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02 Jan 07 - 05:11 PM (#1925082) Subject: Obit: Grand Old Opry star Del Reeves RIP From: Mary Katherine Grand Ole Opry star Del Reeves, known for propulsive, edgy country hits such as "The Girl on the Billboard," "Looking at the World Through A Windshield" and "A Dime at a Time," died Jan. 1 in his Centerville home after lengthy battles with emphysema and other ailments. He was 73. Mr. Reeves joined the Opry in 1966, known then as "The Doodle-Oo-Doo-Doo Kid" because of the country scat he sang over the guitar introduction to "Girl on the Billboard," his 1965 No. 1 country single. His Opry appearances were notable not only for the songs he'd sing but also for his spot-on impressions of other country singers such as Johnny Cash. "I first became aware of Del when he had a syndicated television show that I picked up in South and North Carolina as a kid," said signer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale, who would later go on to duet with Mr. Reeves on a song called "Diesel, Diesel, Diesel." "I was so impressed by his voice, but also impressed by the way he entertained. He was a real showman." Mr. Reeves was also an accomplished songwriter, penning songs recorded by Little Jimmy Dickens, Wanda Jackson and others. Mr. Reeves also was an early factor in bringing Billy Ray Cyrus to attention in Nashville. Most of all, though, he'll be remembered for music that fused Nashville craft with Bakersfield edge. "You would expect a harder-edged human being - more of a tough, gruff person - after listening to his songs," Lauderdale said. "But he was a gentle man." |
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02 Jan 07 - 07:06 PM (#1925190) Subject: RE: Obit: Grand Old Opry star Del Reeves RIP From: Jeremiah McCaw Jeez, and I just finished watching Del (among many others) on some DVDs called "Grand Ole Opry Family Reunion", recorded about 1998. An amazing roster of Nashville stars & personalities sitting around talking and playing. Kind of a living history lesson. Another one gone . . . |
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02 Jan 07 - 09:48 PM (#1925295) Subject: RE: Obit: Grand Old Opry star Del Reeves RIP From: tarheel Del,from Sparta ,N.C.,started out on the WPAQ Merry-go-round radio show in Mt.Airy,N.C.,when he was a teenager... back then the radio show was presented live in studio A, where such notables as charlie monroe,mac wisemen to name a few, also performed in their early careers... |