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 Audio
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.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/109689

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