Ban On Singers In U.S. May Affect Dinah Lee

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30760, 26 May 1965, Page 12

Ban On Singers In U.S. May Affect Dinah Lee

"The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, May 25.

The top New Zealand teenage singer Dinah Lee may be prevented from appearing on further television shows in America by a new ban on British show business acts imposed by American immigration authorities. After singing on two top teen-age shows filmed in Hollywood, “Shindig” and “Holly-wood-a-Go-Go,” Dinah Lee flew to New York with her manager, Mr J. Haddleton, to fulfil further singing engagements on New York shows. She was stopped from making these appearances as she could not secure a new working visa in the time available. While Dinah was waiting to fly to London for television appearances there and a three-week cabaret engagement at the Savoy Hotel, Mr Haddleton learned that United States immigration officials had forbidden the importation of musical acts. Previously H-l visas “for acts of distinguished merit" were available to foreign pop performers but in future they will have to apply for H-2 visas.

According to “Variety,” the

American entertainment daily newspaper, H-2 visas have to be approved by the Department of Labour and the unions affected. If an American group or entertainer is doing the same song or item, the visas will be refused.

According to Mr Haddleton, the American booking agency, General Artists, is trying to straighten out difficulties so that Dinah can return to sing in the United States. If not she will continue her career in Britain.