Vince Hill: Cherished memories of touring Scotland with him
Jimmy Cricket described Vince Hill, who has died aged 89, as “one of our greatest singers”.
Vince was best known for his cover of the hit Edelweiss.
His version reached number two in the UK pop charts in 1967.
The song was originally from the 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music.
Northern Irish entertainer Jimmy said on social media: “Just heard the sad news that one of our greatest singers, Vince Hill, has sadly passed away.
“Vince brought his own distinctive style to every song he sang.
“I have cherished memories of touring Scotland with him in 1998.”
Vince first sang in public as a teenager and joined vocal group The Raindrops, but went solo in the early sixties.
He rose to fame with his debut single The River’s Run Dry and went on to produce a number of hits.
His other songs included Take Me To Your Heart Again and Love Letters In The Sand.
Edelweiss stayed in the UK music charts for 17 weeks.
While known mainly for his singing, he was also a songwriter.
Additionally, he hosted several hit TV shows during the seventies and eighties, including the BBC’s The Musical Time Machine.
Before finding fame as a singer, he worked as baker, truck driver and coal miner.
He died peacefully at his home in Oxfordshire on Saturday (22 July).
His social media account said: “Sadly we have to share news none of us want to hear.
“We’re very sorry to have to tell you Vince has left us.
“He passed peacefully at home.
“Vince created a musical legacy… His tunes will remain forever in our hearts Here’s to you V… you bloody legend xxx.”
Read: The life of British singer Vince Hill
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