Carl Smith

Died On This Date (March 2, 2009) Ernie Ashworth / Country Music Great

themusicsover March 2, 2010 No Comments

Ernie Ashworth
December 15, 1928 – March 2, 2009

ernie Ernie Ashworth was a popular country performer as well as a successful songwriter. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Ashworth released two albums which contained seven Top 10 country hits including the #1 “Talk Back Trembling Lips.” As a tunesmith, his songs have been recorded by the likes of Paul Anka, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Carl Smith. In later years, he purchased a Tennessee radio station. Ernie Ashworth remained active in country music through the time of his death of natural causes at the age of 80.

Country Singer

Died On This Date (February 24, 2005) Goldie Hill / Country Star

themusicsover February 24, 2010 No Comments

Argolda “Goldie” Hill
January 11, 1933 – February 24, 2005

Goldie Hill was one of country music’s first generation of women. Along with Kitty Wells, she would influence the next generation’s Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Hill got her first break when she was invited to perform on the popular Louisiana Hayride program in 1952. Later that year, she released her first single, followed by “I Let the Stars Get in My Eyes” which quickly went to the top of the charts. It was the first by a woman to do so. Almost as quickly as she became famous, Hill walked away from the music business. In 1957, she married Carl “Mr. Country” Smith, the former husband of June Carter, and retired to start and raise a family. She attempted a small comeback during the late ’60s, but nothing of commercial significance came from it. She soon retired again to show horses. Goldie Hill passed away from cancer on February 24, 2005. She was 72.

What You Should Own

goldie-hill-music — Click to find at amazon.com

Musician Producer Rock Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (February 23, 2003) Howie Epstein / Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

themusicsover February 23, 2010 No Comments

Howie Epstein
July 21, 1955 – February 23, 2003

Before Howie Epstein became a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers he was playing behind John Hiatt in the ’70s (Slug Line, Two Bit Monsters), and Del Shannon in the ’80s. It was while working on a Petty-produced Del Shannon album, that Epstein was offered a spot in Petty’s band. He jumped at the chance and made his live debut alongside Petty on September 1, 1982. Four days later, he was playing in front of one of the biggest rock crowds in history at the legendary US Festival in Southern California. In 1988, Epstein met and began a romantic and professional relationship with Carlene Carter who was the daughter of June Carter and Carl Smith, and recently divorced from Nick Lowe. Epstein helped revive Carter’s career which included a Grammy nomination in 1991. Epstein was also building a solid reputation as a producer, even earning a Best Contemporary Folk Album Grammy for John Prine’s The Missing Years. Epstein died on February 23, 2003 from the effects of drug abuse, although not from an overdose.

Country Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (January 16, 2010) Carl Smith / Country Music Legend

themusicsover January 16, 2010 No Comments

Carl Smith
March 15, 1927 – January 16, 2010

Carl Smith was a country music singer who was so respected that he was nicknamed, “Mr. Country.” A musician since grade school, Smith formed his first band at 15, and by the time he returned home from a term in the Navy, he was well on his way to a storied music career. Smith made his mark on country music during the ’50s, when he began releasing hits like, “Hey Joe,” “Ten Thousand Drums,” and “Wicked Lies.” During that decade, he scored over 30 Top-10 hits, five of which went to #1. In 1951, he married June Carter with whom he had a daughter that would grow up to perform under the name, Carlene Carter. During the late ’50s, he divorced Carter, moved to California, appeared on television and films, and married another country hit maker, Goldie Hill. Smith stayed active in the music industry until his retirement in 1983. Carl Smith was 82 when he passed away on January 16, 2010.