Trivia

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the 1980s. After a brief period of apparent remission, the disease returned in 1996. She retired to her parents' home in Philadelphia. A decade later, she had recovered sufficiently to return to live in Las Vegas.

Was a protégé of Dinah Washington.

Her Cuban father would sing to her in Spanish. She later became a popular nightclub singer who performed in various languages.

She and Joey Heatherton were the namesakes for the "Lola Heatherton" character as played by Catherine O'Hara on Second City TV (1976) and SCTV Network 90 (1981).

Recorded on Reprise Records, the label owned by Frank Sinatra.

Born in Camden, NJ, of African-American and Cuban descent. Her family later moved to Philadelphia. She attended Germantown High School there. Raised Episcopalian, she later converted to Roman Catholicism.

In later years she has turned to religion for comfort and solace, touring much of the time as an evangelist.

Was nominated for Broadway's 1975 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "Doctor Jazz."

She was nominated for the 2022 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts and Entertainment category.

Daughter of Bennett Falana, and Cleo Falana.

She was nominated for the 2024 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts & Entertainment category.