As a college dropout, fate might have killed Vaughn DeLeath’s career before it had a chance to begin. Yet, in this instance of raw talent, she was able to rise to fame on the radio. Born Leonore Vonderlieth in Illinois, she had finished her schooling in California. Jazz and the advent of radio brought her to the east coast, where she made an immediate impression. Radio opened the door to the recording industry, and many labels carried her songs. Her voice was notable because it could adapt to many styles. In addition, she was also proficient in a number of instruments, a talent used most when giving live performances. She was one of the first women to participate in a transatlantic broadcast, as well as an early female radio station manager. Her recording career spanned from 1921 to 1931. By the mid to late 30s she ceased even her radio performances. She died in the early 40s. Her impact on the world of music would be felt in many ways, with one such ripple coming when Elvis Presley covered her song “Are You Lonesome Tonight” in 1960. Today’s song hails from the same year as that recording, 1927.
The song has an immediate and apparent “wedding bell” theme to it. Appropriate, since the piece stands as a celebration of romantic togetherness. Throughout the song, De Leath’s harmonies with Ed Smalle are gorgeous. The lyrics begin with the singer looking back on the “happiest day of his/her life”. The song then details how a couple plans for life together, from living space to how they’ll face all kind of weather, together. The song is sugary sweet, as the couple looks forward to listening to birds from their home at the bottom of a hill. When all is said and done, sugary lyrics are still part of the musical food pyramid, all listeners need them, even if in small doses.
Music Through the Mists of Time 