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The Vogues: Their Inspiring Journey and Greatest Hits
Table of Contents
Singer’s Bio and Early Life
The Vogues – one of the greatest pop and rock groups of the 1960s – was formed in the early sixties in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. The band initially consisted of Bill Burkette, Don Miller, Hugh Geyer, and Chuck Blasko. Burkette was the lead vocalist, Blasko was the bassist, Geyer played guitar, and Miller was on drums.
Blasko held the position of band leader, and the Vogues began performing as a quartet in local clubs and venues in the Pittsburgh area. In 1965, the Vogues signed a contract with Co & Ce Records.
Career and Success
Their first single, called “You’re the One,” was a hit, with sales reaching almost one million copies. The Vogues’ success continued with their follow-up singles, including, “Five O’Clock World” and “Magic Town.” These songs brought the group enormous radio airplay and have now become classics of the era.
The Vogues toured with other famous artists such as The Beach Boys, Herman’s Hermits, and The Four Tops. The band’s classic sound was a combination of impressive four-part harmonies and a unique blend of orchestration, thanks to their trusted musical arranger, Charles Calello.
Top Songs and Albums
In the late 60s and early 70s, the Vogues continued to dominate the music scene with more hits, including “Turn Around, Look at Me” and “My Special Angel.” An album with the same name “Turn Around, Look at Me,” featured the band’s most memorable songs and reached 43rd on the US Billboard 200 in 1968.
One of their other popular songs is “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” which reached 22nd in the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. Other Vogues’ hits include “No, Not Much,” “Till,” “Earth Angel” and “Moments to Remember.”
Personal Life, Relationships, and Children
The members of The Vogues have kept their personal lives relatively private throughout their career, not garnering any significant media attention for any controversies or scandals.
However, former lead singer Bill Burkette was married twice and had three children. Burkette passed away at the age of 75 in 2020 due to lymphoma.
Net Worth
Like many bands of their era, the members of The Vogues achieved most of their career success in the late 60s and early 70s. Despite breaking records, touring worldwide, and selling millions of records, the group members did not make as much as their modern-day counterparts.
However, as of 2021, The Vogues overall net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Legacy and Awards
The Vogues’ music has remained popular for decades, with their songs still a staple for oldies and classic rock radio stations. The band’s music has been used in films, soundtracks, and various television series over the years.
In 2001, The Vogues were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. That same year, they also performed for President George W. Bush at the White House. Other notable performances include singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XIV in January of 1980.
Final Thoughts
It’s been over fifty years since The Vogues first stepped onto the music scene, but their music continues to be a classic, timeless hit. Their music touched the hearts of millions as they moved up the charts during the golden age of rock and roll, creating a legacy that will last for generations.
As the former band member, Don Miller, once said, “The sound of the Vogues is ever-present…it’s a credit to the state of music back then – you didn’t have to go through years and years to find that. It was just there for you, out on the radio.” And that’s exactly it. The sound of The Vogues was just always there, for everyone to love and appreciate.
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