Biography

The act behind the sentimental, evergreen holiday favorite "All I Want for Christmas Is You," Vince Vance & the Valiants kicked off their career on the other side of the spectrum, climbing the charts in the early '80s with the novelty number, and Iran hostage crisis answer song, "Bomb Iran." Formed in 1971 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the large group (six, seven, or more members with a full horn section and trio of background singers) was known for its theatrical, and comical, stage show. Touring and word of mouth kept them afloat until 1980 when their single "Bomb Iran," a parody of "Barbara Ann," appeared during the Iran hostage crisis and became a popular call-in request on American Top 40 stations. In 1993 the group released its more serious and sentimental "All I Want for Christmas Is You," a single that reentered the Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart during the holiday season for many years after, reaching a peak position of 23 in 2002. In 2003 Vince Vance & the Valiants honored America's Armed Forces with the concept album We Don't Run, while 2006 saw them bring it all home with the proud single "I Am New Orleans," off their album I Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi