Friday, March 15, 2013

...And Name It After Me

Category:  Obituary

Another great has left us for Hillbilly Heaven.

Jack Greene passed away Thursday (3/14) after years of suffering with Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Maryville, Tennessee in 1930, Jack Greene first gained national attention as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours.  He was primarily the drummer, although he also played guitar and served as the emcee.  Tubb always showcased his band members' talents, so Greene's singing caught the attention of many, including Tubb's label, Decca Records.  

In 1966 his song "There Goes My Everything" established Greene as a star on his own.  It stayed at #1 for seven weeks and became the first "song of the year" honored by the Country Music Association.  More hits followed through the remainder of the 1960's, including another legendary song, "Statue of a Fool."  Additionally, Greene teamed up with Jeannie Seely for a number of duets, the biggest of which was "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" in 1969.

Greene joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967.  Greene continued to tour and perform until Alzheimer's disease made it impossible for him to entertain in public, even though he still sang with friends and family at home.

Farewell to the "Jolly Greene Giant," Jack Greene.  He was 83.