(Front Side)
Native son of Glasgow.
Internationally acclaimed
musical genius,
instrumentalist,
recording artist,
composer, arranger
and conductor
Received eleven gold and
two platinum records
(Back Side)
Richard Smith (Billy) Vaughn was born in Glasgow, Kentucky on April 12, 1919 into a music-loving family. Billy's passion for music, revealed at an early age, was to shape his entire life. Primarily self-taught, he advanced quickly from plucking simple tunes on his father's ukulele to mastering several instruments. This gifted musician's talent continued to emerge as he played in numerous bands and orchestras, composed and arranged for famous performers and conducted his own internationally acclaimed orchestra.
With its unique twin-sax sound, Billy's music was in the tradition of some of the easy-listening great bands of the 1930's and 40's. But unlike many of his predecessors, Billy was able to prolong his success through his ingenious ability to craft a subtle contemporary beat to timeless romantic melodies.
Billy went on to enjoy more hits in the rock-and-roll era than any other band leader. With more than 70 albums to his credit, he topped all other instrumental acts of the 1950's, 60's, and 70's. He continued to perform and record throughout his 50-year career, making frequent trips to Japan where his music was tremendously popular. Billy died on September 26, 1991 in Escondido, California.
Dedicated April 11, 1998
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