Vaughn Monroe was a gifted vocalist, trumpeter and a very successful bandleader. He rose to popularity in the 1940's and maintained that popularity throughout the 1950's. His voice was unmistakable. One of his well deserved nicknames was "Leather Lungs".
In 1940, Monroe formed his first band in Boston and became its main singer. He was signed to the Bluebird label of RCA Victor. Monroe recorded extensively until 1956, and his signature tune was "Racing With the Moon". It sold more than one million copies and Monroe was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA. Among his other hits were "In the Still of the Night", "There I Go", "There I've Said It Again", "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow", "Ballerina", "Melody Time" and "Riders in the Sky."
Listen to "Ballerina" by Vaughn Monroe from 1947
Monroe's orchestra had a number of excellent musicians. They focused mainly on romantic ballads in the studio, these songs became the hits for them. When live, the band had a fiercely swinging side only occasionally captured on record. In ballrooms, Monroe often reserved the final set of the evening for unrestrained, swinging music.
Listen to Vaughn Monroe and His Orchestra on Swing City Radio.
