Ray Norman: Well,
Vaughn came in, uh, tonight with some of his new albums, and we're going
to give away some of them in a few minutes. Uh, tell us first about, uh,
this new album, Vaughn.
Vaughn Monroe:
Well, uh, in this particular album, called "Deck of Cards," which is being
released now, uh, we do a recitation . . . called "Deck of Cards." And,
uh, it's not a new song; it's been done . . . by various people. BUT . . .
this recitation to me is one of the . . . the finest things I think I've
ever done. Uh, where you tell . . . uh, what . . . is really your
feelings. And the deck of cards, when you hear this played, you'll
understand what I mean, uh . . . Well, I guess, uh, I should just say, uh
. . . you better play it, Ray.
Ray Norman: All
right, ladies and gentlemen, here's Vaughn Monroe, and on the Swampfire
label--"Deck of Cards."
CLOSING by Ray
Norman: Well, I want to thank Mr. Vaughn Monroe for his time. It's always
a great pleasure to talk to him, and as I said before, he's a very
gracious gentleman, and I'm sure you, uh, could feel that through your
speaker tonight.
COMMENTARY by Claire Schwartz: Vaughn seemed to be unusually
emotional when speaking about this particular song. As you can tell, he
paused often, seeming to search for the right words to express himself. It
felt as if he would have liked to go on with further explanation of what
the "Deck of Cards" meant to him, but he stopped himself and said
essentially, "Just play it, Ray." It is clear that he was rightfully proud
of this piece, which is also serves as a personal witness.
It is interesting to note that the Vietnam conflict was the fourth major
war with American involvement in Vaughn's lifetime. He was only a child
during the First World War, but it is interesting that he records "the old
songs" and includes several popular World War I melodies in his
"House Party" album released in 1957. Of course, his recordings of songs
penned as a result of World War II are much more remembered and part of
his legacy with his Orchestra ("When the Lights Go on Again," "The Shrine
of St. Cecelia," "Be Brave, Beloved" to name a few). He had two very
upbeat hits during the Korean conflict in "Sound Off" and "Old Soldier's
Never Die." Vietnam came late in Vaughn's career, and he responded with
"Deck of Cards."
