(Lois), African-American JAZZ and popular singer and pianist; b. Newark, N.J., March 27, 1924; d. Los Angeles, April 3, 1990. Vaughan began to study music as a child. After winning an amateur singing contest at Harlem's Apollo Theater in N.Y. in 1942, she joined the Earl Hines band in the dual role of singer and pianist. She then played and sang with the bands of Billy Eckstine in 1944-4 5 and John Kirby in 1945-46 .

In 1947 Vaughan married jazz trumpeter George Treadwell. He encouraged her to pursue a solo career as a jazz and pop singer. He successfully arranged for her to sing on radio, television, and on tours throughout the world. In the '50s, Vaughan focused on a jazz repertoire, but by the '60s she was recording more pop material. She returned to jazz in the '70s and '80s, making many appearances at jazz festivals.

In 1980 Vaughan appeared at both CARNEGIE HALL and the Apollo Theater, where her career began; both appearances drew great acclaim. She continued to record and perform until late in the decade, when illness forced her to retire. She died in 1990.