Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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MONROE, Vaughn

(b 7 Oct. '11, Akron OH; d 21 May '73, Stuart FL) Trombone, leader, mainly singer with big distinctive baritone. Started as trumpet player with dance bands; also studied opera at Carnegie Tech. To Boston mid-'30s fronting society band; began handling vocals, still studying voice at New England Conservatory. Formed big band '40 (theme 'Racing With The Moon' became famous), first hit on Bluebird 'There I Go' '40 followed by transfer to parent Victor label, top ten hits 'My Devotion', 'When The Lights Go On Again' '42, 'Let's Get Lost' ('43), 'The Trolley Song' '44, 'Rum And Coca Cola', lovely romantic ballad 'There! I've Said It Again' '45. First no. 1 Xmas '45 with jaunty Johnny Mercer tune 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!', followed by top ten hits incl. 'I Wish I Didn't Love You So', 'You Do', 'How Soon', no. 1 'Ballerina' (all '47); period infl. of country (folkish- cowboy) songs incl. 'Cool Water' '48, 'Red Roses For A Blue Lady', no. 1 'Riders In The Sky', 'That Lucky Old Sun', 'Mule Train' all '49, 'On Top Of Old Smoky' '51; also ballad 'Someday' '49, novelties 'Sound Off', 'Old Soldiers Never Die' '51; final top 20 hit 'They Were Doing The Mambo' '54. Films incl. Meet The People '44, Carnegie Hall '47, acting role in Singing Guns '50. RCA publicity man from '55, singing on radio and TV ads. Led occasional bands mid-'60s, nostalgia lineups.