Al Alberts, Singer and Host of Al Alberts' Showcase, Dies at 87

by Amy Judd | November 27, 2009 at 02:22 pm

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Al Alberts, the singing TV host of Al Alberts' Showcase has died at the age of 87 today at his home in Florida. He died from circulatory problems with his wife Stella by his side.

Al Alberts became famous in the 1950s when he was part of the group The Four Aces, but he was also famous as 'Uncle Al' as he devoted much of his screen time on Al Alberts' Showcase to nuturing the talents of young people.

Al Alberts Showcase started in 1968 and he also toured the show in theatres and launched the careers of Andrea McArdle, Teddy Pendergrass, Jarrod Spector and Sister Sledge.

His wife Stella was also 'Aunt Stella' to the children and many describe the show now as 'their American Idol'.

Al Alberts retired in 1999, but he still kept his role in the encouragement of young peoples' talents.

Stella Alberts said her husband had been ill for several weeks with circulatory problems in his legs but previously had been in good health. "All of a sudden, God took him," she said. His son Chris, a director for the New Candlelight Theatre in Wilmington, said the apparent cause of death was complications from kidney failure.

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