Kenneth Burstein sang and hosted at the old Starlight Club at the Chase Hotel and, using the stage name of Ken Barry, he opened for such acts as Lena Horne, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Elvis Presley.

Later, he owned and operated a popular club, the Montmarte Lounge, before opening his own restaurant, both in University City.

Mr. Burstein died Tuesday (July 20, 2010) at his home in St. Louis County. He was 85 and died in his sleep, his family said Thursday.

"He was one of the best ballad singers I've ever known," said David Venn, a friend who often accompanied him on the piano.

Mr. Burstein had been host at the old Kingsway Hotel before moving north on Kingshighway in the late 1940s to the Chase, where he was a host and house singer, working in the Starlight Club and Zodiac Room.

He later opened the Montmarte at Delmar Boulevard and McKnight Road — a spot now occupied by a Chinese restaurant.

More recently, he was known for his restaurant, the former Barry's Restaurant & Lounge, at 8428 Olive Boulevard.

Mr. Burstein knew many of his diners by name, along with their favorite dishes. He was known for his brisket, turtle soup (once a regular on St. Louis menus) and homemade pie.

After a 27-year run, the restaurant closed in 1998, and Mr. Burstein and his wife, Pat, retired.

Mr. Burstein, the youngest of two children, grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Beaumont High School. His parents owned a small grocery in north St. Louis.

He studied at the St. Louis Institute of Music. Mr. Burstein was tall, with matinee idol looks, and was said to have perfect pitch.

He enlisted in the Army and served as a radio operator in the Philippines.

He returned to St. Louis and was a candy salesman before turning to singing.

He had several local hits, including "Pity Me" and "It May Be on Sunday."

His favorite song was a Jerone Kern tune, "I'm Old Fashioned."

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at United Hebrew Temple Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue, University City.

In addition to his wife, among the survivors are four daughters, Debra Maison and Karen Burstein, both of Moab, Utah; Linda Kessler of Webster Groves, and Julie Pelland of Carbondale, Colo.; a son, James Burstein of Miami; and three grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of choice.