Country Western Singer. Famed for such hits as "I'm a Ramblin' Man" and "Good Hearted Woman", he recorded over 60 albums, and had sixteen Number 1 country singles. Born in Littlefield, Texas, he started his music career at age 12. By 1959 he was playing bass in the backup band for singer Buddy Holly. In early February 1959 he gave up his seat to singer J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on the plane that carried Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Richardson to their deaths, taking a bus instead. In the 1970s, he teamed up with country singer Willie Nelson on the songs "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Luckenbach," and "Good Hearted Woman." Many of his early songs had a restless spirit that was used later by Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, and others. His resonant voice was used to narrate the television show "The Dukes of Hazzard," and he sang the show's theme song. He traditionally wore a black cowboy hat and black attire, which accented his dark beard and mustache. In his later years, he wore short hair and a trimmed goatee. He won two Grammy Awards and four Country Music Association Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001. In his later years, his health caused him problems, and doctors wanted to amputate his left foot due to problems with his diabetes; however, he refused to allow it, and this led ultimately to his death.
Country Western Singer. Famed for such hits as "I'm a Ramblin' Man" and "Good Hearted Woman", he recorded over 60 albums, and had sixteen Number 1 country singles. Born in Littlefield, Texas, he started his music career at age 12. By 1959 he was playing bass in the backup band for singer Buddy Holly. In early February 1959 he gave up his seat to singer J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on the plane that carried Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Richardson to their deaths, taking a bus instead. In the 1970s, he teamed up with country singer Willie Nelson on the songs "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Luckenbach," and "Good Hearted Woman." Many of his early songs had a restless spirit that was used later by Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, and others. His resonant voice was used to narrate the television show "The Dukes of Hazzard," and he sang the show's theme song. He traditionally wore a black cowboy hat and black attire, which accented his dark beard and mustache. In his later years, he wore short hair and a trimmed goatee. He won two Grammy Awards and four Country Music Association Awards, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October 2001. In his later years, his health caused him problems, and doctors wanted to amputate his left foot due to problems with his diabetes; however, he refused to allow it, and this led ultimately to his death.
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
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