Vaughn De Leath: The First Lady of Radio. Original recordings 1925-1929

Popular music -- United States -- 1921-1930
United States -- Sound recordings
Leonore Vonderlieth
Vaughn De Leath
Vaughn DeLeath
Gloria Geer
Betty Brown
Glory Clark
Gertrude Dwyer
Nancy Foster
Sadie Green
Jane Kennedy
Mamie Lee
Angelina Marco
Marion Ross
Madge Thompson

This is a CD containing 24 tracks performed by Vaughn De Leath as well as liner notes. All tracks were recorded in New York at the height of her career, before it declined in the 1930s—a rise-and-fall narrative perpetuated in the liner notes. These liner notes are an attempt to biographize the life and career of a woman about whom little is known.

The largest portion of the liner notes are consumed with identifying (usually male) musicians with whom she collaborated, and (usually female) vocalists with whom she competed, as well as spinning out tangential details to try to show certain tracks' relevance to modern listeners. Words like "twee" and "homely" indicate the writer Peter Dempsey's estimation of her De Leath's importance in the grand history of music, though he acknowledges her temporary popularity and charm.

It is puzzling that he refers to her by her first name throughout, rather than her last name as is convention. It is reminiscent of how many women are disrespected by being called by their first name rather than more formally. Other ways in which De Leath is 'called' are noted by Dempsey in the litany of names she used commercially. But even her "real" name—Vaughn De Leath—is not her birth name. She grew up as Leonore, as can be seen in her diploma.

To listen to Track 3, "Looking at the World (Thru Rose-Coloured Glasses)," recorded August 1926, click on File 2.

Vaughn De Leath
Peter Dempsey

Orwig Music Library

Orpington, Kent : Delta Leisure Group

2012
1925-1929

Vaughn De Leath - Voice

Each track has its own individual rights holder.

[no text]

Audio

English

Compact Disc, mp4

https://bruknow.library.brown.edu/permalink/01BU_INST/9mvq88/alma991034729599706966

New York
1925-1929

Compact Disc

2:51

[no text]

I said goodbye to Mrs. Sorrow,
And I said, "How do you do, Mr. Joy?"
You know, really, there's no need to worry about tomorrow.
Look at me and you'll see
A soul as happy as can be,

Because I'm looking at the world through rose-colored glasses.
Everything is rosy now.
Looking at the world and everything that passes,
Seems of rosy hue somehow.
Why do I feel so spry, oh, don't wink your eye,
You needn't guess 'cause I'll confess, someone made me answer yes.
In a bungalow all covered with roses, we'll settle down, I vow.
That's why I'm looking at the world through rose-colored glasses,
And everything is rosy now.

You know, others may cry, but I'll be smiling,
Cause there's really no use to worry or fret.
While for them troubles may be piling,
Here is one who has fun.
So after all is said and done,

Why not keep looking at the world through rose-colored glasses,
And see how rosy things can be?
You know, when I look at the world, why, everything that passes,
Seems of rosy hue to me.
Why do you look so blue? Cheer up, don't sigh.
Why, you can be as glad as me if you'll only smile and try.
Put away your care, say goodbye to all the sorrow.
Let your sadness turn to glee.
For when you're looking at the world through rose-colored glasses,
You see how rosy things can be.