The Hilltoppers

History

The Hilltoppers were a singing group made up of Western Kentucky State College students or former students. The original members were: Jimmy Sacca, a junior from Lockport, New York; Billy Vaughn, a former student from Glasgow, Kentucky; Seymour Spiegelman, a junior from Seneca Falls, New York; and Don McGuire, a senior from Hazard, Kentucky.

The group first recorded Vaughn's song, "Trying" in Western's Van Meter Auditorium in April 1952. A local disc jockey aired the tape and it became so popular that the group re-recorded the song for Dot Records of Gallatin, Tennessee. It was released in August 1952 and led to radio and television appearances including Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town," (October 26, 1952), "American Bandstand," and the Perry Como and Frankie Laine shows. Marketing themselves as college students, the group wore the school sweaters and beanies that would become their trademark.

"Trying" was followed by other hits including "I'd Rather Die Young," "Til Then," "From the Vine Came the Grape," and "P.S. I Love You" (their biggest seller). The Hilltoppers sold over eight million records and ranked among the top ten vocal groups through the 1950s, until the popularity of rock-and-roll prompted their breakup around 1960.

Collection

The collection consists of three 33-1/3 r.p.m. albums, one 45 and 78 r.p.m. record, a cassette recording, a few items of correspondence, sheet music for "Til Then," a poster for "Trying," and a beanie belonging to Seymour Spiegelman. Also in the collection is a gold record presented to Jimmy Sacca for "P. S. I Love You" and "I'd Rather Die Young," the Hilltoppers' first million-seller.

Search the collection inventory.

Click here to view the online exhibit, "Remembering the Hilltoppers."

Volume

1.0 cubic feet