Songwriter. He co-wrote the song "Operator" (with Wynona Carr) which was made famous by the Manhattan Transfer. The 1950s hit song and its memorable refrain "Operator, information, give me Jesus on the line" remains very popular in karaoke bars and churches all over the country. Another notable song penned by Mr. Spivery was "Mr. John" (1964), a tribute to President John F. Kennedy. It became a regional hit on the billboard charts. He also wrote "Non-Violent Man" (1968) in memory of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. He hosted several radio programs in the Cleveland area. Spivery later worked as an upholsterer who repaired automobile seats.
Songwriter. He co-wrote the song "Operator" (with Wynona Carr) which was made famous by the Manhattan Transfer. The 1950s hit song and its memorable refrain "Operator, information, give me Jesus on the line" remains very popular in karaoke bars and churches all over the country. Another notable song penned by Mr. Spivery was "Mr. John" (1964), a tribute to President John F. Kennedy. It became a regional hit on the billboard charts. He also wrote "Non-Violent Man" (1968) in memory of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. He hosted several radio programs in the Cleveland area. Spivery later worked as an upholsterer who repaired automobile seats.
Bio by: Steve Corley
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See more Spivery memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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