The Hilltoppers Collection 1952-58

The Hilltoppers were a vocal group who enjoyed their heyday during the era in pop music when their clean-cut college look, wholesome image, harmony vocals and easy-on-the-ear songs brought them a string of hits and a ubiquitous presence on US TV variety shows, until the rock ‘n’ roll and teen explosion eventually overtook their particular strand of pop, which they shared with the likes of The Four Aces and The Ames Brothers. Beginning as a trio at University of Western Kentucky, they added pianist, songwriter and arranger Billy Vaughn to their line-up, until he left to join the A&R staff at their label Dot. Fronted by Jimmy Sacca, who was always credited as featured vocalist on their record labels, they had over twenty US hits during the middle years of the ‘50s, including Top 10 successes with the likes of “Trying”, “I’d Rather Die Young”, “P.S.I Love You”, “Love Walked In”, “From The Vine Came The Grape, “Only You” and “Marianne”, making a Top 3 chart breakthrough in the UK with “Only You” in 1955. This great value 58-track 2-CD collection comprises the A & B sides of their singles through to the first release of 1958, by which time they had had their final hit, and it’s a comprehensive and entertaining overview of their output during their years in the chart limelight.