1) The Vogues are an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists with this name:
1) The Vogues are an American vocal group from Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The original lineup comprised Bill Burkette (lead baritone), Don Miller (baritone), Hugh Geyer (first tenor), and Chuck Blasko (second tenor).
They are best known for their chart-topping singles "You're The One", "Five O'Clock World", "Magic Town", and "Turn Around, Look At Me". In addition to touring the world, the group appeared on American Bandstand, The Tonight Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.
The group, originally named the Val-Aires, formed in 1958 at Turtle Creek High School. They signed with Pittsburgh manager Elmer Willet, who produced their first recording release "Which One Will It Be/Launie My Love". DJ Porky Chedwick became a supporter booking the group for his rock and roll shows and record hops. Chedwick put them on bills with the Drifters, the Platters, and the Dells. Clark Race of KDKA radio promoted the group on his KDKA-TV dance show. Having strong regional sales it was picked up for national distribution by Coral Records.
After high school, several members of the group joined the Army while others went to college. A few years later with their enlistments completed and degrees in hand, they decided to record again. They pitched in $100 apiece to record a demo tape. They hired Nick Cenci, who had broken Lou Christie, to produce the recording. In 1965, Cenci produced recording sessions for the Val-Aires at Gateway Studios in Pittsburgh. The band recorded vocals for a cover of the Petula Clark song "You're The One." It was released on the band's own Blue Star label. Cenci persuaded John Rook, program director of KQV, to play the single. With local airplay and sales Cenci signed them to the Co & Ce label as the "Vogues". He had the single distributed nationally. The song became a national hit reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Later in 1965, Cenci produced another Vogues recording session giving the world the no. 4 Billboard hit, "Five O'Clock World".
In 1966 Co & Ce Records released the singles "Magic Town", which reached no. 21 in February, and the no. 29 "The Land of Milk and Honey". The singles "Summer Afternoon" and "Lovers Of The World Unite" were released on Co & Ce in 1967. Co & Ce leased the Vogues to Reprise Records (distributed by Warner Bros.) where they scored with cover versions of "Turn Around, Look at Me" (#7), "My Special Angel" (#7), "Till" (#27), "No, Not Much" (#34), "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)" (#42), "Moments To Remember" (#47), and "Green Fields" (#92).[2]
In 1971 The Vogues signed a recording contract with Bell Records and recorded 3 songs ("Love Song", "Take Time To Tell Her", and "American Family"). 1972 saw the group release 1 song on Mainstream Records ("Need You" b/w "Greatest Show On Earth"). By 1973 The Vogues were now a trio (Burkette, Miller, and Blasko). Hugh Geyer had departed to spend time with his family. Now recording for 20th Century Records the group released 3 recordings ("My Prayer", "Wonderful Summer", and "Prisoner Of Love"). With little commercial success, these would be the last singles released by The Vogues.
By the time the 80s came around the trio (Don Miller left in 1974 and replaced by an endless list of vocalists) was doing less touring and was concentrating on Western Pennsylvania venues. Bill Burkette left in 1983, leaving only Chuck Blasko to carry on as The Vogues. At some point in the late 70s or early 80s the group's manager had trademarked the name and assets of The Vogues. He then sold the trademark to another promoter who starting booking other quartets as The Vogues. The trademark was sold several times resulting in several groups of singers claiming to be The Vogues.
In 2000, the trademark was purchased by vocalist and Pittsburgh area native Stan Elich, who eventually would make this group the true Vogues. During these years Blasko continued to perform as The Vogues, and clash with the trademark group. At one point Blasko testified in front of Congress on The Truth In Music Act. A lawsuit filed by Blasko ended with the Pennsylvania court permitting Blasko's Vogues to perform in 14 Western Pennsylvania counties and the trademark group to perform everywhere else in the world as The Vogues. Chuck Blasko's Vogues continue to perform in Western Pennsylvania.
From 2004 until 2006, original member Hugh Geyer toured with Blasko's group in the 14 Western Pennsylvania counties that Blasko's group was permitted to tour in. After creative differences with Blasko, Geyer left that group at the end of 2006.
In March 2007, Geyer joined the national touring group of The Vogues of "trademark" owner Stan Elich. Geyer continued to perform with this group until his retirement in December 2012.
In May 2008, original lead vocalist Bill Burkette joined Geyer in touring the USA with the "trademark" Vogues. The members of this group included Burkette, Geyer, group owner Stan Elich, Troy Elich, and Jim Campagna. Stan Elich died in December 2010. His son Troy now owns the trademark "The Vogues".
In 2010 The Vogues released a live album "The Vogues Sings The Hits Live" on the Desert Trax Music label. This marked the first time in 38 years that Burkette and Geyer recorded together.
The Vogues line-up, as of July 2017, was original lead singer Bill Burkette, Troy Elich, Royce Taylor, and fill in vocalist Bo Wagner. Taylor had previously been a member of The Vogues from 1991–97. Wagner is a former member of Blasko's Pittsburgh group. Current band members are Dean Mastrangelo (Lead Guitar), Artie Deleonardis (drums), JR Wright (keyboards), and Rich Gooch (bass).
The original group made many TV appearances in the 1960s, including The Tonight Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, Shindig, The Red Skelton Show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, American Bandstand, Hullabaloo, and several appearances on The Mike Douglas Show.
The original group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.
Original lead vocalist Bill Burkette died on March 1, 2018 at age 75.
Studio albums
Meet the Vogues (1965)
Five O'Clock World (1966)
Turn Around, Look at Me (1968)
Till (1969)
Memories (1969)
The Vogues' Greatest Hits (1970)
The Vogues Sing the Good Old Songs (1970)
Singles
Year A-side B-side
From same album as A-side except where indicated Record Catalog Number Notes US US AC AU Album
1959 "Launie, My Love" "Which One Will It Be?" Willett 114 as The VALAIRES - - - Non-album tracks
1960 "Launie, My Love" "Which One Will It Be" Coral 62177 Re-release, as The VAL-AIRES - - -
1965 "You're The One" "Some Words" (Non-album track) Blue Star B-229 - - - - Meet The Vogues
1965 "You're the one" "Some Words" (Non-album track) Co & Ce 229 Re-release 4 - 55
1965 "Five O'Clock World" "Nothing To Offer You" (from Meet The Vogues) Co & Ce 232 - 4 - 64 Five O'Clock World
1966 "Magic Town" "Humpty Dumpty" (from Five O'Clock World) Co & Ce 234 - 21 - - The Vogues' Greatest Hits
1966 "The Land Of Milk And Honey" "True Lovers" Co & Ce 238 - 29 - - Non-album tracks
1966 "Please Mr. Sun" "Don't Blame The Rain" Co & Ce 240 - 48 - -
1966 "That's The Tune" "Midnight Dreams" Co & Ce 242 - 99 - -
1967 "Summer Afternoon" "Take A Chance On Me Baby" Co & Ce 244 - - - -
1967 "Lovers Of The World Unite" "Brighter Days" Co & Ce 246 - - - -
1967 "Lovers Of The World Unite" "Brighter Days" MGM 13813 Leased by MGM - - -
1968 "Just What I've Been Lookin' For "I've Got You On My Mind" (Non-album track) Reprise 0663 - - - - The Vogues Sing The Good Old Songs and Other Hits
1968 "Turn Around, Look At Me" "Then" Reprise 0686 - 7 3 43 Turn Around, Look At Me
1968 "My Special Angel" "I Keep It Hid" Reprise 0766 - 7 1 36
1968 "Till" "I Will" Reprise 0788 - 27 5 - Till
1969 "Woman Helping Man" "I'll Know My Love (By The Way She Talks)" Reprise 0803 - - - -
1969 "Woman Helping Man" "No, Not Much" Reprise 0803 Re-release 47/34 6/6 -
1969 "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)" "P.S. I Love You" Reprise 0820 - 42 7 - Memories
1969 "Moments To Remember" "Once In A While" Reprise 0831 - 47 17 97
1969 "Green Fields" "Easy To Say" (From The Vogues Sing The Good Old Songs and Other Hits) Reprise 0844 - 92 19 - The Vogues' Greatest Hits
1969 "See That Girl" "We Only Have Love" (Non-album track) Reprise 0856 - - 13 -
1970 "God Only Knows" "Moody" Reprise 0887 - 101 21 - The Vogues Sing The Good Old Songs and Other Hits
1970 "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" "Over The Rainbow" (Non-album track) Reprise 0909 - 101 18 -
1970 "Theme (The Good Old Songs)" "Come Into My Arms" (From Turn Around, Look At Me) Reprise 0931 - - 27 -
1970 "Since I Don't Have You" "I Know You As A Woman" Reprise 0969 - - 8 -
1971 "Love Song" "We're On Our Way" Bell 991X - 118 23 - Non-album tracks
1971 "Take Time To Tell Her" "I'll Be With You" Bell 45,127 - - 38 -
1971 "An American Family" "Gotta Have You Back" Bell 45,158 - - - -
1973 "My Prayer" "I've Got To Learn To Live Without You" 20th Century 2041 - - 31 -
1973 "Wonderful Summer" "Guess Who" 20th Century 2060 - - 47 -
1974 "As Time Goes By" "Prisoner Of Love" 20th Century 2085 - - -/37 -
2) A Belgian band.
The Land Of Milk And Honey
The Vogues Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I did my best to dodge anything that looked at all like work
I was prone to standing on corners smokin' cigarettes
and talkin' about anything I didn't know
Oh, how I needed to go
Please take me to the land of milk and honey
To the land of love and sunshine
Time passed and I got a little older
Takin' on trouble just a little bit harder and a little bit bolder
I was thinkin' colder, fightin', lyin', cheatin' & cryin', I gave up
Givin'-up the voices of evil that were pullin' me down
You know, I was givin' up ground
Please take me to the land of milk and honey
To the land of love and sunshine
To the land of milk and honey, Please take me
Then it came and it sounded like thunder
Shot of light in the dark of the night and you were really there
Tellin' me that you care, your warm love took away the cold
And were you walked the cobblestones turned to gold
And when you touch my hair you know take me there
Please take me to the land of milk and honey
To the land of love and sunshine
To the land of milk and honey, Please take me
"The Land of Milk and Honey" is a song by American rock band The Vogues, released in 1969. The song tells the story of an individual who was lost and living a life full of vices, but yearning for something more. The singer admits to speaking "devils" for most of their life, avoiding work and standing on street corners to do drugs and talk about things they knew nothing about. However, they eventually grew tired of that lifestyle and sought a change, a new start in the "land of milk and honey." The singer is longing for a better life in a place with love, sunshine, and abundance. They're asking someone to take them there, to help them escape their current situation and start anew.
"The Land of Milk and Honey" represents a deep desire for a fresh start, for a place where one could find happiness and abundance. The song's lyrics can be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's struggles with addiction and a plea for help. It also talks about the effects of love and care, how they can change someone's life and turn their dark grey world into a bright and golden one. The song's poetic imagery and the Vogues' characteristic harmonies make it a captivating listen.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes it's true for most of my life I spoke devil
It's true that for most of my life, I spoke negatively and pessimistically.
And I did my best to dodge anything that looked at all like work
I actively avoided any tasks or responsibilities that required effort or labor.
I was prone to standing on corners smokin' cigarettes and talkin' about anything I didn't know
I had a tendency to hang out on street corners smoking cigarettes and discussing topics that I knew very little about.
Oh, how I needed to go
I had a strong desire to leave my current lifestyle behind and find something better.
Please take me to the land of milk and honey
I am pleading for someone to take me to a place of abundance and prosperity.
To the land of love and sunshine
I am hoping to find a place filled with warmth, happiness, and positivity.
Time passed and I got a little older
As time went on, I aged and gained more life experience.
Takin' on trouble just a little bit harder and a little bit bolder
I became more willing to confront and deal with difficult situations in a tougher, more fearless manner.
I was thinkin' colder, fightin', lyin', cheatin' & cryin', I gave up
I became more pessimistic and aggressive, engaging in negative behaviors like fighting, lying, cheating, and crying, but eventually realized the error of my ways and gave them up.
Givin'-up the voices of evil that were pullin' me down
I stopped listening to the negative influences in my life that were holding me back.
You know, I was givin' up ground
I was losing the battle against negativity and needed to make a change.
Then it came and it sounded like thunder
A momentous event occurred, with the impact and force of thunder.
Shot of light in the dark of the night and you were really there
A beacon of hope and light shone through the darkness, and someone was actually there to guide me through it.
Tellin' me that you care, your warm love took away the cold
Someone expressed that they cared for me, and their love and warmth helped to remove the feelings of coldness and isolation from my life.
And were you walked the cobblestones turned to gold
The places you walked became transformed into something valuable and precious.
And when you touch my hair you know take me there
Your touch has the power to transport me to a better place.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@scootdaws25
A criminally underrated song. I remember first hearing this song when it first came out and then it was gone without fanfare. One of my favorite songs ever.
@violator791
Pittsburgh, Pa. born and raised. I'm in my 30's and I grew up listening to these guys. Without question the greatest vocal group this country ever produced.
@ronviens7040
I've always loved the haunting sound of this song, and the sound of thunder near the ending. Too bad Reprise Records missed the boat on including this on the greatest hits LP
@patrickf.4440
Try the Rhino CD.
@ronviens7040
Yes Sir, I DO have the Rhino CD, and it's fantastic
@billcash6030
Great song. Still have the 45. Great vocals on this song! STIIL good to hear. If they had only been on bigger record label than CO & CE!!
@gilbertd7839
Been a fan of theirs for years. Don't think there's a song they can't sing great.
@larrypacak1143
LOVE THE TENORS!
@creidy3343
Always loved this song
@workingtheworld68
Not their best effort but gosh the darn thing has stuck in my head all these years