Army News, news from Iraq, - Army Times

Quick Links

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/08/ap_obit_ralphyoung_082608/
news/2008/08/ap_obit_ralphyoung_082608

WWII vet, big band legend Young dies at 90


The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Sep 2, 2008 12:55:32 EDT

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Ralph Young, half of the Sandler and Young singing duo and a legend of the big band era, has died. He was 90.

Young died Friday at his home in Palm Springs after a brief illness, said his wife, Arlene Young.

Young was born in the Bronx in 1918, sang with Les Brown’s Band of Reknown and formed his own band when he served stateside in the Army during World War II.

The European charm of the Belgian-born Tony Sandler complemented Young’s down-to-earth Bronx humor. Their baritone voices blended well, with Sandler singing songs in their original language while Young sang along with an English translation. Their first album sold more than a million copies.

The pair recorded 22 albums, appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show,” and headlined concerts at legendary nightclubs in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City and Europe.

“We did every possible TV show; we did it all,” Sandler told the Los Angeles Times. “Ralph was very humorous; he was a very funny cat.”

Young moved to the California desert in 1983 and continued to sing with the “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” He also guest-starred and participated in charity concerts in California.

He is survived by his wife, six children and eight granddaughters.

Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Your Vote Counts!
The nomination period for the 2009 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award is closed? Return here the week of July 9th for the announcement of winners.

Win a Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike


promo Enter To Win...
Win the Grand Prize: Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike. Originally crafted for the U.S. Special Forces. FIRST PRIZE: Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool. 50 Winners!

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


BDU Belts BDU Belts
MIL-SPEC, Black aircraft aluminum buckle and Type-13 nylon webbing. Fits BDU-style uniform belt.

Price: $8.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.