The Hilltoppers were an American popular music singing group.
Formed in the early 1950's by Jimmy Sacca, Donald McGuire and Seymour Spiegelman, three students at Western State College (later Western Kentucky University) in Bowling Green, KY., joined later by pianist and songwriter Billy Vaughn. The group's name comes from the school's athletic teams' nickname, which comes from the fact that the university is situated on a big hill. Their biggest hit was "Only You (And You Alone)" in 1955.
Originally the group was a trio formed at Western Kentucky State College (now Western Kentucky University), Bowling Green, Kentucky. The original members were three students; Jimmy Sacca (born July 26, 1929, Lockport, New York, died March 7, 2015, in Lexington, Kentucky); Donald McGuire (born October 7, 1931, Hazard, Kentucky, died September 7, 2018, in Lexington, Kentucky); and Seymour Spiegelman (October 1, 1930 – February 13, 1987). Spiegelman was born in Seneca Falls, New York. They took their name from the nickname of the Western Kentucky athletic teams.
They later added a pianist, Billy Vaughn (April 12, 1919 – September 26, 1991). Vaughn was born in Glasgow, Kentucky. Vaughn was eventually to become famous in his own right as an orchestra leader.
In 1952 they recorded a song, "Trying", written by Vaughn. A local disc jockey sent a copy to Randy Wood at Dot, and he agreed to distribute the record. It became a Top 10 hit single. They went on to record a number of additional hits until their break-up. Their 1953 release, "P.S. I Love You," sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.
Spiegelman died in New York City. Vaughn died in Palomar, California. McGuire died in Lexington, Kentucky.