It's possible most people know his songs through others: Elvis & "American Trilogy", and Jerry Lee Lewis "She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye", Kenny Rogers & the First Edition "I Just Dropped In (to See What Condition My Condition Was In)".

I bought "Looks Like Rain" back in the 70's, because I'd heard "San Francisco Mabel Joy" on some radio station, and was curious about what else he'd written. I really liked that album, but even folks who liked country music didn't know who he was. Folks in Texas knew him, though. I think that until somebody gets to mega-star status, music is still somewhat local.

I don't know why he wasn't better known. He sure had an amazing voice to go with the song-writing genius.