Cynthia Strother, one half of the popular teenage duo The Bell Sisters, has passed away at the age of 88 due to heart failure. Strother, along with her younger sister Kay, rose to fame in the 1950s with their debut song 'Bermuda.' The sisters, who recorded for RCA from 1951-55, made appearances on various radio and television shows, including The Johnny Carson Show and The Mickey Mouse Club.
Born in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1935, Cynthia Sue Strother wrote 'Bermuda' at the age of 16 while attending Huntington High School. The song was an instant hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard singles chart and selling over 1 million copies. The sisters also found success with other songs like 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Hambone.'
Aside from their music career, The Bell Sisters ventured into acting, appearing in films such as 'Cruisin' Down the River' and 'Those Redheads From Seattle.' Cynthia's talent extended beyond entertainment as she later taught swimming to handicapped children and adults.
Despite leaving the spotlight, Cynthia's legacy lived on through her music, with 'Bermuda' continuing to generate royalties for her. She is survived by her sisters, sons, grandchildren, and a wide circle of family and friends. Her passing marks the end of an era in the music industry, but her contributions will always be remembered.
