Tommy Edwards (Born 17th February, 1922)

[john poole]

Thomas Edwards - born 17th February, 1922 (Richmond, Virginia) [died 22nd October, 1969] - the first African-American to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (and also the UK singles chart) - one of the biggest hits of 1958 - 'All in the Game'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtizr2G_7Bk

He had previously recorded the song in 1951 when Carl Sigman added lyrics to a 1912 composition ('Melody in 'A' Major') by Charles G. Dawes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0LGJMcfgZQ
Dawes later became US vice-president (to Calvin Coolidge) during 1925-8 - his wikipedia entry suggests that he brought the reputation of the vice-presidency to its nadir for the 20th century, but he did have his name on the credits of a #1 record.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Edwards