Buddy Pepper, born Jack R. Starkey, hailed from La Grange, Kentucky, where his musical journey commenced at the tender age of five. With a natural aptitude for playing the piano by ear, he began entertaining local and international audiences alongside his partner Florence Pepper, showcasing his remarkable skills in singing, dancing, and music.
As he transitioned to the Hollywood scene, Buddy's talents flourished as a songwriter and accompanist, providing musical accompaniment to notable performers such as Judy Garland, Margaret Whiting, Lisa Kirk, Jack Smith, and Marlene Dietrich, to name a few.
In 1953, Buddy co-authored the timeless classic "Vaya Con Dios" with Inez James and Larry Russell, which catapulted to the top spot on the Billboard charts, earning the distinction of being the most popular song of the year. This iconic tune has since been covered by numerous artists, with Freddy Fender's rendition earning Buddy an ASCAP award in 1976.
The original version by Les Paul and Mary Ford has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring legacy. Buddy's remarkable contribution to the world of music came to an end with his passing at the age of 70 in Sherman Oaks, California, due to heart failure.
