Vaughn Monroe
Despite an early talent for the trumpet, Vaughn Monroe's desire to become an opera singer eventually landed him almost ten number one hits during the '40s as well as a host of nicknames for his rich baritone, including "The Voice with Hairs on Its Chest" and "Old Leather Tonsils." Born in Akron, OH, Monroe moved to Wisconsin while still a child and focused on his trumpet talent for most of his boyhood. Another early ambition, to be an opera singer, resulted in his signing on as a vocalist with territory bands led by Austin Wylie, Larry Funk (for whom he made his recording debut) and Jack Marshand. While based in Boston with Marshand, Monroe formed his first orchestra and began recording for Victor's low-priced Bluebird label. One of his first singles, "There I Go," spent three weeks at the top of the Hit Parade in 1940. Though his orchestra was rather tame (even for the time), it was voted top college band that year. His longtime theme song "Racing with the Moon" debuted in 1941, and the following year-and-a-half brought no less than three number one hits: "My Devotion," "When the Lights Go on Again (All Over the World)," and "Let's Get Lost."
Monroe's first few years of recording had been quite successful, but all his biggest hits were yet to come. During 1945, "There! I've Said It Again" and "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" both spent more than a month at the top of the charts. And his two biggest hits, "Ballerina" and "Riders in the Sky," came in 1947 and 1949, respectively. The latter, an old Western chestnut, presaged Monroe's attempt at moving into Hollywood's singing-cowboy genre with a couple of early-'50s B-movies including The Singing Guns and The Toughest Man in Arizona. He also disbanded his orchestra, and continued to work television and radio (he hosted Camel Caravan for many years). Except for a few mid-'50s novelties (including "They Were Doin' the Mambo" and "Black Denim Trousers and Motorcycle Boots"), Monroe never again hit the charts. He worked as a spokesman for RCA Victor, and continued to perform into the early '70s.
© John Bush /TiVo
Discography
14 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Anthology: The Definitive Collection (Remastered)
Pop - Released by Master Tape Records on Aug 14, 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Presenting Vaughn Monroe
Pop - Released by Universal Digital Enterprises on Dec 3, 1949
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
I Am Vaughn Monroe
Miscellaneous - Released by Prestige Elite - X5 Music Group on Oct 1, 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Diamond Master Series - Vaughn Monroe
Miscellaneous - Released by Prestige Elite - X5 Music Group on Nov 7, 2007
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra 1944-1945
Jazz - Released by Circle on Feb 15, 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Deck of Cards
Lounge - Released by Compose Records on Mar 31, 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
In The Middle Of The House (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, September 23, 1956)
Pop - Released by SOFA - AV Catalog DD on Jan 15, 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Riders In The Sky/Ballerina/Racing With The Moon (Medley/Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, May 9, 1965)
Pop - Released by SOFA - AV Catalog DD on Nov 26, 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Queen Of The Senior Prom (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, May 9, 1965)
Pop - Released by SOFA - AV Catalog DD on Nov 26, 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Magic Is the Moonlight
Vocal Jazz - Released by Jerden on Oct 14, 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Toyland
Vocal Jazz - Released by Sharp Edge Records on Sep 12, 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Vintage Vocal Jazz / Swing No. 106 - EP: Down Memory Lane (Vaughn Monroe)
Vocal Jazz - Released by Vintage Music on May 21, 1950
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo