Vince Hill

At the beginning of the 1960s, he joined the critically acclaimed British vocal group, The Raindrops, which gave him his first opportunity to perform in television and radio shows, especially on the BBC radio show Parade of the Pops.

His debut entry in the UK Singles Chart was the Johnny Worth - who worked as a songwriter under his pen-name, Les Vandyke Vandyke - penned "The River's Run Dry", which went to No. 41 in June 1962. In 1963, he participated in A Song for Europe, the UK heat of the Eurovision Song Contest, with another Vandyke penned song, "A Day at the Seaside".The next few years proved fallow as a succession of single releases failed to chart.

In January 1965, Vince was offered an international recording contract with the EMI group which signed him to their Columbia label.His first 'Top 20' chart success with his new label came a year later with "Take Me To Your Heart Again" - Hill's cover of the Édith Piaf hit, "La Vie en Rose" climbed to No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart in 1966.

He is best known for his recording of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune "Edelweiss" (1967) which reached No.2 on the UK Singles Chart (staying on the chart for 17 weeks).

Although known mainly for his voice Hill was also a songwriter and composed many songs with his musical director Ernie Dunstall. These were used on his studio albums and flip sides to his singles of the day. The Dunstall-Hill composition 'Why Or Where Or When', was also notably recorded by Mr. Lee Grant and topped the New Zealand charts in 1968 and 'I Never Did As I Was Told' was covered by Broadway star Robert Goulet in 1971.

In 1982, Hill added acting to his CV, in the BBC radio drama, Tolpuddle (which he also wrote).

In 1988, ITV gave Hill his own midday entertainment show 'Gas Street' in which he made his début as a TV presenter and interviewer - the show also co-starred Suzi Quatro.

In 1990, Hill took the stage to play Ivor Novello in the stage play, My Dearest Ivor.

In 2004, Hill was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent successful keyhole surgery. A year later, following a routine blood test, it was discovered he also had chronic myeloid leukaemia. Following extensive treatment, the illness was brought under control.[.

In 2010, Hill published his autobiography, Another Hill to Climb (Bank House Books), in collaboration with Nick Charles MBE.

In April 2012, Hill came out of semi-retirement to make a successful return to the stage for 'one night only' where he performed in a big band night at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. Vince recalls "It was an absolute success - we sold out and I got a standing ovation. At that point, I just thought, 'I've finished, that'll do for me'.".

In January 2014, Hill suffered the loss of his only son, Athol, who was found dead aged 42.