Died On This Date (July 3, 1986) Rudy Vallee / Jazz Singer & Bandleader
themusicsover Rudy Vallee
July 28, 1901 – July 3, 1986
Rudy Vallee was a popular band leader, singer, musician and actor who is, by most accounts, the first of what we would call “crooners.” He became so popular during the ’30s and ’40s that his appearances would stir up an immediate frenzy not seen again until perhaps Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and the Beatles. His mostly female crowds were so loud, he began using a megaphone to sing through the microphones. That megaphone became his trademark. Vallee also acted in several films opposite the likes of Claudette Colbert and Jane Russell. Vallee continued to work well into the ’80s when he actually opened for the Village People on a few occasions. Rudy Vallee died of natural causes at 84 on July 3, 1986.
What You Should Own
Boots Randolph was an American horn player whose saxophone was a major part of what is know in country music as the “Nashville Sound.” But perhaps his biggest legacy is his tune, “Yakety Sax,” which is known the world over as the Benny Hill theme song. During a career that spanned the better part of four decades, Randolph shared the stage with countless A-List performers and played on recordings by the likes of 
Harry Mills was one-quarter of the popular vocal quartet, the Mills Brothers who scored several pop vocal hits throughout the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. They made a remarkable 2000+ recordings that sold over 50 million copies, earning them over 30 gold records. Any worthy collection of their hits should include “Dinah,” “Caravan,” “Tiger Rag,” “Paper Doll,” and “Cab Driver.” Harry Mills passed away from natural causes on June 28, 1982 although he did suffer from diabetes in his later years. He was 68 when he died.