Harry Babbitt Harry Babbitt, a long-time Newport...

Harry Babbitt

Harry Babbitt, a long-time Newport Beach resident and a lead

vocalist for the Kay Kyser band, died April 9 of natural causes. He

was 90.

Mr. Babbitt sang with the Kay Kyser orchestra from 1938 to 1949.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He sang many of the

band’s hits, including “Three Little Fishies,” “On a Slow Boat to

China” and “Who Wouldn’t Love You.”

Mr. Babbitt was active in the community as well, said Irrelevant

Week founder Paul Salata.

“He was a real neat guy,” he said. “He was member of Hoag

Hospital’s 552 Club.”

He was also active in the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s

Commodores Club and almost always sang at its Christmas party, Salata

said.

“He was a real celebrity in Newport Beach when the rest of them

lived in Los Angeles,” he said. “For me, he’s up there with Bing

Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Harry Babbitt is one of the icons of the

Big Band Era.”

Mr. Babbitt is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty; sons

Michael, Christopher and Stephen; brother, Bob; six grandchildren;

and two great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held

in May.