As I am sure many of you already know, former Grand Ole Opry member Carl Smith passed away Saturday at the age of 82. He was the former husband of June Carter and after that he was married to country music singer Goldie Hill for a number of years. He was also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
During the 1950's, he had more than 30 top 10 records. He also was a host on many of taped Opry shows that have been circulating through the years. During the 1970's, he basically retired from the business, becoming a horse breeder and gentleman farmer.
After he retired, although he continued his relationship with the country music community, he disappeared from the public eye and many feel this was one of the reasons he had to wait so long to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He certainly deserved to be elected many years prior to when he was.
Just a tremendous singer, and a good friend of mine tells me he apparently was once asked to BE the "Marlboro Man" because he was so rugged and handsome. He quit the Opry mainly because Jim Denny was forced out and he was in business with Denny and Webb Pierce, but he did guest appearances over the years.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your theory about him waiting so long to go into the Hall of Fame. I think the same thing happened with Sonny James, whom everybody in Nashville adores but who got out of the business pretty early.
There was a great article by Peter Cooper in the Tennessean today that highlighted Carl Smith's career. Recommended reading for all.
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