A nervous breakdown in 1968 led to a long break in her career, which she renewed stronger than ever, recreated as a jazz singer who achieved raves from music critics in a series of more than two dozen distinctive albums for the Concord label. The great Frank Sinatra called her "a symbol of good modern American music."

I'm proud to have known her since 1981, when as entertainment editor of an Ohio newspaper I interviewed her and attended six performances in an equal number of days while she was touring with a show called "Four Girls Four." Over the years, I've had the privilege to see her perform many times. Last June after a concert at Riverbend in Cincinnati, we hugged back stage and she called me "The Writer." A Pulitzer Prize couldn't have made me a happier individual.

These days Rosemary is famous with the younger generation for another reason. She's George Clooney's aunt and drew raves for her acting in two episodes of the TV mega-hit called "ER"

On Oct. 5, Rosemary gets another honor in a career that began in Cincinnati with her sister Betty as they starred on a radio show for WLW Radio, then dubbed "The Nation's Station." Rosemary is being honored with the seventh Ella Lifetime Achievement Award at a black tie gala in Beverly Hills, Calif. The honor is deserved, for she's undoubtedly one of the best of any generation, a true singer's singer.

The Ella Award, named in honor of the late Ella Fitzgerald, benefits the Society of Singers, which for 14 years has addressed the needs of professional singers who are down on their luck. With coordination of confidential services and quality care, the Society has helped singers worldwide meet their most pressing obligations in difficult times. The group provides food, shelter, medical assistance and has launched a housing campaign, in addition to case management and referral services.

Scheduled to appear or perform at the gala are Delores Hope (Bob's spouse), Johnny Mathis, John Raitt, Patti Page, Linda Ronstadt, Joe Williams, Beverly D'Angelo, Rosemary's daughter-in-law Debby Boone, her "adopted son" Michael Feinstein, Diana Krall, and Barry Manilow.

Ginny Mancini, one of the gala's co-chairs, said, "The accomplishments and accolades that are part of the Rosemary Clooney legacy will enable us to help the Society of Singers fulfill its goals. It is a great pleasure to honor Rosemary . . . and for all that she represents to the singers who benefit from her work."

Previous recipients of the Ella Award, besides Ms. Fitzgerald, included Frank Sinatra, Tony Martin, Peggy Lee, and Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.

Rosemary said, "It's time the rare bird called a singer had some tender loving care. I couldn't agree more and I am delighted to be a part of this incredible group's dedicated efforts in helping those in need."

Bob Powers seeks the help of independent record companies. He's interested in receiving new releases in any genre (no classical, though). For information on sending promotional materials, contact Bob by e-mail at rpowers@ee.net