Gogi Grant, Singer Who Had Hit In '56 With "The Wayward Wind," R.I.P.

Gogi Grant, the singer who had a #1 hit in 1956 with "The Wayward Wind," passed away on Thursday at age 91.

Miss Grant's passing was announced by her son, Joshua Beckett.

Gogi, born Myrtle Audrey Arinsberg in Philadelphia, moved to Los Angeles at age 12. 

In her adopted home state, she won a teenage singing contest and appeared on television talent shows.

Gogi began her recording career in 1952 under the nom de plume Audrey Brown, then under another name, Audrey Grant.

It was RCA Victor Records A&R chief Dave Kapp who gave her the name of "Gogi." When Miss Grant asked Mr. Kapp just what is a Gogi, Dave responded "Darned if I know.  I dreamed it up last night."

In 1955, Gogi signed on with Era Records, a small recording label.  It was with Era that Gogi had one of the best-remembered hit recordings of 1956 with "The Wayward Wind," which climbed to the top of Billboard's pop charts.

Gogi was still performing as late as 2013, at age 89.