Vaughan, Clifford, 1893-1987

Clifford Vaughan was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey in 1893. He started studying piano at the age of seven and made his debut at the age of 12, playing with the Philadelphia Orchestra. At the age of 15, he began advanced study at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. In 1925 Vaughan accepted Ruth St. Denis' offer to accompany the Denishawn Dancers as Musical Director on their tour of the Orient, Canada and the United States. After the trip, he returned to New York and was commissioned by Doris Humphrey to write the score for her ballet "Color Harmony." He also worked at the Criterion and Capitol Theaters at NBC. During the Great Depression, he moved to Hollywood and free-lanced as a composer and orchestrator at the major studios. In 1943, Vaughan turned his attention back to the Oregon and composed over two hundred works for that instrument. He served as the organist for seventeen years at Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church. He died in 1987 at the age of 94.

From the description of Papers of Clifford Vaughan, 1909-2003 (bulk 1925-1926). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 761719634

Commissioned by Ruth St. Denis and the Denishawn Dancers, 1928. Composed 1928. First performance in India, ca. 1928, by the Denishawn Dancers, Clifford Vaughan conductor, Ruth St. Denis, choreographer and dance soloist. See callno.: FC 7183 for score and parts for White Jade.--Cf. Fleisher Collection.

From the description of [Oriental translations for Denishawn : a suite of dance music] / Clifford Vaughan. c1998. (Franklin & Marshall College). WorldCat record id: 67834552

American composer, conductor and orchestrator (1893-1987). Wrote film scores for RKO, Paramount, MGM, Warner Bros. and Disney, orchestrated film scores for Franz Waxman, and composed for the concert hall.

From the description of Clifford Vaughan Music Collection, approximately 1915-1983. (The Juilliard School). WorldCat record id: 317294021