- Known as the "International Ambassador of Country Music", he performed at the first international country music festivals in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany. He was the first American country singer to appear in Russia and Czechoslovakia. He toured in New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Holy Land.
- Singer/guitarist/songwriter. Had 40 songs on Billboard's country music charts in 1960s and '70s.
- His country hits include "Before This Day Ends" in 1960, "Three Steps to the Phone" and "If You Don't Know, I Ain't Gonna Tell You". In 1963, he scored his first No. 1 country hit, "Abilene".
- He had been an Grand Ole Opry member since 1960.
- He transferred to American University in Washington, D.C. from the University of North Carolina in 1956. While in college, he made regular appearances on Jimmy Dean's local TV show. His career took off when he had a million-selling pop hit with "A Rose and a Baby Ruth." Tours with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, and the The Everly Brothers followed.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content