Internationally renowned singer Sarah Vaughan committed to performing at two concerts in aid of Trinidad’s Olympic Foundation. Vaughan's performances, part of her Latin American tour, aimed at raising funds to support Trinidad’s athletes competing in the Melbourne Olympics.

Published Tuesday, July 17, 1956

Sarah Vaughn here on way to Trinidad

Sarah Vaughan, internationally famous American singer, flew in yesterday by Pan American Clipper from Miami on her way to Trinidad to open a Latin American tour. She leaves Jamaica today and will return on Saturday for two concerts at the Tropical Theatre on Saturday night.

Accompanying the 28-year-old American artist were Jimmie Jones, pianist, Jo Benjamin, bass, Roy Haynes, drummer, Mr. John Garry, who is her road manager, Modina Davis, her maid. Mr. Irving Siders, vice president of the Gale Agency in New York, which handles bookings, etc, and Mr. Stanley Lazar of New York, a friend of Mr. Siders.

Arriving at Palisadoes Airport at 1:25 pm, the Clipper was delayed nearly three hours in Miami. Miss Vaughan’s ensemble was welcomed by a committee headed by Mr. Stephen Hill, local impresario, and his wife; and which included Messrs Abe Issa, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board. Garland Routl, director of the US Information Service at the US Consulate General in Kingston, Fredie Marlin of Marlins Tours, Harold Brodhurst, chairman of the Tropical Cinema Company, operators of the Tropical Theatre where Miss Vaughan will give her concerts in Kingston. Hartley Neita, Sonny Bradshaw, local bandleader, Jimmy Tucker, Jamaican singer, Sydney Scarlett of the KSAC, representing His Worship the Mayor Councillor Balfour Barnswell. Ken Khouri, local distributor of Mercury Records, and Mrs. Khouri.

In the airport terminal building, the famous singer was presented with bouquets by Mrs. Hill and Jimmy Tucker.

Sipping a Jamaican rum punch, Miss Vaughan posed for pictures and chatted with members of the welcome committee.

Her husband – Mr. George Treadwell – who is also her manager and agent, was unable to make her trip here yesterday. He is now in Cuba.

Before coming to Jamaica, Miss Vaughn appeared at the swank Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, Florida.

She will give four concerts in Trinidad in aid of Trinidad’s Olympic Foundation to send a team to compete in the games which takes place in Melbourne, Australia, in November. She opens the tour in Trinidad tomorrow night at the Globe Theater, Port of Spain. Shortly after her arrival here, she and her party motored to the Myrtle Bank Hotel where they had lunch as guests of Mr. Abe Issa, chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Later the group called on His Worship the Mayor Councillor Balfour Barnswell at the Mayor’s Parlour. They leave from Montego Bay Airport today for Port of Spain.

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