Singer and songwriter, member of the Grand Ole Opry. He pitched in the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm system but a shoulder injury ended his baseball career, so he turned to singing and songwriting. Howard performed on the Louisiana Hayride and Big D Jamboree, and became a sought after songwriter. During his career he penned more than 200 songs, among the best known are "Whispering Pines," "Slew Foot," and "Honky Tonk Man." These three, plus several others, were recorded and made famous by country artist Johnny Horton. In 1986 Dwight Yoakam recorded "Honky Tonk Man" and it became a number one hit. Four of his songs went gold, two platinum, and one double-platinum. In 1957 he signed with Dot Records and changed his name to Crockett. He also recorded with Mercury Records. His "The Last Will and Testament of a Drinking Man" was a hit in 1973. Howard retired from singing in 1981; however, he continued to write songs up until his death. Howard Crockett died of lung cancer at his home. He was survived by three sons and three daughters, as well as four grandchildren. In 1999 he was inducted into the LSSCMA of Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Singer and songwriter, member of the Grand Ole Opry. He pitched in the Brooklyn Dodgers' farm system but a shoulder injury ended his baseball career, so he turned to singing and songwriting. Howard performed on the Louisiana Hayride and Big D Jamboree, and became a sought after songwriter. During his career he penned more than 200 songs, among the best known are "Whispering Pines," "Slew Foot," and "Honky Tonk Man." These three, plus several others, were recorded and made famous by country artist Johnny Horton. In 1986 Dwight Yoakam recorded "Honky Tonk Man" and it became a number one hit. Four of his songs went gold, two platinum, and one double-platinum. In 1957 he signed with Dot Records and changed his name to Crockett. He also recorded with Mercury Records. His "The Last Will and Testament of a Drinking Man" was a hit in 1973. Howard retired from singing in 1981; however, he continued to write songs up until his death. Howard Crockett died of lung cancer at his home. He was survived by three sons and three daughters, as well as four grandchildren. In 1999 he was inducted into the LSSCMA of Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bio by: Clay Homister
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