Don McGuire, the last surviving member of the Hilltoppers, died Friday (September 7, 2018) at his Hazard, Kentucky home at the age of 87, after what was described as a 'short illness'... The group, named after the school team of Western Kentucky State College, where they were students, were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2013... The quartet's two biggest hits* were "Marianne" {#3 in 1957} and "P.S. I Love You" {#4 in 1953}... May he R.I.P. * "Trying" reached #7 and was their first of nine Top 10 records...
I had the honor to meet Jimmy Sacca. I told him I loved his music and he asked did I have the records and I fibbed and said yes every one. That night I went on line and got the best of the Hilltoppers. He was a sweet sweet fella with a beautiful voice.
I well remember The Hilltoppers as a kid back in the 1950's, Jimmy Sacca's vocals were outstanding - he had his own distinctive style and phrasing. "Only You" was a favourite of my parents. I think The Platters had the bigger hit but we preferred the Hilltoppers. This is a great live video. Back in those days, vocal groups playing live could get a sound close to their records because there wasn't a lot of production, overdubbing, etc. like there is now.
@@user-tq6ce1od1w You're welcome Elena! The original Hilltoppers records were released in the U.S. on the Dot label, but here in the U.K. it was London. We had "Only You" on a 78 r.p.m. record. Now of course you can get them all on CD!
jimmy sacca was one of the most charismatic and talented crooners of the 1950s--wish he had continued his career since the whole world would still be talking about him. So handsome, so one-of-a-kind.
I always liked mostly rock and roll growing up,but can always remember the Hilltoppers and still do. That's why I'm listening to this. I have this 45 in the record collection I gave to my son.
Wish to continue I sing Doo-Wop music, Bill Haley and the comets "rock around the clock" came out in 1954, The hilltoppers "Trying came out in 1952. I believe in my heart that the Hilltoppers are one of the founding fathers of rock and roll music. They were ahead of their time. Elvis didn't come out till 1956 and I love Elvis Presley. Thank you Hilltoppers for "Trying"and rock and roll music. The music you invented, you were innovators. Humanity owes you a debt of gratitude. Respectfully: Henry Pope
This is wonderful! Always one of my favorite songs since I first delved into the music of my parents' generation when I was about 12; how nice to see the live performance on the "really big shoe" hosted by Ed himself. Thanks for putting it on the Tube for everyone to enjoy.
That's Billy Vaughn standing next to Ed Sullivan. A big career at Dot Records was ahead for him, arranging dozens of hit records for the label, as well as hundreds of recordings under his own name including "Sail Along Silv'ry Moon" and "Raunchy"
Just posted a comment on PJDooWop about this 1952 gem. Now to see them preform it live just added to thrill of finding a record that I had never heard. Thank you!
Brad Sacca : Your grandfather was a major figure in pop music of the 50's. A great voice, and I collected all the group's records. I especially liked "The Kentuckian Song"
Brad, how fantastic to have a legendary musical star as your grandfather! I always wondered what happened to him after the group disbanded? he would have made a great solo artist on his own? his voice was out-of-this world. very emotional and beautiful. would love to hear more about him.
I remember his singing to this day,just like some of you have. I can also remember reading somewhere years ago that he was one of the greatest singers of all time and I personally would have to agree.
Hi Amadeus...How interesting! Was he your Uncle or your great Uncle? Your uncle passed many years ago but is never forgotten. The Hilltoppers are one of my FAVORITE 1950s groups! That harmony under the lead of Jimmy Sacca was absolutely INCREDIBLE!
Amadeus Phoenix Fascinating! Does your aunt still ever listen to these old "Hilltoppers" songs anymore? They are so one of my ((VERY FAVE)) groups from the 50s....I still look for and collect "Hilltoppers" 78s although they were also put out on 45s...But I like the feel and sound of the old Dot label 78s. Regards to you and to your aunt...Please send her my blessings and let her know that 2014 still remembers her husband and his incredible sound with the "Hiilltoppers"!
I will definitely do that! Thank you. My family still enjoys the solid gold tracks they put out, they have stood the test of time. It is refreshing to hear from a true fan like yourself! Enjoy your day.
You should be very proud. He sang with the best group ever. Love their sound - the greatest. I was also a class of 1954 kid - in the deep south - Roll Tide!
Loved the "Hilltoppers." With lead singerJimmy Sacca they were one of the outstanding groups of the early 1950's.
NOW 85 I REMAIN MOVED BY THIS BALLAD FROM MY TEEN YEARS!!! SIIGGHH
You are getting to be an old fart.
Don McGuire, the last surviving member of the Hilltoppers, died Friday (September 7, 2018) at his Hazard, Kentucky home at the age of 87, after what was described as a 'short illness'...
The group, named after the school team of Western Kentucky State College, where they were students, were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2013...
The quartet's two biggest hits* were "Marianne" {#3 in 1957} and "P.S. I Love You" {#4 in 1953}...
May he R.I.P.
* "Trying" reached #7 and was their first of nine Top 10 records...
I had the honor to meet Jimmy Sacca. I told him I loved his music and he asked did I have the records and I fibbed and said yes every one. That night I went on line and got the best of the Hilltoppers. He was a sweet sweet fella with a beautiful voice.
Thanks for this info. I was only familiar with their "P. S. I Love You" song. I'll have to listen to these others. Thanks again.
I well remember The Hilltoppers as a kid back in the 1950's, Jimmy Sacca's vocals were outstanding - he had his own distinctive style and phrasing. "Only You" was a favourite of my parents. I think The Platters had the bigger hit but we preferred the Hilltoppers. This is a great live video. Back in those days, vocal groups playing live could get a sound close to their records because there wasn't a lot of production, overdubbing, etc. like there is now.
Спасибо! Наконец-то я нашла этот голос. Ведь даже не знала, кто поёт мою любимую песню)
@@user-tq6ce1od1w You're welcome Elena! The original Hilltoppers records were released in the U.S. on the Dot label, but here in the U.K. it was London. We had "Only You" on a 78 r.p.m. record. Now of course you can get them all on CD!
jimmy sacca was one of the most charismatic and talented crooners of the 1950s--wish he had continued his career since the whole world would still be talking about him. So handsome, so one-of-a-kind.
Jery Tillotson was
stfu
Music hasn't been this good for far too long, and I don't think it will ever be this good again.
There were many fine groups in the 1950's. I was partial to the Hilltoppers.
I always liked mostly rock and roll growing up,but can always remember the Hilltoppers and still do. That's why I'm listening to this. I have this 45 in the record collection I gave to my son.
My favorite group of all time.
Wish to continue I sing Doo-Wop music, Bill Haley and the comets "rock around the clock" came out in 1954, The hilltoppers "Trying came out in 1952. I believe in my heart that the Hilltoppers are one of the founding fathers of rock and roll music. They were ahead of their time. Elvis didn't come out till 1956 and I love Elvis Presley. Thank you Hilltoppers for "Trying"and rock and roll music. The music you invented, you were innovators. Humanity owes you a debt of gratitude. Respectfully: Henry Pope
liked the comment, but Elvis sang That's Alright, Mama in August 1954
A great group from the 1950's. beautiful song.
Fabulous song, Powerful lead singer, Strong harmony background. All in all, a very, very good group. I just love the 40s-50s Pop sound!
Brilliant anwser. 'I'm not a star I'm on the team'
Forgotten times
I was friends with that guy, Don McGuire. He lived here in Lexington. Passed about two years ago
@@roberttaylor914 Sure you did
Sure you did? I’m CERTAIN I did
Jimmy Sacca & The Hilltoppers ! Great to see some live footage
I have my mom's 45s from when she was a teenager. Evidently, she was a Hilltoppers fan.
This is wonderful! Always one of my favorite songs since I first delved into the music of my parents' generation when I was about 12; how nice to see the live performance on the "really big shoe" hosted by Ed himself. Thanks for putting it on the Tube for everyone to enjoy.
That's Billy Vaughn standing next to Ed Sullivan. A big career at Dot Records was ahead for him, arranging dozens of hit records for the label, as well as hundreds of recordings under his own name including "Sail Along Silv'ry Moon" and "Raunchy"
Hi school grad 1954 tried 2 do Jimmy Sacca imitation to many songs to I cant recall... SOO glad I can still hear
Just lost Don McGuire, humble basketball "non-star". RIP all who've gone.
qtpysusie54 RIP. my uncle Sy has been gone for awhile. What a group.
Just posted a comment on PJDooWop about this 1952 gem. Now to see them preform it live just added to thrill of finding a record that I had never heard. Thank you!
Incredible! Thanks for posting!
Wow. Class.
Excellent ! I've always liked The Hilltoppers.
Early do wop .
Great !
Beats the Beatles and the British invasion and also beats Motown .
...wow!
Just as good as on the record I got...🎶🎶🎶❤👍🏻❤
RIP Jimmy Sacca
Filipino here. Graveyard Pinoy brought me here.
Early "Toast Of The Town" footage.
Proto White Doo Wop from the pre Rock days.
I went to High School with Jimmy. I heard that he lost his voice after an illness and that was the end of the Group.
When
Jimmy is my grandfather
Brad Sacca : Your grandfather was a major figure in pop music of the 50's. A great voice, and I collected all the group's records. I especially liked "The Kentuckian Song"
So many of us love your grandfather's singing!
Brad, how fantastic to have a legendary musical star as your grandfather! I always wondered what happened to him after the group disbanded? he would have made a great solo artist on his own? his voice was out-of-this world. very emotional and beautiful. would love to hear more about him.
I remember his singing to this day,just like some of you have. I can also remember reading somewhere years ago that he was one of the greatest singers of all time and I personally would have to agree.
He is my uncle from my Mother's side.
Reminds me of The Crewcuts of Sh-boom, Sh-boom fame.
Boy they sure don't make em like that anymore.
Now I know where Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers got the idea for their uniforms.
The hilltoppers though they were a pop group, but the song "trying" make no mistake is very much a Doo-app song. I
100 percent early Doowop 🥃👌🏽
My uncle is Seymour
Hi Amadeus...How interesting! Was he your Uncle or your great Uncle? Your uncle passed many years ago but is never forgotten. The Hilltoppers are one of my FAVORITE 1950s groups! That harmony under the lead of Jimmy Sacca was absolutely INCREDIBLE!
He was my Uncle, my aunt is very much alive and just celebrated her 80th birthday. :) Thanks for the reply!
Amadeus Phoenix
Fascinating! Does your aunt still ever listen to these old "Hilltoppers" songs anymore? They are so one of my ((VERY FAVE)) groups from the 50s....I still look for and collect "Hilltoppers" 78s although they were also put out on 45s...But I like the feel and sound of the old Dot label 78s. Regards to you and to your aunt...Please send her my blessings and let her know that 2014 still remembers her husband and his incredible sound with the "Hiilltoppers"!
I will definitely do that! Thank you. My family still enjoys the solid gold tracks they put out, they have stood the test of time. It is refreshing to hear from a true fan like yourself! Enjoy your day.
You should be very proud. He sang with the best group ever. Love their sound - the greatest. I was also a class of 1954 kid - in the deep south - Roll Tide!