Music has played a large role in our town from the late 1800's onward. Over the years, there were many adult bands.* The high school bands brought back several state sweepstakes trophies. The 1st lady of radio: Vaughn DeLeath, was a Mount Pulaski Native. Born Leonore Vonderlieth in the town of Mount Pulaski, Illinois in 1894, her parents were George and Catherine Vonderlieth. At age 12, Leonore relocated to Los Angeles with her mother and sister, where she finished high school and studied music. While at Mills College, she began writing songs, but dropped out to pursue a singing career. She then adopted the stage name "Vaughn De Leath." Her vocals ranged from soprano to deep contralto. De Leath adapted to the emerging, less restrictive jazz vocal style of the late 1910s and early 1920s. Vaughn De Leath has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
*the influx of hundreds of immigrants into the Mount Pulaski community from Germany in the mid to late 1800's helped spark this music tradition - they brought along with them their brass instruments and talents for playing them. Indeed, lawyer & politician Abraham Lincoln requested the Mount Pulaski Brass Band for the John C. Fremont rally for President in Atlanta, IL., in 1856. And, in 1869, the Mount Pulaski Brass Band was present for the dedication of the Logan County Civil War Monument on the courthouse lawn in nearby Lincoln, Il.
All musicians are welcome to join the band. Contact Harry Hild at (217) 414-1012 or at doublehtunes@yahoo.com.
