"The Monroe Messenger," A publication of the Vaughn Monroe Music Club, December 1949

Q. Does Marian have her own private license to fly?

A. No, she doesn't particularly care for flying.

Q. Of what achievement are you most proud?

A. Being chosen as one of "Pennsylvania Ambassadors" during Pennsylvania week in October.

Q. Have you ever envied any other singer?

A. No.

Q. What expression do you use most?

A. None, that I know of.

Q. What do you wish you didn't have to do?

A. Stay away from home so much.

Q. What was your most embarrassing moment?

A. Striking out in a softball game, with the bases loaded and 200 people watching.

Q. Do you always wear your identification bracelet?

A. Yes, it's a gift from my two daughters and it's inscribed "To Daddy from Candy and Chris." I also always wear this watch, which is a gift from my wife.

Q. Do you ever play practical jokes?

A. Quite a few times.

Q. What do you wish the majority of your fans wouldn't do?

A. No comment.

Q. Don't you ever tire of singing the same songs?

A. Yes, but one song I don't ever get tired of singing is "Because."

Q. What annoys you most?

A. Nothing in particular.

Q. What public personality do you most admire?

A. Bing Crosby, because he handles his public career very well.

Q. Did you make any personal appearances while you were out in the west making the movie?

A. Yes, the UCLA Homecoming for Ann Sullivan, Ed Sullivan's daughter.

"Moonbeam Extra" and "Monroe-ly Yours," publications of the Vaughn Monroe Music Club, August 1949

Q. What is your favorite color?

A. Blue.

Q. What is your favorite dish?

A. Pork and sauerkraut.

Q. Your favorite dessert?

A. Never eat them.

Q. Do you like to read or don't you have the time?

A. Very little time--love to read.

Q. What's your favorite books?

A. For fast reading, Perry Mason books.

Q. What is your worst fault?

A. Not being able to have enough time for my fans and friends.

Q. What is your pet peeve?

A. Nail polish and plucked eyebrows.

Q. What is the first thing you notice about a person?

A. Their grooming--like girls with neat hair combs.

Q. What do you do with the time you have between shows?

A. My hobby's building model trains.

Q. Your favorite sports?

A. Horseback riding and golf.

Q. Do you like to meet your fans and chat with them?

A. Yes, but unfortunately I don't have time for a chat--and only hope my fans will understand my busy schedule.

Q. Who is your favorite comedian?

A. Bob Hope.

Q. Which climate do you like best, that in the East or West?

A. Always the East.

Q. How many airplanes do you have?

A. One.

Q. What do you think of fan clubs?

A. Couldn't do without them.

Q. Who is your favorite female vocalist?

A. Peggy Lee.

Q. Have you written any songs beside "Racing With The Moon"?

A. Yes. "Something Sentimental," "Give A Broken Heart A Break," and my latest, "Men Of The Army" among a few of them.

Q. Tell us the story behind your theme song.

A. Little or none--just needed a theme song.

Q. Are you going to make a movie anytime soon?

A. Yes, in September.

Q. Who is your favorite movie actress?

A. Haven't seen a movie in years.

Q. Where is your favorite vacation spot?

A. In the North Woods.

Q. Your most thrilling experience?

A. Being above the clouds in my plane with bad weather all around me and trying to make a one nighter.

Q. Do you like to dance?

A. Yes.

Q. What do you think of television?

A. Great--the coming field.

Q. Have you any television contracts at present?

A. No, cannot locate in New York for a long time.

Q. What is your opinion of "be-bop"?

A. Don't like it. Can't decide just what anyone thinks it really means.

Q. Have you ever been abroad?

A. No.

Q. What is one of the happiest moments in your life?

A. Always happiest when I'm home with my wife and children.

Q. Tell us the secret of your success?

A. What success I have is due to hard work, loyal fans, and good friends--and a fine bunch of girls and boys in my band.

Q. Can you think of anything else you'd like to tell us?

A. I love you all!

"Moonbeam Extra" Second Anniversary Issue, February 1949

Q. Did you musical ability come naturally, or did you spend all your time practicing and not have time to play with the kids?

A. I guess my music did come naturally. But I spent a lot of time practicing on the trumpet. I still had time to go out with the kids though, and have a good time. And, by the way, I'm never going to force my girls to take up music of any kind. If they want to, all right. But I'm never going to force them into it against their will.

Q. What is your favorite song?

A. "Ballerina" is my favorite song. When we recorded that song we weren't sure how it would go over. It was a rather odd tune, but it caught the public's fancy and became our greatest record. But aside form the record success, I like "Ballerina" and enjoy singing it. Of course following that "Ballerina" was played.

Q. My 11 year old son has been taking clarinet lessons for 2 year. How long will it take for him to play in a name band?

A. It all depends on how much he practices. Also, in a couple of years, buy the kid a tenor or alto saxophone. Name bands only take those players who can double up on instruments. Anyway, by that time you ought to be able to tell if he has any ability. If he does, with hard practice, by the time he's 17 he ought to be able to start out. If I'm still in the business, write me a letter and I'll see what I can do. But don't you think 11 is a little young to start worrying about a career for the boy?

Q. Why is your music different at dances than on the radio?

A. Well, we like to let down our hair and pep it up at the dances, but we keep it slower when we broadcast. We have to please everybody, and that softer music appeals to the larger amount of people. It's like eating too much cake. You have to have your steak too.