Buddy Pepper

Buddy Pepper (born Jack Retherford Starkey, April 21, 1922 – February 7, 1993) was an American pianist, songwriter, arranger and actor, known as one of three writers of Billboard's top tune of 1953, "Vaya Con Dios," which has been recorded over 500 times. He also wrote several songs for Universal Pictures' films, including Mister Big (1943). In 1959, he wrote the title song for the Oscar-winning film Pillow Talk, which actress Doris Day sang during the opening credits. In addition to his contributions in the film industry, Pepper was also known as the piano accompanist, arranger, and even vocal coach of such stars as Judy Garland, Margaret Whiting, Marlene Dietrich, Smilin' Jack Smith, and Lisa Kirk.

Birth and Death Data: Born April 21, 1922 (La Grange), Died February 7, 1993 (Sherman Oaks)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1941 - 1949

Roles Represented in DAHR: songwriter, composer, lyricist

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company	Matrix No.	Size	First Recording Date	Title	Primary Performer	Description	Role
Victor	PBS-061942	10-in.	12/2/1941	What good would it do?	Duke Ellington Famous Orchestra	Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo	composer
Victor	D7VB-0519	10-in.	4/23/1947	Don't tell me	Tony Martin	Male vocal solo, with vocal chorus and instrumental ensemble	composer
Victor	D7VB-1362	10-in.	9/29/1947	Now you've gone and hurt my southern pride	Phil Harris ; Phil Harris Orchestra	Male vocal solo, with jazz/dance band	songwriter
Victor	D7VB-1809	10-in.	10/22/1947	That's the way he does it	Page Cavanaugh Trio	Male vocal trio, with guitar, bass, and piano	songwriter
Victor	D9AB-0786	10-in.	11/25/1949	Sorry	Eddie Fisher	Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble	lyricist

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Pepper, Buddy," accessed November 7, 2024, https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/109689.

Pepper, Buddy. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/109689.

"Pepper, Buddy." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 7 November 2024.