think of just an old-fashioned girl.  The sad news is that Eartha Kitt  is no more.  She died at 81 and will be fondly remembered by so many of her fans.

Eartha Kitt, 81, died in New York, where she was being treated for colon cancer, Freedman said. Her daughter, Kitt Shapiro, was by her side.  She was performing almost until the end, taping a PBS special six weeks ago in Chicago, Illinois. The show is set to air in February.  The ringtone version of her recording of the saucy Christmas song “Santa Baby” was certified gold earlier this month. 

Kitt was well known for her distinctive voice and made a name for herself in her portrayal of Catwoman in the television series “Batman.” That role produced Kitt’s recognizable sultry cat growl.

The reference to a millionaire relates to a 1962 song that Eartha Kitt sang entitled Just An Old-Fashioned Girl, which I remember so well.  Here is a video to remind you of her great voice.

For the record here are a few of the early verses of that song.

Just an Old Fashioned Girl

I’m just an old fashioned girl with an old fashioned mind
Not sophisticated, I’m the sweet and simple kind.
I want an old fashioned house, with an old fashioned fence
And an old fashioned millionaire.

I want an old fashioned car, a cerise Cadillac,
Long enough to put a bowling alley in the back.
I want an old fashioned house, with an old fashioned fence
And an old fashioned millionaire.

I’ll stay weaving at my loom,
Be no trouble to my groom,
If he’ll keep the piles of money mounting.

In our cottage there will be
A soundproof nursery
Not to wake the baby while I’m counting.

I like the old fashioned flowers, violets are for me –
Have them made in diamonds by the man at Tiffany.
I want an old fashioned house, with an old fashioned fence
And an old fashioned millionaire.

She will be sorely missed by her many fans.