The singer you're interested in was not Gladys Knight, as mentioned previously by "raweissert," but Perry Blackwell, who had a minor career beginning in the 1950's. She is listed in the credits as "Perry." If you're interested in seeing her again, although for as short a time as in Pillow Talk, watch "Dead Ringer," (1964). She plays the keyboardist of a two person band in the bar owned by Edith Phillips (Bette Davis).
I have always been curious aboutthe song "I need no atmosphere when I'm with you" that she sings just before Doris and Rock share this first kiss. Was this every recorded? Thanks
I just bought the DVD and watched it last night. I also wondered who she was and couldn't find it on IMDB. Went to NYTIMES.com- http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=38140 -and they had her credited as "Dorothy Abbott-singer". So I looked up her name on IMDB and they had her name but no "Pillow Talk." She died in 1968 as a suicide. A look at her credits gives some insight as to why. A small role in "Pillow Talk" but it caught my attention and no screen credit. The rest of her roles were maids, showgirls, secretaries, etc. Too bad she didn't get to do more.
Also Frances Sternhagen supposedly had a small role in the movie but I couldn't find her. Anyone see her?
I always thought Frances Sternhagen was the woman who makes the comment about Wichita Falls just as Rock Hudson carries Doris Day out of her building. At least that character looks more like her than any of the other actresses in the film.
It seems to be Perry Blackwell. Search Google for that name. Third or fourth link down the page is to the music CD on Amazon with soundtrack from "Pillow talk." The tracks to "Rolly poly" and "You lied" have credits to Perry Blackwell.
I just saw that movie again past Sunday on the AMC. The lead actors did terrific job, but that movie wouldn't be what it is without characters like Thelma Ritter or Perry Blackwell. Her reaction while eavesdroping on Hudson and Randall, and "You lied you dog" are unforgetable.