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Vince Gill: A Silky Smooth Sound All His Own

December 23, 2014 By NashStar

For more than 30 years Vince Gill has been a popular part of country music and at the age of 57, he has built up a legendary reputation. He has recorded 19 solo studio albums, not counting his collaborations, and placed more than 40 singles on the charts. His name has been added to the Country Music Hall of fame and to date he has sold 26 million albums with the counter still running. The only real question is what will Gill achieve next?

Childhood and Development

Vincent Gill was born on April 12, 1957. He grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and unlike most kids who are steered away from following music as a career, Gill was eagerly supported by his father. As a spare-time musician Gill’s father had a great love for music and his encouragement aided Gill in mastering several instruments. These included the guitar and banjo. Before Gill reached Northwest Classen High School his music skills had evolved with profound precision. His first taste of performing came during his teenage years after he joined Bill Perry, Bobby Clark and Mike Perry in the band “Bluegrass Revue”. However, this wasn’t the only bluegrass band he played with. After graduating, Gill performed with quite a number of bands.

Collaborations and Albums

Gill’s first step onto the national country scene was in 1979 with the band “Pure Prairie League”. By the time he became part of the band it was struggling in terms of band members. Several of them had broken away and through auditions Gill impressed Mike Reilly with his versatile talents. They recorded the album entitled “Can’t Hold Back”. The vocals for their hit song “Let Me Love You Tonight” was handled by Gill. In 1980 he moved on to join Rodney Crowell’s backing band, “The Cherry Bombs”. Things really started to take off for Gill during this time. He even received an invitation from none other than Mark Knopfler to join his band, “Dire Straits”. He didn’t accept the invitation though, but he did provide backup vocals on their “On Every Street” album.

In 1983 Gill decided to break away from the band scene and moved to Nashville with his wife and daughter to focus on a solo career. He was signed with RCA Records at the time and his debut mini-album as a solo artist was called “Turn Me Loose”. On this mini-album was his first chart single entitled “Victim of Life’s Circumstances”. This was followed by a full album, “The Things That Matter”, in 1985. Two top ten hits came from this collection, one a duet with Rosanne Cash, “If It Weren’t For Him”, and a solo single, “Oklahoma Borderline”. Things were just heating up for this ambitious musician as he released his first top 5 single in 1987 entitled “Cinderella” off the album “The Way Back Home”. Apart from doing his own thing, Vince participated in various other projects such as making himself available as a studio musician and a songwriter.

Detailed Discography

Turn Me Loose – 1984
Gill’s debut album peaked at no. 64 on the US Country charts and all 3 singles released from it reached a top 40 position.
Victims of Life’s Circumstances – No. 40
Oh Carolina – No. 38
Turn Me Loose – No. 39

The Things That Matter – 1985
The following year Gill reached no. 63 on the US Country charts with this album. His popularity was gaining great moment as the 4 singles that came from it reached high chart positions.
True Love – No.32
If It Weren’t For Him – No. 10
Oklahoma Borderline – No. 9
With You – No. 33

The Way Back Home – 1987
Gill’s reputation was breaking borders as the album reached no. 13 on the charts. It also saw the release of his first top 5 single.
Cinderella – No. 5
Let’s Do Something – No.16
Everybody’s Sweetheart – No.11
The Radio – No.39

When I Call Your Name – 1989
The sales for Gill’s fourth album went through the roof, reaching platinum status twice. It was obvious that there was no stopping this country force from becoming a legend.
Never Alone – No.22
Oklahoma Swing – No.13
When I Call Your Name – No.2
Never Knew Lonely – No.3

Pocket Full Of Gold – 1991
This album release also received double platinum status in addition to reaching no.5 on the charts. The 4 singles that came from it all settled in top 10 positions.
Pocket Full Of Gold – No.7
Liza Jane – No.7
Look At Us – No.4
Take Your Memory With You – No.2

I Still Believe In You – 1992
After a string of hits Gill was getting used to breaking borders, and this album was no exception. It settled comfortably at no.3 on the charts and the sales turned platinum status no less than 5 times. To top it off 4 out of the 5 singles that came from the album reached no.1.
I Still Believe In You – No.1
Don’t Let Your Love Start Slippin’ Away – No.1
No Future In the Past – No. 3
One More Last Chance – No.1
Trying To Get Over You – No.1

When Love Finds You – 1994
Two years after the “I Still Believe In You” album’s success Gill struck gold again, or platinum for that matter. “When Love Finds You” went to no.2 on the US Country album charts and reached platinum status 4 times. From the album 6 singles were released, 5 of which made it to the top 10.
Whenever You Come Around – No.2
What The Cowgirls Do – No.2
When Love Finds You – No.3
Which Bridge To Cross – No.4
You Better Think Twice – No.2

High Lonesome Sound – 1996
This album went to no.3 on the charts and also went platinum in terms of sales. All 5 singles that came off it went into the top 20.
High Lonesome Sound – No.12
Worlds Apart – No.5
Pretty Little Adriana – No.2
A Little More Love – No.2
You And You Alone – No.8

The Key – 1998
Gill would reach his first no.1 album in 1998 with “The Key” and platinum status was a natural result.
If You Ever Have Forever In Mind – No.5
Kindly Keep It Country – No.33
Don’t Come Cryin’ To Me – No.27
My Kind Of Woman/My Kind Of Man (Duet with Patty Loveless) – No.27

Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – 2000
The Millennium received Gill with open arms as this album reached gold status regarding sales and a no.4 position on the charts.
Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – No.20
Feels Like Love – No.6
Shoot Straight From Your Heart – No.31

Next Best Thing – 2003
Early in 2003 Gill once again found a spot in the top 5 with this album. All 4 singles that came from the collection entered the charts.
Next Best Thing – No.17
Someday – No.31
Young Man’s Town – No.44
In These Last Few Days – No.51

These Days – 2006
In 2006 Gill was back to selling platinum status albums and this was his third consecutive 4th spot release on the charts.
The Reason Why – No.28
What You Give Away – No.43
How Lonely Looks

Guitar Slinger – 2011
Every album Gill touched turned to gold and this one stayed true to the legend. Nothing could keep him out of the top 10 including “Guitar Slinger” which settled at no.4
Threaten Me With Heaven – No.42

Bakersfield – 2013
Even though no official singles were released from “Bakersfield” it still reached no.4 on the charts while selling more than 50 000 copies in the US alone.

Compilation Albums

Throughout his career Gill has released 12 compilation albums. The 1992 collection of “I Never Knew Lonely” ranked at no.47 on the charts and reached gold status for sales. The album that performed the best in terms of sales and chart position was “Souvenirs”. It came out in 1995, went platinum 3 times and held the number 3 position on the charts. Another notable compilation album was “Love Songs”. It reached no.36 on the charts and was released in 2010. However, fans will agree that any compilation album that features Vince Gill is worth making part of the collection.

Christmas Albums

Let There Be Peace On Earth – 1993
This was Gill’s first holiday album. It went straight to no.3 and reached double platinum status.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – No.52
It Won’t Be The Same This Year – No.74

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection – 1998
Gill’s second holiday album was also a great success as it reached platinum status in addition to no.6 on the charts.
Blue Christmas – No.74

‘Tis The Season – 2000

Christmas Collection – 2006
No singles from this album reached the charts, but the album itself made it to no.68.

Music Videos

Looking at the music videos Gill has made, it’s hard to find a favorite, but five clearly stand out: “When I Call Your Name”, “Liza Jane”, “I Still Believe in You”, “Go Rest High on that Mountain”, and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”.

“When I Call Your Name” was co-written with Tim DuBois. It was released in May 1990 as the third single and title track from the album When I Call Your Name. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

In sepia tone, the video is a sad and melancholy telling of the loss love.

“Liza Jane” was co-written with Reed Nielsen. It was released in June 1991 as the second single from the album Pocket Full of Gold. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The video was a near disaster as it was planned for an outdoor night shoot at a drive in with fireworks, but rain forced everyone inside for most of the shoot as Gill explains in the opening, umbrella in hand.

“Go Rests High on that Mountain” was released in August 1995 as the sixth single from “When Love Finds You”. Gill began writing the song after the death of troubled country music star Keith Whitley, who died in 1989. However, he did not finish writing the song until several years later following the death of his eldest brother Bob, in 1993.

The song won the CMA’s Song of the Year award in 1996 and a BMI Most-Performed Song award in 1997. It also received three Grammy Awards and made it to #14 on the Country Singles chart in 1995.

The video here is of a live performance with Allison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, two of Gill’s favorite bluegrass crooners.

The “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” video was a lot like “Liza Jane” shot in a low-budget free style mode. Gill on a small stage playing to a crowd of enthusiastic fans. However, the stars came shinning through for Gill with the likes of Little Jimmy Dickens, Bruce Hornsby, Patty Loveless, Michael McDonald, Reba McEntire, Lee Roy Parnell, Carl Perkins, Leon Russell, Leland Sklar, Pam Tillis, Kevin Welch, Kelly Willis and Kentucky Headhunters drummer Fred Young. Randall Tex Cobb makes a quick appearance to cut a rug with Singer/Songwriter/Dancer Pam MacBeth.

Awards and Other Specialties

Even though he received an award for Top New Male Vocalist in 1984 by the Academy of Country Music, his award collection only started to grow during the 90’s. Between the Country Music Association and the Grammy Awards he received more than 35 awards. These vary between best single, best song, best album, vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and best country instrumental performance. Among all the awards he has won, being inducted into the Country Hall of Fame, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991, there is one award that truly stands out. The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in country music he received is only shared by one other country singer, and he is the great Johnny Cash.

As well as winning awards, Gill also had another talent and it was hosting the CMA Awards from 1992 until 2003, setting the bar for every other host that followed. In 2014, Gill was presented with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence during “The 48th Annual CMA Awards

Personal Life

As for Gill’s personal life, his first marriage was to Janis Oliver. Mainly remembered as one of the singers for “Sweethearts of Rodeo”, which was very popular during the 80’s. On occasion Gill was the sound engineer for the band during concerts. Gill and Oliver only had one daughter and they officially got divorced in 1998 after a long separation.

Gill’s current wife is also a singer and she is well-known for her country gospel hits. Gill married Amy Grant in 2000 and they too have a daughter.

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Their plans for the holidays are busy, as can be expected, but on Christmas day they won’t be doing any performances. Apparently Vince is in charge of the cooking this year while wife Amy has the pleasure of filling the stockings.

Upcoming Tour

Fans will be happy to know that Gill is planning a special mini-tour for January next year. He teamed up with Lyle Lovett and together they will be hitting the east coast with “Songs and Stories”. It’s only a 4 day tour, but it’s not your typical one. Instead of having bright lights and big bands to back them up, they are going to handle their own music. It’s going to be much more intimate and there will be duo and solo performances.

Just the thought of these two great singers and songwriters sharing a stage without any distractions is enough to motivate old and new fans. The tour will kick off on the 27th in Glenside, PA, and it will end on the 30th in North Charleston, SC. Fans are already begging them to extend their tour and visit their towns, but we’ll have to wait and see if they can be convinced to oblige.

What’s Been Up with Brad Paisley?

December 22, 2014 By NashStar

Brad Paisley released his latest album “Moonshine in the Trunk” on 25 August to the great anticipation of his fans. Apart from his reputation as a country star, the first single, “River Bank”, paved the way for a successful release. Along with the album came the second single and power ballad “Perfect Storm”. Billboard describes the latter song as the words every woman wants to hear and every man wish he could say. In the first week of the album release it sold 53 000 copies. At this point Brad has 22 No. 1 singles and 19 of those songs he either wrote or co-wrote.

Brad has also been collaborating with America’s largest western and work wear store, Boot Barn. According to Jim Conroy, the chief executive officer for Boot Barn, it’s Brad’s authenticity that inspired them to come up with a clothing line in his style. In addition, Brad’s values are in the same place as those who purchase their clothes at Boot barn. The launch is called “Moonlight Spirit” and it includes boots and accessories. Brad will be in charge of the designs.

At the beginning of November Brad participated in the Emmy Award winning show “College GameDay Built by the Home Depot” where he was joined by host Chris Fowler. He is an avid Mountaineers fan and ESPN’s senior coordinating producer, Lee Fitting, related to the press that getting a celebrity guest such as Brad did wonders for the show.

http://youtu.be/eVXqNw8pTrY

Along with Carrie Underwood, Brad just finished hosting the “48th Annual CMA Awards” that took place on the 5th of November. For the last seven years these two have been a hosting duet for this special occasion and their chemistry on stage has been praised by the fans and media alike. Leading up to the awards ceremony, they headed off to New York where they appeared on “The View” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers”. The monologue they performed is regarded as the most edgy in the time they have hosted the ceremony. They didn’t pull any punches and targeted politics, the Ebola virus and last but not least, Taylor Swift’s road to stardom.

Brad is currently busy with his “Country Nation World Tour”, which was original scheduled until the end of fall. But fans will be glad to know that he decided to extend the tour. Tickets are already available and some special guests will be joining him, such as Parmalee and Arista from the Stoney Creek Records family band in addition to the “Swon Brothers” duo.

On a silly note, Brad took part in a funny segment with Jimmy Kimmel soon after the CMA awards, reinforcing his known attribute for being funny. In the segment Brad was asked three very silly questions regarding his fear of certain appliances, the imaginary bunny he would like to have and why he doesn’t have a Wi-Fi password. Both Brad and Jimmy made it through the segment without so much as cracking a smile.

http://youtu.be/HtD1TGLznJY

Throughout the year Brad was an expert on “Rising Star”, a hit show for the ABC network, and he also contributed to the Disney movie entitled “Planes: Fire & Rescue”. His voice was used for a pick-up truck called “Bubba” and he recorded two songs for the soundtrack, namely “All In” and “Runaway Romance”.

Missed the CMA 2014 Show? Here it is! or Watch it again!

http://youtu.be/r6fL2yI7qaM

Laura Bell Bundy – Two Step ft. Colt Ford

December 21, 2014 By NashStar

When we first saw Laura Bell Bundy’s “Giddy On Up” video, it was hard to watch without thinking about it being a strange Dolly Parton rip off. Fortunately, Laura has moved on and with “Two Step” is now one of our favorites! She sings, dances, looks great, and yeah maybe it’s a little Britney Spearsy/Jessica Simpsony, but we can take it!

Laura Bell Bundy is definitely one of the most delightful country singers around and her “Two Step” video is a testimony to this. The song is a duet with Colt Ford and despite the fact that it didn’t make big waves on the charts, fans appreciate her signature sound. As for the video, it’s just as much fun as the song and Laura looks absolutely amazing.

It starts off with a group of women, including Laura, finishing up their usual work day. However, their typical work day consists of handling heavy machinery. While listening to the lyrics it’s obvious why they are in this particular setting, which is typically reserved for men. They are proud, confident ladies who don’t need a man to get things done and in this case, they don’t need men to have fun.

In unison the group pulls out their flasks and toast to their bold independent statement. They are planning on doing the “two step” tonight and nobody is going to stop them. After punching out they all head to the ladies room where they transform from everyday workers into smoking hot girls, ready to take the night and turn it on its head.

As the girls start to do their thing they are joined by a large crowd including Colt Ford. At first the girls do the routine alone and then they are joined by everybody. Ultimately everyone ends up dancing and having a really good time to Laura Bundy’s “Two Step”.

The first impression viewers get is girl power and confidence. Laura and the rest of the girls are in control of the situation, they know what they are doing and they know how to celebrate their independence. But another thing that stands out is the fun factor. Their attitude in addition to the clear message that men won’t limit their fun is all in good spirit.

As expected Laura really tears up the dance floor. She had been dancing since she was a little girl and this is evident in the video. She looks comfortable, sexy and energized. That’s another thing about the video which makes it a winner, the energy from the ladies. While watching you’ll probably feel like breaking out your party clothes and start dancing with them.

Overall the video isn’t the most original. It’s a winning theme that has been done quite a few times by several pop stars, but it is still very entertaining. Laura never fails to keep the attention of her audience and this performance is no exception. It’s also obvious that the director placed a lot of focus on the dance moves, probably because it can be imitated rather quickly by fans. Chances are Laura started a new dance craze with her “two step” move.

Laura Bell Bundy is not afraid to use the sexy moves.

Some people may not appreciate her mixture of country and pop, but she is trying something new. Laura is one of the most daring artists on the scene today, which gives her a certain edge. She doesn’t fear the choices she makes. Instead she embraces them with both hands and she enjoys the fact that life is about living, not hiding in a comfort zone.

Best Country Music Christmas Songs

December 19, 2014 By NashStar

Many holidays are celebrated throughout the year, but the one with the most magic so-to-speak is Christmas. Even though it comes with a sense of tradition, every year families implement their own little traditions whether intentional or by accident. As long as there is love, family and friends then it will remain a special occasion. However, there is one thing that just makes it more special and for country music fans, it is Christmas country songs. The collection has grown considerably over the decades. Here are some of our top pics:

Pretty Paper – Willie Nelson

http://youtu.be/MqNFdFbo8cA

Written by Willie in the 1960’s, the song speaks to the importance of Christmas in terms of good will instead of rushing to the shops and buying presents. Roy Orbison was the first artist to record the song and it became a hit in 1963. After Willie decided to use it on his 1978 Christmas album a series of artists started covering the song. These include Carly Simon and Chris Isaak.

Please Come Home for Christmas – The Eagles

http://youtu.be/J1AaMe1KbwE

Despite the fact that The Eagles has never fallen under the country genre, they made a lot of fans there. This 1978 release is proof of this, because country radio stations couldn’t stop playing it. Filled with sincerity and a sound unique to The Eagles, more versions of the song by other artists were inevitable.

It wasn’t His Child – Skip Ewing/Trisha Yearwood

Skip Ewing is the man behind this deep song and it explores the emotions Joseph must have gone through when Jesus was born in terms of being a good father. Several artists have recorded great versions of the song, but ultimately it was Trisha Yearwood that did it the most justice.

The Christmas Guest – Johnny Cash

Few people could tell a story like Johnny and this one is no exception. A shopkeeper eagerly awaits a special visitor, namely the Lord. But instead of the Lord knocking at his door he finds a bunch of strangers in need of help. Finally the man comes to the realization that God visited him in the form of those strangers.

Let there be Peace on Earth – Vince Gill

http://youtu.be/5Keo-A0z4jI

Gill recorded this cover and he used it as the title track for his Christmas album in 1993. Some might speculate that his version of “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is better, but this particular song was recorded with his daughter, making it so much more special.

All I want for Christmas is You – Vince Vance and the Valiants

http://youtu.be/I1VkMBi9vvw

It’s unfortunate that Vince and the band only managed to record one song that made it into the charts. However, they did a great job with this 1989 hit, because it’s the most played Christmas country song on country radio. In essence, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without this song getting played somewhere.

Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

The song is more than 50 years old and yet it finds its way to the airways every Christmas. So many artists have recorded their own version, but the honor still goes to the late Bobby Helms, the original singer and writer. There is a very good chance that it will still be played over the next 50 years.

If we make it through December – Merle Haggard

http://youtu.be/Z-IJxTd8dCo

For the most part people regard Christmas as a happy time, but there are families out there that see things differently. For them it seems like Christmas only makes their financial hardships worse and Merle Haggard reminds us of what the holiday should be about in the first place, which is to extend a helping hand.

Merry Christmas from the Family – Robert Earl Keen

There are more than enough happy Christmas songs, so it’s only fair to add some alternative tunes to the list. In this case we look at Keen’s idea of Christmas and how heavy drinking is the only way of surviving extended family members. It might sound a bit rough, but many can relate to the song.

Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley

http://youtu.be/oW3DnN2zLKQ

Another classic song that has been covered more time than can be counted, but the King’s version has outdone them all. Some regard this song as the reason why Elvis was able to become the record holder for the highest selling holiday album of all time. It can be found on his 1957 “Elvis’ Christmas Album”.

Born on Christmas Day – Brad Paisley

On this recording you will hear something a little different. More specifically, you will hear the voice of a 13 year old Brad adding his own lyrics and style, together with the adult Brad. The result is a great sentimental spin on a classic song.

Where are you Christmas? – Faith Hill

Trust one of the greatest female country singers to record a Christmas hit. Part of the soundtrack for “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and originally set aside for Mariah Carey to sing, fate would land it in the hands of Mrs. Hill. As a true master she sang it as if she wrote it herself.

Grandma got run over by Reindeer – Elmo & Patsy

Yes, it’s a novelty song, but it doesn’t make it any less worthy of Christmas. Randy Brooks was the creator of the song and in 1978 the married duo recorded it. For the last 30 years it has remained popular regardless of its nature.

Santa Baby – Kellie Pickler

A lot of variations concerning this classic song has been recorded and released, but Kellie’s 2007 take on asking St. Nick for extravagant gifts is probably the sultriest of them all. It is sexy and sweet all at the same time.

White Christmas – Martina McBride

In 1998 Martina decided to put her own spin on a classic Christmas tune and it made the whole album a huge success. In fact, it was so successful that it was re-released no less than 3 times over the course of 11 years. In conclusion, the song and album is a perfect fit for Christmas day.

Till Santa’s Gone (Milk and Cookies) – Clint Black

Christmas country songs don’t get more authentic than this. With pure country music to back pure country vocals, Black reveals the trick of getting Santa to come back every year. The secret of course is milk and cookies.

Christmas Cookies – George Strait

For some reason or another Strait never added this song to any of his albums. It can only be found on collaborative releases and it pays tribute to the importance of cookies on Christmas. It is such a rare subject matter for holiday songs, making it an instant classic.

Let it be Christmas – Alan Jackson

http://youtu.be/f9oe_HTT4A8

Every artist knows that an original Christmas song is hard to sell compared to all the cover versions, but Jackson did the “almost impossible”. The single has a great sense of sentimentality in addition to providing a moral lesson. In this regard it has to be part of any Christmas soundtrack.

Christmas in Dixie – Alabama

It’s a general outlook on everything that makes Christmas so eventful, but the execution of the song in addition to the poetical way it is sung are the reasons why it’s still popular. It first reached the airwaves in 1982 and never stopped.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry

Is there anyone who doesn’t know this song? Coming all the way from 1949, it actually came to life in 1939 in the form of a children’s coloring book. Robert L. May wrote the story for the book and Autry made it into a song 10 years later. As it stands the original recording has sold more than 25 million copies.

Larry Henley Passes away at Age 77

December 18, 2014 By NashStar

Larry Henley, songwriter for “Wind Beneath My Wings”, was born on June 30, 1937 in Arp, Texas. It might not be common knowledge, but Larry really wanted to be an actor. More specifically, he wanted to be like James Dean. When he participated in a talent competition because the prize was an appearance on television, his singing brought him more than just a television appearance. It brought him a recording contract.

Larry was the lead vocalist for the pop band “The Newbeats” and their signature song was entitled “Bread and Butter”. They had two singles hit the Billboard charts with “Bread and Butter” making it all the way to number. 2.

Larry not only could write a hit song, but he could hear one as well. The singer Bobby Goldsboro got a lot of encouragement from Larry to record the song “Honey” in 1968. Goldsboro initially didn’t want to sing it, but after Larry heard songwriter Bobby Russell perform it, he didn’t let Goldsboro off the hook. His encouragement finally sunk in and Goldsboro had a no. 1 spot on the Billboard charts for 5 consecutive weeks.

In 1973 Larry wrote a no. 1 hit single for Tammy Wynette entitled “Till I get it Right” (later covered by Barbara Streisand and Kenny Rogers). He released his solo album called “Piece of Cake” in 1975.

His talent of writing songs that would skyrocket in the voices of the right artists made him a very sought after songwriter. Numerous other singers made their way on his songwriting abilities, like Randy Travis with “Is it Still Over?”, Tanya Tucker with “Lizzie and the Rainman”, Janie Fricke with “He’s a Heartache (Looking for a Place to Happen), Delbert McClinton with “Shotgun Rider”, and Lynn Anderson and Gary Morris with “You’re Welcome to Tonight”, which was co-written with Nashville StarVision player Grant Boatwright.

Wind Beneath My Wings: The pinnacle of his career came when he co-wrote the hit song “Wind Beneath My Wings” with Jeff Silbar in 1981.

In 1982 Larry received a call from his publisher saying that Roger Wittaker was cutting his song “Wind Beneath My Wings”. Even though Larry didn’t know who Roger Wittaker was, like every songwriter, he was happy to hear the news of another cut.

Then in 1983, country music star Gary Morris took the song to number 4 on the country charts, only to be followed up 5 years later in 1989 by Bette Midler who rode with it up to number 1 on the pop charts, achieving multi-Platinum status and wining Midler her third Grammy. That year Larry and Silbar were called to the stage to accept the Song of the Year Award for “Wind Beneath My Wings” while Midler received the Album of the Year Award.

“Wind Beneath My Wings” has been covered by more than 300 artists including Perry Como, Vic Damone, Peggy Lee, Sheena Easton, Lou Rawls, Judy Collins, and Gladys Knight.

http://youtu.be/GTxjP1ZajeI

Larry Henley liked to call himself a singer up until the point somebody stopped him in the street and asked, “Aren’t you the guy who wrote Wind Beneath My Wings?” From then on Larry confesses he started referring to himself as a songwriter. He might not have been the best known singer in country music, but his songs are some of the best known in both country and pop.

The highest accolade for any songwriter was bestowed upon Larry In 2012 when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

On December 18, 2014, the mild-mannered, brilliant “songwriter”, Larry Henley, passed away at the age of 77 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Larry’s footprint on music cannot be substituted. His laid-back personality and his appearance didn’t exactly fit the profile of a person who could write songs like “Wind Beneath My Wings”, but his ability to surprise himself and others was a characteristic trait that made him so unique, so special, and now so missed…

Larry Henley: June, 30 1937 – December 18, 2014

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