Vaughn Monroe (October 7, 1911 - May 21, 1973) was a singer, trumpeter and big band leader, most popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Monroe was born in Akron, Ohio. He formed a band in Boston in 1940 and became its principal vocalist.

His signature tune was "Racing with the Moon". He also had hits with "Ghost Riders in the Sky", "There I've Said It Again", "Ballerina", "Let It Show, Let It Snow", and "Mule Train". One lost opportunity - he turned down the chance to record "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

He was tall and handsome which helped him as a band leader and singer, as well as in Hollywood, although he did not pursue a movie and television career with vigor. He was sometimes called 'the baritone with muscles'. He was admired by some and derided by others for both his singing and his persona. He had a pleasant baritone voice that wasn't always quite good enough for the songs he sang, according to his critics. He was considered sincere, steady, and down-to-earth by some; pompous and square by others. In spite of these mixed opinions, he had a very successful musical career, with a large number of fans.

Monroe died in Stuart, Florida.

External link

• Vaughn Monroe Big Band Era Singer