Vince Hill dies at 89

[rebbonk]

Coventry-born Edelweiss singer Vince Hill dies at 89

Vince Hill, the singer best known for his 1967 hit Edelweiss, has died at the age of 89.



Born in Holbrooks, Coventry, he sang with big bands and vocal groups before his first solo success in 1962.

Over a long career, Hill performed with singers including Tony Christie and Cilla Black and presented programmes on television and radio.

"He really was an amazing singer and also an absolute gentleman," said Pete Chambers from Coventry Music Museum.

"He had that sort of velvety voice [and] wow he could project it.

"An incredible performer and a lovely man."

Hill became a singer after winning a talent contest at 15, but also worked as a baker, truck driver and miner before finding success.

His debut single The Rivers Run Dry, released by Piccadilly Records in 1962, led to TV and radio appearances which brought him to the attention of bigger labels.

Signed to EMI's Columbia label in 1965, he went on to produce a string of hits, including a cover version of Edelweiss, from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music.

The track reached number two and stayed on the UK charts for 17 weeks.

The singer told Desert Island Discs in 1975 the success of the song led to top billing at London theatres, the Palladium and The Talk of the Town.

During a career spanning six decades he released 25 studio albums, recorded movie theme songs and performed internationally at venues including the Sydney Opera House.

Although he moved to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire he "never forgot his roots", said Mr Chambers, and would often phone to ask how Coventry City had fared.

The singer mourned the death of his wife Annie in 2016 and also lost his son Athol in an accident in 2014.

An update posted on his official website on Saturday said: "We're very sorry to have to tell you Vince has left us.

"He passed peacefully at home in Henley this afternoon."

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-66282835

[dutchman]

The last time I saw Vince he was being interviewed about the hideous monstrosity someone built next to his retirement home on the Thames.

[dutchman]

Coventry legend Vince Hill's funeral to be live-streamed to adoring fans around the world



The funeral of Coventry-born popstar Vince Hill will be live-streamed to fans around the world, his management has announced. The Edelweiss singer, who was born in Holbrooks, died at his family home in Henley-on-Thames late last month, aged 89.

Legendary lyricist Sir Tim Rice and Pete Chambers, curator director at Coventry Music Museum, were among those who paid tribute to Vince, who performed with the likes of Tony Christie and Cilla Black and also presented programmes on television and radio. Mr Hill's funeral will be held at Henley Town Hall at 1.30pm on Monday, August 14.

"A screen will be erected outside Henley’s town hall so anyone wishing to pay their respects can come along and play a part in the service which will be a celebration of the incredibly talented entertainer and much-loved family man," a post on Vince Hill's official website said. "The service will also be filmed and streamed worldwide via a webcast link, details of which will be announced here closer to the date of the funeral service.

"Vince wanted his service to be uplifting and for all those attending to wear colourful clothes. Rather than bring flowers, the family have asked that donations be made to the charities he supported, which are The Macular Society and Blind Veterans UK."

The Macular Society, of which Vince was a patron - having himself suffered from age-related macular degeneration - also paid tribute following news of Vince's death. Chief Executive Cathy Yelf said he was 'an extraordinary talent' who 'graced the world with his beautiful voice and music'.

"His willingness to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which we know had such a personal impact on his life, was inspiring," she said. Educated at Hen Lane School, Vince became a singer after winning a talent contest at 15. He also worked as a baker, truck driver and miner before finding success, Mr Chambers said.

His debut single The Rivers Run Dry, released by Piccadilly Records in 1962, led to TV and radio appearances which brought him to the attention of bigger labels. Signed to EMI's Columbia label in 1965, he went on to produce a string of hits, including a cover version of Edelweiss, from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music.

The track reached number two and stayed on the UK charts for 17 weeks. The singer told Desert Island Discs in 1975 the success of the song led to top billing at London theatres, the Palladium and The Talk of the Town.

During a career spanning six decades he released 25 studio albums, recorded movie theme songs and performed internationally at venues including the Sydney Opera House. Although he moved to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, he "never forgot his roots".

Donations to the Macular Society and Blind Veterans UK can be made online.