Musician. He was an American singer and guitarist of the 1950s who was referred to as the "Country Crooner." Although he sang country music, his style was more to Bing Crosby or Perry Como than any country singer. In 1948, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and recorded the song "Candy Kisses," which was a number one hit for three weeks on the Country Music Billboard charts in 1949. His other Country Music Billboard hits included "Almost," which reached #2; "I'm in Love Again," which reached #3; and "Room Full of Roses," "You're the Only Good Thing," and "Please Don't Let Me Love You," which all reached #4. Reaching #25 on the Top 100 Hits, "Room Full of Roses" crossed over from the country to the popular music audience. He hosted his own radio program, "WWVA Jamboree," in Wheeling, West Virginia, during the 1940s. He was the last person to sing on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium before the Grand Ole Opry moved to its new location in 1974 and the first in the new location. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the father of country music artist Lorrie Morgan. He died from the complications of having heart surgery. His original burial site was Hermitage Memorial Cemetery, and he was moved to Spring Hill Cemetery in 2000.
Musician. He was an American singer and guitarist of the 1950s who was referred to as the "Country Crooner." Although he sang country music, his style was more to Bing Crosby or Perry Como than any country singer. In 1948, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and recorded the song "Candy Kisses," which was a number one hit for three weeks on the Country Music Billboard charts in 1949. His other Country Music Billboard hits included "Almost," which reached #2; "I'm in Love Again," which reached #3; and "Room Full of Roses," "You're the Only Good Thing," and "Please Don't Let Me Love You," which all reached #4. Reaching #25 on the Top 100 Hits, "Room Full of Roses" crossed over from the country to the popular music audience. He hosted his own radio program, "WWVA Jamboree," in Wheeling, West Virginia, during the 1940s. He was the last person to sing on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium before the Grand Ole Opry moved to its new location in 1974 and the first in the new location. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the father of country music artist Lorrie Morgan. He died from the complications of having heart surgery. His original burial site was Hermitage Memorial Cemetery, and he was moved to Spring Hill Cemetery in 2000.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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