| Jay Epae | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Nicholas Epae |
| Born | 1932 Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand |
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Died | September 1994 (aged 61–62) |
| Genres | Pop |
| Years active | 1960–1967 |
| Labels | American Mercury American Capitol Viking |
Jay Epae (1932 – 8 September 1994), born Nicholas Epae, was a Māori pop singer from Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand. He moved to the United States in 1957. His albums were released on the American Mercury label until 1962, when he switched to American Capitol. In 1966, he switched to New Zealand's Viking Records.[1]
His single Putti Putti was a hit, and he toured Sweden soon after its release. He soon after faded out of the spotlight. In 1966, he wrote a hit single for Maria Dallas called Tumblin' Down, which won her the Loxene Golden Disk Award.[1]
He died in September 1994 at the age of 61.