Archive for Grand Ole Opry

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Webb Pierce

Posted in Woodlawn Memorial Park (TN) with tags , , on February 25, 2014 by Cade

pierce3August 8, 1921 – February 24, 1991

Webb Michael Pierce was a flashy honky tonk singer and guitar player who was one of the most recognizable talents on the 1950’s. Pierce topped the country charts with hits like “In The Jailhouse Now” and “Wondering” and was a member of the fabled Grand Ole Opry. His was a persona and a life of excess. His custom-made suits, silver-dollar-lined cars and piano-shaped swimming pools were indicative of his personal tastes. Even though he had a reputation as a hard drinker, Pierce continued to work in the industry, recording duets with the likes of Willie Nelson and his daughter, Debbie, though his popularity was never as high as it was early in career.  Webb Pierce died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 69. Continue reading →

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Johnny Cash

Posted in Hendersonville Memory Gardens with tags , , , , on February 21, 2014 by Cade

cash2February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003

Four words that changed American music forever:

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

John Cash defied genre. Sure, he is most remembered as a rebel country artist who’s trademark black clothes earned him the nickname “The Man In Black.” But, throughout his iconic career, he crossed over into many other genres including rock, gospel, folk and blues, netting millions of diverse fans along the way. He is one of only two artists (that I know of) who are inductees in the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Gospel Halls of Fame (the other being some kid named Elvis.)  Johnny’s life ran the gambit of highs and lows. He struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, infidelity and depression. On the flip side, he found a kindred in second wife, June Carter, re-embraced the Christian faith of his youth and enjoyed late career resurgences with both The Highwaymen – a supergroup of sorts with fellow “outlaws” Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson – and his final recording sessions with famed rock producer Rick Rubin. Continue reading →

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June Carter Cash

Posted in Hendersonville Memory Gardens with tags , , , on February 21, 2014 by Cade

cartercash1June 23, 1929 – May 15, 2003

Valerie June Carter was destined to be a musician. Born in 1929 into a talented family of musicians, June quickly joined her parents, uncle, aunt, cousins and siblings onstage and a prosperous career was started. June was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, dancer and songwriter who toured the country with her family, often playing the onstage role of the comedic sister. She also trained as an actor under legendary acting coach, Lee Strasberg. As popular and famous as the Carter Family was in the country and Opry circles, it was her relationship to third husband, Johnny Cash, that skyrocketed June into the public eye. Continue reading →

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Tammy Wynette

Posted in Woodlawn Memorial Park (TN) with tags , , , on February 19, 2014 by Cade

wynette2May 5, 1942 – April 6, 1998

Virginia “Tammy” Wynette Pugh was one of the most popular female country artists of all time. Her impact on women in the genre and her hits like the iconic “Stand By Your Man” earned her the nickname “The First Lady of Country Music.” While working as a hairdresser, Wynette signed to Epic records at the age of 24 and began churning out hit after hit. She married fellow country singer George Jones after Jones professed his love for her following an altercation between him and her second husband. The power couple would record a number of hits together, even after the marriage ended. Continue reading →

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George Jones

Posted in Woodlawn Memorial Park (TN) with tags , , , on February 18, 2014 by Cade

jones1September 12, 1931 – April 26, 2013

Up until April of 2013, George Glenn Jones, nicknamed “The Possum,” was considered by many to be the greatest living country singer. Dying has a way of altering that claim, but the legend of The Possum continues. With more than 150 hits spanning his half-century-plus career, Jones’ influence and impact on country music can’t be overstated. He shot to super-stardom  in the early 1960’s with hits like “White Lightnin'” and “She Thinks I Still Care” and enjoyed success for the rest of the decade. Continue reading →

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