Ferlin Husky

Died On This Date (January 6, 2008) Ken Nelson / Former A&R Executive, Capitol Records

themusicsover January 6, 2012 No Comments

Ken Nelson
January 19, 1911 – January 6, 2008

Although by no means a household name, Ken Nelson made one of the biggest impacts on country music during his time as an A&R executive at Capitol Records. Specializing in country music, Nelson was one of the main factors in country music’s massive growth during the ’50s. While with Capitol, he produced hit records by the likes of Buck Owens, Gene Vincent, Ferlin Husky, Wanda Jackson, Merle Haggard and more. In 1961, Nelson produced the Hank Thompson’s Live at the Golden Nugget, considered to be the first live album ever released by a country singer. Ken Nelson was 96 when he passed away on January 6, 2008.

Country Singer

Died On This Date (March 17, 2011) Ferlin Husky / Country Legend

themusicsover March 17, 2011 No Comments

Ferlin Husky
December 3, 1925 – March 17, 2011

Ferlin Husky was a country music singer who launched his career in 1945 and released a string of hits that stretched through the mid ’70s. During WWII Husky, a Merchant Marine, entertained the troops on his ship. After the war, he landed a recording contract with Capitol Records thanks to the help of Cliffie Stone. In 1953, he scored his first #1 hit with the Jean Shepard duet, “A Dear John Letter.” The hits continued with such records as “Gone” and “Wings Of A Dove.” He also dabbled in acting during the late ’50s. Husky suffered from heart problems since the 1970s and passed away from cardiac trouble on March 17, 2011. He was 85.