BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — It was billed as "a party, a show, an Irish wake" for the late singing great Rosemary Clooney. It turned into a parade of pop singers.

So many performers appeared for the tribute to Clooney, who died in June at 74, that most were limited to one song apiece.

The memorial at the Beverly Hilton on Tuesday night was hosted by the children of Clooney and first husband Jose Ferrer - Miguel, Gabriel, Rafael, Maria Ferrer Murdock and Monsita Ferrer Botwick - as a benefit for the Mayo Clinic Rosemary Clooney Pulmonary Research Fund.

Former ER star George Clooney, son of Rosemary's brother Nick Clooney, recalled asking his aunt why she was a better singer in her later years. Her reply: "Because I don't have to prove myself."

Marilyn and Alan Bergman sang songs they wrote for Clooney. Tony Bennett and k.d. lang belted out a tune. Linda Ronstadt did her hit What's New. Keely Smith, Michael Feinstein, Debby Boone (Clooney's daughter-in-law), Jimmy Webb, Mimi Hines and Diana Krall were among the entertainers.

Interspersed throughout the program were film clips and videotapes such as Clooney singing with Bing Crosby in the 1954 movie White Christmas and clowning with Bob Hope in TV specials.

The master of ceremonies was former talk-show host Merv Griffin.