MAMMA country and legendary singer from the South, Sally Vaughn, was recently honoured during a fund-raiser at the Ferns Diner and Sports Pub in Regents Park.
The fund-raiser was organised by Tommy Gloss, who organised a team of well-known and talented musicians and entertainers to wow the crowd at the Augusta Road venue on Sunday, April 17.
Sally Vaughn, the Mother of South African Country Music, had to recently stop her singing career as a performing artist due to health problems that left her with a heart functioning at only 20 per cent. Sally started her singing career at the age of 14, along with her brother Buddy Vaughn, who, like Sally was born in Regents Park, and grew up in the South.
“Both Sally and Buddy have laid the foundation for South African country music along with legend Lance James, ‘big daddy country’, since 1962. Sally went over to the United States to represent South Africa and had standing ovations on numerous occasions. She also performed with artists including Charley Pride in the United States and recorded her first album called ‘It only hurts for a little while’, with Buddy in 1962 which won numerous awards,” said René Visagie.
The fund-raiser was held to aid Sally with her medical expenses. Various artists from the South, such as Buddy Vaughn, Steve Ashley, JJ Stephens, Tommy Gloss, Denise Lourens and the South’s very own talented and visually impaired musician and music producer, Corrie Visagie, took part in the event.
“It was an honour to be part of this event and to give back something to Sally for everything she has done for country music in South Africa. Although Sally can’t sing anymore, this mamma of country music has made the people of the South proud with her contribution towards country music and music in general in South Africa for over 60 years” said Corrie Visagie.
