Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1930,[1] she began her career as a nightclub performer, later singing as lead vocalist with Charlie Spivak's orchestra.
Two years later, in 1962, she headed the off-Broadway revival cast of Cole Porter's Anything Goes in the role of Reno Sweeney, a recording of which is currently available on CD.
The Saturday Evening Post reported that Rodgers had burst into tears after a performance during the show's Philadelphia tryout, remarking, "I wish I was back in Tenderloin.
[2] Rodgers made frequent appearances on television variety shows and starred with Art Carney in a Chevrolet 50th Anniversary special.
[2] Eileen Rodgers Thompson died of lung cancer on July 13, 2003, in Charlotte, North Carolina, three days after her 73rd birthday.