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Birth and death dates unknown

Billy Vaughan

Billy Vaughan led a popular studio orchestra for Dot Records during the 1950s and 1960s. Working as a beautician in his early days Vaughan first led his own band during a stint in the Army during WWII. Upon his discharge he pursued a career in music. In 1952 he formed a vocal group, the Hilltoppers, and in 1954 put together an orchestra. Though at first his band was string-oriented he later developed the twin sax sound that became his trademark. The device featured one alto sax playing melody and another alto sax playing a third away. This gimmick proved popular, as Vaughan's orchestra became the biggest selling of the era. His recording of ''Sail Along Silv'ry Moon'' was the first to earn a platinum record for three million sales.

In 1956 Vaughan became musical director at Dot Records, where he worked with a number of important artists, including Fats Domino and Pat Boone. He also continued recording his own music. During the mid-1960s his orchestra switched gears and dropped the twin sax device in favor of a sound more reminiscent of Glenn Miller. He soon returned to the use of twin saxes, however. He remained at Dot after Paramount acquired the company.

Vaughan was popular in Japan and Europe, where he toured often.