Helen Forrest - 1970s-1990s: Later Years & Retirement

1970s-1990s: Later Years & Retirement

During the 1970s and 1980s, Forrest performed in supper clubs on "big band nostalgia" tours, including appearances with Harry James and Dick Haymes. In 1977, Helen participated in a television reunion of herself, James, and Haymes on the Merv Griffin Show. This led to a touring production called The Fabulous 40s (1978), followed in 1979 with a similar revue entitled The Big Broadcast of 1944. In 1980, six months following Haymes' death, Helen suffered a stroke, but recovered to resume performing and recording. Her autobiography was published in 1982 and is dedicated to her only son. In 1983, Helen released her final album. She also starred with Vivian Blaine and Margaret Whiting in a stage revue titled, A Tribute to Dick Haymes.

Despite an unhappy childhood, frequent illness, and personal disappointments, Forrest remained dedicated to her musical profession and continued singing until the early 1990s when rheumatoid arthritis began to affect her vocal cords and forced her into retirement.