Buddy Pepper | |
|---|---|
 Publicity Photo of Buddy Pepper | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jack Retherford Starkey |
| Born | April 21, 1922 La Grange, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | February 7, 1993 (aged 70) Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Songwriter, composer, arranger, actor |
| Years active | 1930s–1960s |
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,[1] "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,[2] Marlene Dietrich,[3] Smilin' Jack Smith,[4] and Lisa Kirk.[3]
- ^ "'Vaya Con Dios' Edges Out 'Moulin' as '53's Top Tune". Billboard. December 19, 1953. Retrieved September 3, 2018 – via books.google.com.
- ^ "Louisville's Jack Starkey, Renamed Buddy Pepper, Makes Good In a Big Way as Entertainer-Composer". The Courier Journal. April 18, 1948. p. 61. Retrieved April 6, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Buddy Pepper Leaves New House To Be Marlene Dietrich's Pianist". The Courier-Journal. October 20, 1955. p. 11. Retrieved April 6, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Toured With Smith". The Courier-Journal. November 13, 1953. p. 9. Retrieved April 6, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.