He was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, where his father was a barber who loved music and inspired Billy to teach himself to play the mandolin at age 3, while suffering a case of the measles. He went on to learn a number of other instruments.
In 1941, Vaughn joined the United States National Guard for what had been planned as a one-year assignment, but when World War II broke out, he was sent abroad till the war ended in 1945. He decided to make music a career when he was discharged from the army at the end of the war, and attended Western Kentucky State College, now known as Western Kentucky University, majoring in music composition. He had apparently learned barbering from his father, because he did some while studying at Western Kentucky to support himself financially, when he was not able to get jobs playing the piano at local night clubs and lounges. While he was a student there, three other students, Jimmy Sacca, Donald McGuire and Seymour Spiegelman, who had formed a vocal trio, The Hilltoppers, recruited Vaughn to play the piano with them. He soon added his voice to theirs, converting the trio to a quartet. As a member of the group, he also wrote their first hit song, Trying, which charted in 1952.
In 1954 he left the group to join Dot Records in Gallatin, Tennessee as music director. He subsequently formed his own orchestra, which had a big hit in that same year with Melody of Love. He went on to have many more hits over the next decade and a half, and based purely on chart successes, was the most successful orchestra leader of all time.
Blue Tango
Billy Vaughn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we're dancing to the tango we loved when first we met
While the music plays, we recall the days
When our love was a tune that we couldn't soon forget
As I kiss your cheek, we don't have to speak
The violins, like a choir, express the desire
We used to know not long ago
So just hold me tight in your arms tonight
The lyrics to Billy Vaughn And His Orchestra's "Blue Tango" describe a couple dancing together to the tune of the tango that they fell in love to when they first met. The blue color symbolizes their sadness as they remember the days when their love used to be strong and unforgettable. The music that they are dancing to brings back memories of their relationship's early days. The violin's sound in the background expresses the passion and desire they once felt for each other. The couple doesn't need to talk, but they can feel the love in each other's embrace. The lyrics suggest that they want to preserve that moment and forget the past.
The song's mood is somber and nostalgic, reflecting the feelings of the couple as they dance. The lyrics suggest that they are trying to recapture the passion and love they once had for each other, but it has faded with time. The tango, which they loved so much, is now a reminder of what once was. The song's melody is simple and romantic, with a slow tempo that reflects the couple's desire to cling onto the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Here am I with you in a world of blue
I am here with you in a sad or melancholic state of mind
And we're dancing to the tango we loved when first we met
We are dancing to the familiar tango we enjoyed during our initial romantic encounter
While the music plays, we recall the days
As we dance, our minds wander back in time to when we first fell in love
When our love was a tune that we couldn't soon forget
Our affection for each other was so strong that it left a lasting impression in our hearts
As I kiss your cheek, we don't have to speak
We don't need to say anything right now as words are not required to communicate our feelings
The violins, like a choir, express the desire
The stringed instruments convey the passion and yearning we share
We used to know not long ago
Our affection for each other was very current at a time that wasn't that far removed
So just hold me tight in your arms tonight
We simply need to embrace each other warmly and with love, if only for this moment
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ray Moser
My favorite Tango - I have danced to the Blue Tango for the last 60yrs. and I will be doing it again this weekend with a very professional dancer !, this version by Billy Vaughn is the very best !
fntavora
Excelente interpretação de um inolvidável tango!
Pedro Landron
TREMENDOS RECUERDOS DE MI NIÑEZ.
Paulo Silva Prado
Gilaruna!!!!! Que maravilha!! além da música, da orquestra e esse casal aí de azul!!! uauuu Obrigadíssimo pelaa postagem!!
Blass Pedraza
Que recuerdos vienen a mi mente, escuchando este legendario tema de Billy Vaugh.
Oscar Perez
Creo que el Original es de Leroy xxxx ( no recuerdo) del año 52!
Pero igual de Bella la Versión!
Lilian Gardner
I wish I could tango like this. Amazing!
Lloyd deForest
LOVE IT!!
Antonio Luiz Pereira
Fantástico Tango com Billy Vaughn.
jesus contreras
Me acuerdo de mi maravillosa adolescencia !!!! gracias, saludos !!!