Member Comments

Ronald Morgan, PA No comments. 5/1/08

Susie Ferguson, VA I am enrolling for my mom who is a huge fan of Vaughn Monroe. His music is great to listen to and she loves listening to it still. 3/29/08

Ken Jackson, MD I host a weekly program on WYPR 88.1 NPR in Baltimore, which features a mix of big band music and popular American standards. 2/17/08

B. Moss, FL I am a daughter of a life-long Vaughn Monroe fan. He was a favorite of my Mom and Dad all through the War. My dad told me that after the war, on the way home on a small Liberty ship, they had one record. It was a Vaughn Monroe record. They listened to both sides for 14 days in a row. What a story! 2/14/08

Donald Kret, AZ My father, John C. Kret, was a schoolmate and good friend of Vaughn Monroe in Cudahy, WI where they both were in Boy Scouts and members of the High School Band where my father played clarinet, and the track team. I believe that my grandfather, Stefan Kret, and Vaughn's father were both employed by the Federal Rubber Co. in Cudahy prior to its closing (c. 1927). In 1948, my brother and I entered a talent contest in Loves Park, IL where we sang a duet of "Ghost Riders in the Sky" wearing jeans, plaid shirts, bandanas and cowboy hats. We came in 2nd Place. I guess we just weren't the singers that Vaughn was. 2/12/08

Richard Larkin, WI Can't get enough of Vaughn! 2/7/08

Vaughn Polcer, CT Been lovin' Vaughn's music for lots of years, and not because I was named for him. 1/11/08

Kenneth Kaplin, OH I remember Vaughn Monroe from 'Your Hit Parade.' He was my favorite singer when I was growing up in the 50's and 60's and most kids my age were fans of Elvis and the soda pop singers. My favorite song is (Ghost) Riders in the Sky. I would like to find CD's of his hits on the general market and don't know why they aren't included in Columbia House along with Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louie Prima, etc. 1/6/08

Dee Gardner, CA I was born in Lincoln City, IN in 1938. It is a spot-in-the-road town. We used to listen to the radio, and my sister who was 14 years older, taught me all the songs of the era. I adored Vaughn Monroe. I wrote him a fan letter when I was all of 10. He sent me a autographed picture and I was so happy. I wish I still had it. I still adore his voice. I purchased a 3 CD album for myself for Christmas. I can just listen to him over and over and never tire of his voice. I would love to know more about his life. What did he die from so young? His his wife still alive and children. He truly was wonderful. I am glad I found the website. 1/6/08

Brenda Frysinger, FL My Grandfather, Albert Manna/Trumpet (died Feb 2007), played with Vaughn Monroe sometime around "Blue Skies" popularity. I found your site while searching for a copy of the song for my grandmother who said my dad and uncle wore out that record when he brought it home. Any help in identifying the years he was in the band and where to get a copy of the song when he played with Mr. Monroe would be wonderful! Thank you. 1/2/08

Stewart Doran, Ontario, Canada Great fan of all Vaughn Monroe music and other Crooner type music. Sing for a pastime, mostly at senior homes and church events. Am a semi-retired Police Officer and enjoy all types of music. 12/2/07

Suzanne Shedosky Apgar, IL I believe I'm already an acquaintance as I'm Ed Shedosky's daughter and have corresponded with you quite a while ago (!!!) Now that I'm settled out here in the "sticks" of the great prairie lands, Northwest Illinois, I'd like to become a sustaining member. Your site is getting better and better! 11/15/07

Ray Kehoe, NSW, Australia I first heard the wonderful voice of Vaughn on an old 78 r.p.m. record when I was a child back in the early 60s. I was then and still am in awe of his wonderful voice. 11/12/07

Todd Carpenter, WV I'm a big fan of Vaughn Monroe and I've recorded a couple of his songs on my YouTube channel: www.ToddSings.com 10/5/07

Mel O'Reilly, Ontario, Canada I'm retired. Originally from Ireland, but have resided in Canada for over 50 years. When in high school I used to listen to the AFN radio on short wave, and that is when I first heard Vaughn Monroe. I have enjoyed his singing ever since and have some of his records and tapes which I still listen to. 9/16/07

Steve Lydell, IL A professional musician, I truly enjoy listening to the classics. Was upset that I could not hear the music playing in the background when went to the "Ballroom" page on your website. 9/2/07 [Hopefully the videos will be restored soon! Webmaster]

Barbara Heywang, VA I was introduced to Vaughn Monroe's music through a collection of 78's I played over and over again. The clarity and freshness of his voice always impressed and relaxed me. All my children grew up with Vaughn and my daughter even used him at her wedding. We are now introducing our grandchildren to this amazing voice. 8/24/07

Bill Lehr, SC I've been racing with the moon for 63 years! 8/23/07

Claudia Barnett, IL No comment. 8/16/07

Eileen Havey, MA I was the National President of the Vaughn Monroe Fan Club appointed by Vaughn himself. I knew him personally and have much memorabilia including personal correspondence. I am interested in reading more about the memories of others about this talented man. 8/16/07

John Chesterman, Wilts, England I am a brass instrumentalist. I learnt to play the 3 cornet with my local brass band. I played in the late fifties in a local dance band. I t was a time when local ballrooms with dance bands and their singers were still popular. I was brought up on ballad singers such as Vaughn Monroe, Crosby and Sinatra, not to mention UK singers as Frankie Vaughn and Matt Munroe, plus many others. 7/20/07

Raymond D. Street, CT I have been on earth since 1927 and grew up during the big band era I knew all popular band leaders and vocalists. My brother played trombone in Louie Prima's band and Ralph Flaningan's band. Vaughn Monroe was my favorite singer. 7/14/07

Lee Mitchell, NSW, Australia My father mentioned he would love to hear the song; "THE RICH MAHARAJA OF MAGADOOR" and so I am trying desperately to get it for him. I am trying to help dad live his last wishes and make his life as comfortable as possible. 7/14/07

Edward Liss, NY I was listening to XM satellite radio this morning on my way to work and heard Vaughn’s 1949 #1 hit Ghost Riders in the Sky. While I was only a child of 4 years old in 1949, my father sang in a big band in the late 1930’s – early 1940’s so I used to hear him whistle many a tune from those days. Growing up in NY City I had access to jukeboxes that proliferated every restaurant and beanery at the time and got hooked on them some years later. I have been collecting and restoring antique jukeboxes as a hobby for 33 years now and have 17 restored machines, all containing the records that matched the era at the time, just like in their hey-day. Vaughn Monroe had a beautiful voice and I have several of his most famous hits on 78rpm in some of my machines. One of them is featured in the attachment above. It is a rare 1941 Wurlitzer model 850 “Peacock” jukebox that plays 24 78rpm records. The machine took me 25 years to acquire and has been restored to museum-quality condition. It sounds spectacular. The other machine is an even rarer 1942 Seeburg model 8200M which was just completed after a 7-year restoration. It is the only working model of this jukebox left in the world. All of my machines were in rough condition when I found them and they take years to research and restore, but the results are definitely worth it. Bringing them back to life, giving them back their voice, and making them “sing” again is an honor and a privilege for me. Vaughn Monroe made a tremendous contribution to the American music culture so it is my pleasure to make his voice and the voices of other “greats” come alive again… 7/11/07

1941 Wurlitzer Peacock

1942 Seeburg

Marsha Warren, OH I believe my father was a member of the Vaughn Monroe band. His name was Robert Rainey. 7/11/07

David Tarrant, MA It was a pleasure to meet you. Thanks again. 5/19/07

Jean Morrow, MA It was wonderful to share in the society's memories and love of Monroe and his music. That's the kind of experience that makes our jobs so pleasant and worthwhile. 5/18/07

Edward Shallow, MA [commentary forthcoming] 5/17/07

Kathie Saunders, CA Born in Dec 1942. Loved V. Monroe when I was growing up. My Dad could sing 'Racing with the Moon' like Vaughn, and I was taking ballet lessons at age 5 when his recording of Ballerina was released. Still love that song. 5/11/07

Barry "Walt" Walters, PA Thank you for the membership privileges in the VMAS inner sanctum. I almost never join anything. I sort of follow the philosophy of Groucho Marx who once said something to the effect that he would never join an organization that would have someone like him as a member. 5/9/07

Nicholas Smith, OR Retired Army. I listened to "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and "Cry of the Wild Goose" so much when I was a little kid until I wore the records out. 5/6/07

Patrick Gardner, WA, Australia Born and bred in Perth, Western Australia, far from the US. As a pre-teen youngster first heard Vaughn Monroe (on record and radio) in the nineteen-forties. Was more taken with the likes of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, but have always had high regard for Vaughn's voice and have in recent years taken to building up a collection of his recorded material. [My career - I'm now retired - was in teaching mathematics.] 5/1/07

Ken Lewis, CA Hello. My wife, Kristina (Cogan) Lewis, is the niece of Shaye Cogan. Shaye was a regular on the Vaughn Monroe Show and speaks fondly of
those days. I would like to find old photos, articles and prints of Shaye with or without Mr. Monroe. I spent Easter with Shaye and see her on a regular basis. If any members wish to send her a message they can certainly send it through me. 4/13/07

Randy Morse, NY I'm 41. My mom listened to Vaughn when she was younger. I got hooked on Big Band from my mom listening to it. 3/31/07

Richard A. D'Arcy, NJ Mom was Monroe's biggest fan. I miss her. His music brings her back if just for a moment. She was a blue lady. 3/9/07

Ronald Daugherty, PA Looking forward to being a member. 2/18/07

Jack Yaus, OH Always a Vaughn Monroe fan from the Forties through the Fifties. I saw several of his shows and attended his dances many times. 2/13/07

Edward G L Butcher, Quebec, Canada No comment. 1/30/07

Les Guzik, OH No comment. 1/26/07

Andy Andersen, CA What a great site - so glad to have found it. When I was a kid there was one Vaughn Monroe record that grabbed me and wouldn't let go: "IVY" -- I haven't heard it now in over fifty years, but the soaring sound of that superb sonorous voice is still with me. Later, he came to my hometown to perform, and I was most definitely there. What a voice that man had. 1/23/07

Hernan E. Navarro, ID I am still Chilean citizen, waiting for the final formality to became a USA citizen. I came to live in the USA in 1972, working for the World Bank for 29 years until my retirement in 1998; then I moved to Boise, ID. As far as I remember, I think it was in 1945 (I was around 7-8 years old), I listened to Vaughn Monroe and I was fascinated with American pop music-- it was a 45 rpm disc with all the songs related to the moon (Blue Moon, Moon over Miami, Paper Moon, etc.) I have been looking for the same selection, but I had found only a couple of those songs. I still consider Mr. Monroe the best singer in the planet. Best wishes. 12/28/06

Lawrence Schwieger, CA Grew up in Iowa during WWII. Have always loved big band music. Listen to big band music on satellite radio. Retired teacher. Remember Vaughn Monroe and his recordings on the new 45 rpm records just after WWII. 12/25/06

Brian Gallagher, South Hawkes Bay, New Zealand I am a retired professional broadcaster still running a small community fm station specializing in mid road and nostalgia. Love Vaughn and Glen Miller. 12/23/06

George Aresi, NY I have been a Vaughn Monroe fan since the early fifties. I saw him in person at the Rainbow Room in New York in the mid sixties. Would like to know how I can obtain a video cassette of his big band that he made along with other band leaders. I rented it once and would like to know if it's still in existence. 12/19/06

William H. Chappell, NH I saw him in person many, many years ago in a ballroom in Narragansett, Rhode Island. My favorite is "Racing with the Moon," followed by "Moon over Miami." 12/16/06

Joe Perrello, NJ My father played trombone in Vaughn Monroe's band. I believe it was 1941 to 1942 (the year I was born, and the reason I believe he came home). He was a member of Local 16, Newark, NJ. 11/9/06

Fred A. Paluba, PA Married 45 years. Vaughn Monroe fan for over 50 years. 10/28/06

Richard Weber, NY I love Vaughn Monroe and grew up with his music always playing in the house. I also restore antique radios and televisions so it is akin to this great music. I love the music of the era and wish it was still being played today instead of the stuff coming out today they call music. Thanks for such a wonderful web site. 10/7/06

Vaughn McGrath, MA When I was born she was looking for a traditional Irish name to give me, and my Mom had a crush on Vaughn Monroe. 7/14/06

Ernie Wurth, NJ I'm 76 and Vaughn Monroe was my favorite singer. I'm glad to have found this site. 7/1/06

Virgil Young, OK I am 78 years of age and the only good music I like is from the Big Band era. I have lived in Oklahoma City all my life. 7/1/06

Hal S. Dumas, NE I remember listening to Vaughn Monroe on the radio when I was very young. I loved "Ghost Riders" and "Racing With The Moon." I was just curious what happened to Mr. Monroe. I never remembered hearing anything about him after that. 6/18/06

Gary Munroe, MA I grew up listening to Vaughn Monroe as he was one of my father's favorites. He especially loved "Ghost Riders in the Sky." It brings back fond memories of my late Dad. 6/9/06

Glenn Hiller, FL I live in Florida and am retired. I have liked to listen to Vaughn Monroe for many years--and all big band music. 5/22/06

Frances Curcio, NC I am originally from NY. My Mother would have the radio on all day when I was a child. I remember hearing Vaughn Monroe's beautiful voice coming from the radio. 4/25/06

Daniel Colabuno, OH I have been in the jukebox business for the last forty-some years and discovered Vaughn's music on a jukebox many years ago. I have been collecting his records for the last thirty years. I have and extensive collection of restored jukeboxes from the 40's, 50'sand 60's. All of them have at least one to several VM discs. I think Vaughn still sounds the best on an original 78rpm record played on Wurlitzer bubbler from 1946. Great site. 4/24/06

George D. LeMaitre, MA Retired physician. I collect "oldies but goodies" and especially like the deep baritone voice of V. Monroe. I am a writer, both of fiction and non-fiction books, and hope some day to write a biography about Vaughn Monroe. I truly appreciate this web site and the effort you all made to bring it together. 3/20/06

Virgil Young, OK I was born in Oklahoma City on July 7, 1928. I have always liked Vaughn Monroe and looked forward to turning on the radio and hearing "Racing With The Moon." I always thought how wonderful it would be if I had a voice like that. A friend told me of this site and I have listened to "Racing With The Moon" about a dozen time today. Thanks so much. 3/15/06

Claudia Haslett Monroe, IL Father was David Byron Monroe - 1st cousin to Vaughn Monroe. My father was born December 21, 1903 to Lucy and Luther Burton Monroe in Exline, Iowa. He died July 5, 1965 and was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis MO. His memorial and the only picture I have of him and my mother (who were not married) can be found at:

http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSmid=46817467&GRid=12775575&

I would be honored to join. 3/12/06

Doug Houghton, British Columbia, Canada I am 80 years old, a Korean War veteran (Korea 1951-1952), and have always been a fan of Mr. Monroe. What a nifty site to find while surfin'. 3/8/06

Ed Sprague, IN No comment. 2/24/06

Hal Robinson, AZ Retired age 58. I was a part time musician over the years. Played alto, tenor and baritone sax. Played in dance bands in high school and some in college. Enjoy most types of music, particularly big band and entertainers like Bing Crosby. I am a big Al Jolson fan and have several of his records. I enjoy Vaughn Monroe's voice and have collected several of his 78's. I like his theme song and his other hits, but just acquired a 78 of "Gee I Wish." Great song. Glad I found your website....Hal 2/8/06

Orchid Carlson, NJ Grew up during V. Monroe time - we chose "There I've Said It Again" as 'our song' - my spouse and I. Always hits a 'soft spot' when I hear his recordings, even today. 1/27/06

Neale Walsch, OR I just love Vaughn Monroe's singing. I hope to find his Christmas album. I have three cuts from the album on a Time/Life Christmas album, and they are my favorites. I remember him and his music so well. What a delight to find this website! (Found it through Googling "Vaughn Monroe.") Thanks for being there. 1/17/06

V.A. Bristow, CA My first husband and I listened to him in the 40's and 50's. My husband could even sing like Vaughn. My son just sent me a Christmas CD where he sings Auld Lang Syne. Sure brought back lots of memories. 11/30/05

Linda Stevens, OK I am retired from Veterans Administration and now an unusual artist. My website is: StevensBeadArt.com 11/27/05

Donald Towne, Saskatchewan, Canada I was born in Quebec, Canada and came up during the era of the big bands. During high school music was the BIG THING for most of us as well as the War. With the decline of the big bands and going to work and raising a family (money was tight). Now retired, I try to find recording by the Big Bands (on CD's). Living in Saskatchewan after a career with the R.C.M.P. and Regina Police Service and Provincial Gov't. in security. 11/26/05

Dave Eifert, FL Retired firefighter, now Fire Chaplain. Grew up listening to Vaughn Monroe's music and Bob Wills. Great job on the website! 11/20/05

Emile Bedard, ME Love good music. 11/18/05

Jack Gallagher, AZ I'm a guitarist and vocalist. First heard Vaughn on a CD set called "The War Years." I had purchased that set of six CDs from a Time/Life infomercial. My favorite song is "Let's Get Lost." Having trouble finding the sheet music. 11/18/05

Paula Calvert, Calgary, Canada Hello from Canada! I am a Big Fan of all the music from the War Years, and have always loved, and appreciated the music of Vaughn Monroe. They sure don't make great music like this these days! I was raised in military life...Canadian Air Force...my dad was a meteorologist. Have traveled from coast to coast in Canada, and the United States, many times.. have visited over half of your beautiful States, and I adore the American people! Have been a single mom since 1984...GOD and I raised 5 wonderful children... they are now all happy, successful adults. I am now retired, and I am a writer... poetry, and children's books. Love travel, reading, writing, and am a real animal lover... am particularly fond of Collies and Shelties. Have, in past years, shown several different breeds of dogs, and also, have worked with Collie and Sheltie Rescue Units here in Calgary. If anyone in the Club would care to correspond with this Irish lady (I was born on St. Patrick's Day 1944, in Saint John, New Brunswick... Eastern Canada, on the Atlantic Ocean), I would love some new pen pals or phone friends! My parents always had a love for all of the great music, and great songs of the war years, so, I come by my love and appreciation of it quite honestly. 11/9/05

Robert Levenson, CA My father is Hy Levenson, who is alive and well and will be celebrating his 91st birthday on January 31. 11/8/05

Lew Crispell, NY Please tell me how I may join the Vaughn Monroe Society. I had met Vaughn and his band several times during the late 40's and early 50's. There was a fan club for him at that time, and thru this club, I met a very nice girl in Long Island. Sorry to say that we never got married, and I often wonder what happened to her. 10/31/05

Peter Masterjohn, MA I got XMradio in my new honda. Channel 4 has hits from the 40s. V.M. voice is special and I love it. 8/26/05

Betty Johnson, NH I would be honored to be a member that celebrates the life of such a wonderful person as Vaughn. Count me in. 8/13/05

Leopold Morelli, NY When I first started to play music on my father's record player, I listened to Vaughn Monroe. 7/30/05

Joel Klein, NY I've been a Monroe fan since the mid fifties and as I noted had the pleasure of seeing him in person. I'm primarily interested in getting his material on CD, would appreciate any source addresses that you might have. FYI--Redmond Nostalgia, P.O. Box 82, Redmond, WA 98073-0082 has a number of his radio shows on cassette and CD. Metolius Music (formerly Joyce Music), P.O. Box 25802, Portland, OR 97298 has a number of cassettes in chronological order of his RCA material. I remember seeing him lip sync "There's No Piano In This House" on American Bandstand (circa 1958). Also remember Vaughn and Marian on "Person to Person" about 1954. Vaughn appeared frequently as a singer on the NBC Bandstand ( a daily radio/TV simulcast around 1955 or 1956) hosted by former Caravan announcer Bert Parks. He released an album by "The Vaughn Monroe Singers" about 1969 on the same label as "Deck of Cards." 7/19/05