The co-founders of the Vaughn Monroe Appreciation Society, Lou Kohnen
and Claire Schwartz, have kindly asked me to write a short
introduction. I thank them for this honor and also for the efforts
they've expended in putting together this genuine compliment to my
uncle's art.
Uncle Vaughn loved music. All of us who
know and enjoy his work can see the evidence of that emotion not only in
the lyrics and music of the pieces he chose to perform but also in the
obvious passion he had performing them. He was, as many of us know, a
consummate musician. He participated in the writing of many of his most
well known songs and as far as memory serves, from what I've been told,
there wasn't a single instrument common to the big band era that Uncle
Vaughn couldn't pick up and play with proficiency.
My personal memories of him contain examples
of warmth and kindness. When speaking to us, his voice resonated gentle
calmness. His visits to us were a cause for much joy. He loved family.
Some of us were closer to Vaughn Monroe than others but we all cherish
his magnificent voice, personality and the contribution he made to one
of the most moving of art forms.
As long as music exists there will always be; "Racing With The Moon",
"Ghost Riders In The Sky", "Mule Train", "Dance Ballerina Dance" and a
list of other exceptional musical images displayed on the walls of our
memory.
And, with good people like Lou and Claire...and the rest of us who
love his work, there will always be a place for us to go and appreciate
those wonderful pieces together.
Uncle Vaughn would be thankful for this expression.
Joseph I. Monroe
November 2001
