I am so sorry to hear this. I adored her. I saw her in the otherwise unbearable Legs Diamond. She woke up that sleeping show every time she stepped on stage. I also caught her cabaret act once. Afterwards, I met her and she was genuinely touched when I told her that I had flown from Memphis just to see her, which I had.

I knew her work as a kid, growing up in a movie theatre, and remember her from her early work in films in "This Could Be the Night" as a nightclub singer, and "The Strange One." But clearly her forte was cabaret and clubs, with an occasional visit to the theatre. Saw and loved her in JIMMY years ago, but the show was pretty terrible. I remember seeing her at Brothers and Sisters back in the 70s, where many of the great women came to perform, and she was wonderful. Some years later she came to sing with us at the NYC Gay Men's Chorus, and the guys were in awe of this legendary woman, who could not have been kinder or nicer.

She was extraordinary, and if you haven't, get a copy of "The Night and the Music: Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Cook & Julie Wilson Inside...Cabaret," a fascinating read about three very amazing women.

RIP, dear Julie.

Sad to see her go, but it's wonderful that she remained active and in demand right up to the end. We should all hope for such vibrancy.

Ann Hampton Callaway posted a lovely remembrance on Facebook, part of which is quoted on Playbill:

"When I came to NY to pursue my dreams, Julie was one of the first people who welcomed, encouraged and inspired me. I loved her contrasts- she was pure glamour when she stepped on a stage and sang great songs with wry wisdom and humor and when she was done, she'd put on her Reboks and fold her gown in a shopping bag and call it a night. She may have left Omaha but Omaha never left her. Always down to earth, she balanced to perfect proportion, lady and broad, and a conversation with her always involved much laughter. I know of almost no other singer who was as generous to other singers as Julie, attending shows of so many of us starting out through the years and always with such love and enthusiasm. Singer, actress, mother and shining light, you will be dearly missed by all of us lucky enough to know you, Julie."

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/singer-actress-julie-wilson-dead-at-90-346034

I always loved her rendition of "I Only Wanna Laugh" from JIMMY. A truly class act. May she rest in peace.

A divine, classy lady. I was once lucky enough not only to see her act at the Algonquin in the early 80s but to spend some quality time with her afterwards as well (a young up-and-comer who was scheduled to play the room later sat with us as well; I believe his name was Michael Feinstein, or something...). I was addicted, and went back to hear her whenever I could.

I thought she was sophistication incarnate. And that voice could wrap you in a whisper, a growl, or a full-out belt. An amazing performer.

Updated On: 4/6/15 at 05:26 PM

Julie, almost two years ago, at age 88 singing Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke's "But Beautiful."

She may be weak and old and greatly diminished...but beautiful.

Updated On: 4/6/15 at 10:11 PM