March 18, 2011
Ferlin Husky "Gone"
Ferlin Eugene Husky passed away on March 17, 2011 from cardiac problems in the Critical Care unit of a Nashville-area hospital where he had been under intensive care for several days. He was an singer who became well-known as a chart-topper under various names, including Terry Preston and Simon Crum. In the 1950s and 60s, Husky had several hits, including "Gone" and "Wings of a Dove", each reaching number one on the country charts. In 2010, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Ferlin Husky was born in Flat River, Missouri on December 3rd 1925. As s a Merchant Marine, he entertained the troops on his ship in World War II. His official website states that his ship participated in the D-Day invasion of Cherbourg. After the war, Husky became a DJ in Missouri and Bakersfield, California, where he began using the moniker Terry Preston to hide his rural roots. As a honky tonk singer, Husky signed with Capitol Records in 1953 under the guidance of Cliffie Stone, also the manager for Tennessee Ernie Ford. With Capitol Records, he reverted to his given name. A few singles failed before "A Dear John Letter" with Jean Shepard became a No. 1 hit. The follow up was called "Forgive Me John".
In 1955, Husky had a solo hit with "I Feel Better All Over (More Than Anywheres Else)"/"Little Tom", and developed "Simon Crum" as a comic alter ego. As Crum, Husky signed a separate contract with Capitol Records and began releasing records, the biggest of which was 1959's "Country Music Is Here To Stay".
In the late 1950s, Husky had a long string of hits, including the No. 1 "Gone"; in 1957 . He had earlier recorded the song as Terry Preston in 1952, but the earlier version lacked the strings and backup singers of the newly-emerging Nashville sound. "Gone" was a crossover success, also reaching No. 4 on the pop music chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. He then began an acting career, appearing on the Kraft Television Theatre program, and in the film Mr. Rock & Roll . His website states he has had bit parts in 18 films. Bob Ferguson's "Wings of a Dove" became his biggest hit in 1960, topping the country charts for ten weeks and attaining No. 12 on the pop chart. Husky was also known for his ability to mimic other popular country singers.
He briefly retired in 1977 following heart surgery but resumed touring. He remained a popular concert draw, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere. Husky has suffered from heart problems for many years and was hospitalized several times since the late 1970s. , most recently for heart surgery in 2005 and blood clots in his legs in 2007. He was admitted to
On January 16, 2011, Husky was honored at West St. Francois County High School in Leadwood, MO where local singers and the high school choir sang some of his hits. Husky also donated several items of memorabilia, including his country music hall of fame award, to the city of Leadwood. They will be permanently stored at the High School.The street that runs through the city park in Leadwood, Missouri is named for him
Ferlin Husky was born in Flat River, Missouri on December 3rd 1925. As s a Merchant Marine, he entertained the troops on his ship in World War II. His official website states that his ship participated in the D-Day invasion of Cherbourg. After the war, Husky became a DJ in Missouri and Bakersfield, California, where he began using the moniker Terry Preston to hide his rural roots. As a honky tonk singer, Husky signed with Capitol Records in 1953 under the guidance of Cliffie Stone, also the manager for Tennessee Ernie Ford. With Capitol Records, he reverted to his given name. A few singles failed before "A Dear John Letter" with Jean Shepard became a No. 1 hit. The follow up was called "Forgive Me John".
In 1955, Husky had a solo hit with "I Feel Better All Over (More Than Anywheres Else)"/"Little Tom", and developed "Simon Crum" as a comic alter ego. As Crum, Husky signed a separate contract with Capitol Records and began releasing records, the biggest of which was 1959's "Country Music Is Here To Stay".
In the late 1950s, Husky had a long string of hits, including the No. 1 "Gone"; in 1957 . He had earlier recorded the song as Terry Preston in 1952, but the earlier version lacked the strings and backup singers of the newly-emerging Nashville sound. "Gone" was a crossover success, also reaching No. 4 on the pop music chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. He then began an acting career, appearing on the Kraft Television Theatre program, and in the film Mr. Rock & Roll . His website states he has had bit parts in 18 films. Bob Ferguson's "Wings of a Dove" became his biggest hit in 1960, topping the country charts for ten weeks and attaining No. 12 on the pop chart. Husky was also known for his ability to mimic other popular country singers.
He briefly retired in 1977 following heart surgery but resumed touring. He remained a popular concert draw, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere. Husky has suffered from heart problems for many years and was hospitalized several times since the late 1970s. , most recently for heart surgery in 2005 and blood clots in his legs in 2007. He was admitted to
On January 16, 2011, Husky was honored at West St. Francois County High School in Leadwood, MO where local singers and the high school choir sang some of his hits. Husky also donated several items of memorabilia, including his country music hall of fame award, to the city of Leadwood. They will be permanently stored at the High School.The street that runs through the city park in Leadwood, Missouri is named for him
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