Vince Hill, best known for his 1967 single Edelweiss, has passed away at age 89. Born in Holbrooks, Coventry, he performed with big orchestras and vocal ensembles prior to his 1962 solo breakthrough.
Throughout a lengthy career, Hill performed alongside artists such as Tony Christie and Cilla Black and hosted television and radio programs.
Pete Chambers from the Coventry Music Museum remarked,
“He was an incredibly talented singer and a true gentleman.”
“He had a velvety voice, and he could convey it so well.
“An incredible performer and a lovely man.”
Hill became a singer after winning a talent contest at age 15, but prior to his success, he worked as a confectioner, truck driver, and laborer.
1962’s Piccadilly Records publication of his début single The Rivers Run Dry led to television and radio appearances that attracted the attention of larger record labels.
After signing with EMI’s Columbia label in 1965, he produced a series of successes, including a rendition of Edelweiss from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music.
The song reached number two on the UK listings and remained there for 17 weeks. The singer told Desert Island Discs in 1975 that the song’s triumph led to top billing at London’s Palladium and The Talk of the Town theaters.
Throughout his six-decade career, he released 25 studio albums, recorded movie theme tunes, and performed at international venues such as the Sydney Opera House.
Mr. Chambers stated that although he moved to Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, he “never forgot his roots” and would frequently call to inquire about Coventry City’s performance.
The singer’s wife Annie passed away in 2016 and his son Athol was killed in an accident in 2014.
Saturday’s update on his official website stated,
“We regret to inform you that Vince has departed us.
“He passed away peacefully at his home in Henley this afternoon.”
Also Read: How Does Katie George, An ESPN Sportscaster, Get Paid?
