For other individuals named Don Cherry, see
Don Cherry.
Donald Ross Cherry (born January 11, 1924) is an American singer of traditional pop music, best known for his 1955 hit, "Band of Gold"; and a former amateur and professional golfer.
Biography
Cherry was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. He started as a big band singer in the orchestras of Jan Garber, Victor Young and Tommy Dorsey. In 1951 he recorded his first solo hits, "Thinking of You" and "Belle, Belle, My Liberty Belle", the latter of which had a better-selling version by Guy Mitchell. In 1955 came his biggest hit, "Band of Gold," which reached number five on the charts. He had three more hits in 1956 ("Wild Cherry," "Ghost Town" and "Namely You"), all backed by orchestra leader Ray Conniff. He was also the voice of the Mr. Clean commercials during the late 1950s and early 60s.
Throughout his singing career, Cherry was also a top ranked amateur golfer, and was in contention to win the 1960 U.S. Open before eventually finishing in the top five, behind winner Arnold Palmer. He played on three Walker Cup teams: 1953, 1955, and 1961. He also won the Sunnehanna Amateur in 1954.
In 1962, Cherry decided to turn professional. Pro was his nickname among fellow entertainers and his skill on the golf course was matched only by his volcanic temper which, he said, "...made Tommy Bolt look like a choir boy!".[citation needed]
Cherry published his biography, Cherry's Jubilee, with co-writer Neil Daniels (founder: Dean Martin Fan Center). He is a good friend of Willie Nelson and has collaborated on three albums with him, Augusta (1995), The Eyes of Texas (2002), and It's Magic (2007).
In 1956 he married Sharon Kay Ritchie. They had two sons, Sean and Stephen (1959-2001), who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack at the World Trade Center. In 1966 he married Joy Vera Blaine. They had one child, Jennifer Joy, b. 1970. About 1987 he married Rebecca Louise Koontz. In 1993, he married Francine Bond Smith. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Singles
References
- Cherry's Jubilee by Don Cherry with Neil Daniels. Triumph Books 2006 ISBN-1-5723-834-7
External links
