The Hilltoppers were an American popular music singing group.
Formed in the early 1950's by Jimmy Sacca, Donald McGuire and Seymour Spiegelman, three students at Western State College (later Western Kentucky University) in Bowling Green, KY., joined later by pianist and songwriter Billy Vaughn. The group's name comes from the school's athletic teams' nickname, which comes from the fact that the university is situated on a big hill. Their biggest hit was "Only You (And You Alone)" in 1955.
Originally the group was a trio formed at Western Kentucky State College (now Western Kentucky University), Bowling Green, Kentucky. The original members were three students; Jimmy Sacca (born July 26, 1929, Lockport, New York, died March 7, 2015, in Lexington, Kentucky); Donald McGuire (born October 7, 1931, Hazard, Kentucky, died September 7, 2018, in Lexington, Kentucky); and Seymour Spiegelman (October 1, 1930 February 13, 1987). Spiegelman was born in Seneca Falls, New York. They took their name from the nickname of the Western Kentucky athletic teams.
They later added a pianist, Billy Vaughn (April 12, 1919 September 26, 1991). Vaughn was born in Glasgow, Kentucky. Vaughn was eventually to become famous in his own right as an orchestra leader.
In 1952 they recorded a song, "Trying
Name Vars
- Hill Toppers
- Hilltoppers
- The Hill Toppers
- The Hiltoppers
Members
- Billy Vaughn
- Jimmy Sacca
- Donald McGuire
- Seymour Spiegelman
- Eddie Crowe