Jane Pickens
b. Macon, GA
d.
Newport, RI, February 21, 1992 at age of 83.
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Prominent Newport socialite. Divided time between Park Avenue (NYC)
and Bellevue Avenue. Performed at numerous charitable causes in this
city.
Appeared in fund-raising concerts for Newport’s Boys and Girls Club; served
as first president of the classical Newport Musical Festival.
In 1974, Strand Theatre, a local landmark in Washington Square, is rededicated
Jane Pickens Theatre. Jane gave concert with sister Patti, attended by
600 people.
Following a two year illness, Pickens died at Newport home, "Bellevue House"
(also known as the Codman and Maxim Karolik House at the southeast corner
of Bellevue Avenue and West Bowery Street). Pickens had lived there
since the mid 1960’s.
Singer and actress, star of stage, radio and television, philanthropist
and civic worker. Studied at Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia
and Juilliard School of Music, NYC.
Pickens grew up in Georgia. Developed singing talents and formed
group with sisters Patti and Helen. Moved to New York (1932) known
as the Three Little Maids from Pixie, and later as the Pickens sisters
(father played piano).
The trio performed concert tours, radio shows and made records. The
group disbanded in 1935 when two sisters married.
Afterwards, Jane performed solo in many musicals. Appeared in the
Ziegfeld Follies (1936), Boys and Girls Together (1940), and Regina (1949),
the musical version of "The Little Foxes."
Pickens had her own television show in 1954. When career faded in
the 1950’s she turned attention to benefits for orphans, hospitals and
veteran groups. Active in telethon charities, a founder of United
Cerebral Palsy Association, one of the chief organizers of annual telethon.
Chairman all domestic operations, member executive committee Action, Washington,
D.C. Recipient Distinguished Volunteer Service Award - presented
by Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.
As a republican-conservative, Pickens was unsuccessful challenger to Rep.
Edward Koch for Congress in 1972. The district represented:
Silk Stocking District on Manhattan’s east side.
Married three times: Russell Clark (divorced), stockbroker William
C. Langley (deceased) and third husband Walter Hoving, who passed away
in Newport three years previous to Ms. Pickens. He was the head of
Tiffany & Company and Bonwit Teller.
Bibliography
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