Music Producer. He gained first notice in early 1950s promoting music by his wife, Margie Singleton. Joined Mercury Records in 1957 and helped promote such hits as "Sea of Love" (Phil Phillips), "Chantilly Lace" (Big Bopper), "Running Bear" (Johnny Preston). In the early 1960s demonstrated keen ear, signing Faron Young, Dave Dudley, Ray Stevens and others. In one day he produced three No. 1 records: "Walk On By" by Leroy Van Dyke, "Ahab The Arab" by Ray Stevens and "Wooden Heart" by Joe Dowell. With Mercury in New York he worked with Quincy Jones, Brook Benton, Dinah Washington, Clyde McPhatter, Sara Vaughn, Sil Austin and Patti Page. After leaving Mercury in 1966, he ventured on his own and produced such hits as "Shout Bama Lama" (Mickey Murray) and "Pickin' Wild Mountain Berries" (Peggy Scott) and crossover megahit "Harper Valley PTA" by Jeannie C. Riley. Purchased Sun Records in 1969 and began ongoing reissues of classics by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich and Roy Orbison.
Music Producer. He gained first notice in early 1950s promoting music by his wife, Margie Singleton. Joined Mercury Records in 1957 and helped promote such hits as "Sea of Love" (Phil Phillips), "Chantilly Lace" (Big Bopper), "Running Bear" (Johnny Preston). In the early 1960s demonstrated keen ear, signing Faron Young, Dave Dudley, Ray Stevens and others. In one day he produced three No. 1 records: "Walk On By" by Leroy Van Dyke, "Ahab The Arab" by Ray Stevens and "Wooden Heart" by Joe Dowell. With Mercury in New York he worked with Quincy Jones, Brook Benton, Dinah Washington, Clyde McPhatter, Sara Vaughn, Sil Austin and Patti Page. After leaving Mercury in 1966, he ventured on his own and produced such hits as "Shout Bama Lama" (Mickey Murray) and "Pickin' Wild Mountain Berries" (Peggy Scott) and crossover megahit "Harper Valley PTA" by Jeannie C. Riley. Purchased Sun Records in 1969 and began ongoing reissues of classics by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich and Roy Orbison.
Bio by: John Andrew Prime
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