Porter Wagoner (August 12, 1927 - October 28, 2007)
Country music has suffered an detrimental loss on October 28, 2007, at 8:25PM (Central), when Porter Wagoner passed away at the age of 80 with lung cancer. Survived by his three children Richard, Debra, and Denise, his story will continue on.
The legacy of one man can never be summed up into a couple paragraphs, but a man of his magnitude would take a book. Touching lives on every staged he performed, he always made sure fans enjoyed the show. Leaving behind a music catalog that can simply be described as astonishing, Porter also left behind some great stories. Anyone that knew him, knew the passion he shared for music and that will never be forgotten.
In June this year, he celebrated his fiftieth anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry where he remained a member until his death. When seeing him perform live, it was easy to tell he was right where he belonged. Known for his Nudie suits and rhinestones, Porter made country music popular, and with his latest release Wagonmaster, he even brought in newer fans young and old alike.
Although he has been frail for some time, going to the Opry seemed to be what kept him going. Regardless of where you saw or met him, you knew you were standing in the presence of a legend.
Growing up in West Plains, Missouri, Porter always knew he wanted to be a country star. After moving to Nashville he became a member of the Opry on February 23, 1957. Porter is also known for introducing the world to Dolly Parton on his own Porter Wagoner Show.
He continued to tour some all the way up until his passing including a live performance before a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden back in June 2007, when he opened for the rock group The White Stripes. During that same week, he was the musical guest for the David Letterman Show.
Porter Wagoner has become such a huge part of Country music that people just assumed he would always be there. I first saw Porter on the Opry ten years ago this past June. At fourteen years old, I watched as he walked out on stage and blew the audience away. That night, with the help of Porter, cold chills ran up my spine watching this man entertain. He held the fans in one hand, while holding the microphone in the other. The last song he performed that night was the classic "Y'all Come." After the show I searched for that record everywhere. Looking back, it is hard to comprehend the countless times I have watched him perform, but I will always hold them in my heart. Looking up to him like he was my "Elvis" has been a true gift that surely millions of fans have experienced and it is breath taking. Now, there is nothing left but the music and the memories.
Speaking for everyone there is one thing that needs to be said. Thank you Porter for the memories. You are truly going to be missed
Hit Songs
- Be A Little Quieter
- Who Knows Right From Wrong
- Albert Erving
- Eleven Cent Cotton
- Committed To Parkview
- The Rubber Room
- First Mrs. Jones
- The Cold Hard Facts Of Life
- The Caroll County Accident
- Wino
- The Party (with Dolly Parton)
- Company's Comin'
- A Satisfied Mind
- A Good Time Was Had By All
- Misery Loves Company
- Y'all Come
- Every Thing She Touches Gets The Blues
- Green, Green Grass Of Home
- Confessions Of A Broken Man
- The Life Of The Party
- Skid Row Joe
- Big Wind
- Sorrow On The Rocks
- Eat, Drink, And Be Merry (Tomorrow You'll Cry)
- What Would You Do? (If Jesus Came To Your House)
- Settin' The Woods On Fire
- Lovin' Letters
- Bringing Home The Bacon
- Itchin' For My Baby
- Legend Of The Big Steeple
