Carl Smith Dies at 82
published January 18, 2010
Born on March 15, 1927, Carl Smith began singing in WROL radio while still in high school. After serving in the Navy, and guesting on other radio station, Carl performed on the Grand Ole Opry. In 1950, he signed with Columbia Records and with WSM radio. Carl became one of the most recognizable country singers of the 1950s. He charted 30 Top 10 singles in that decade, including “Loose Talk,” “Wicked Lies,” and “You Are the One.”
In 1951, Carl Smith married June Carter (who later married Johnny Cash). The couple had a daughter in 1955, Rebecca Smith, who later became known as country singer Carlene Carter.
In 1956, Carl Smith quit the Grand Ole Opry and focused on an acting career. He joined the Philip Morris Country Music Show and began touring the United States. He also made regular appearances on the Ozark Jubilee.
In 1957, Carl and June Carter divorced. The same year, Carl married Goldie Hill. Throughout the 1960s, Carl’s career began to slow, though he did chart several Top 10 singles, including “Take My Ring Off Your Finger,” and “Deep Water.”
In the late 1970s, he retired from the music business, but later recorded for the Gusto label in 1983. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003.
Goldie Hill passed away in 2005. Though no funeral arrangements have been made for Carl, he is expected to be buried at the Williamson Memorial Gardens in Franklin, TN, alongside Goldie Hill.
|
Share / Save
21 Comments show all
steve says:
Carl smith was one of the great country singers.
Jan 18, 2010 at 2:54 pm ESTBetty Wilson says:
I have loved Carl and his music as long as I can remember. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but I pray he is at peace.
Jan 18, 2010 at 3:49 pm ESTHank Ranney says:
He was one of my inspirations for getting into country music. A great man who was highly popular in Canada for many years as we watched his show from across the border in upstate NY. I still do many of his songs.
Jan 18, 2010 at 4:44 pm ESTDave Kaplan says:
Carl Smith is the greatest singer in Country music today. He will be missed.
Jan 18, 2010 at 7:20 pm ESTDebbie Pyper says:
met Carl & Webb in 1966 at airport in Birmingham,shared cab to same Rosevelt Hotel, both sent me their latest albums then, a favorite time of my life, so sorry of his passing, no one to replace him or Webb, the greatest country singers of our time
Jan 19, 2010 at 7:42 am ESTRich says:
I went to Williams Memorial Gardens in Franklin, TN last night (1/18) and met Sonny James in the parking lot. Once inside I met Carl's two sons. It was a touching event. His casket was closed and I don't know why.
Jan 19, 2010 at 6:30 pm ESTRich says:
I went to Williams Memorial Gardens in Franklin, TN last night (1/18) and met Sonny James in the parking lot. Once inside I met Carl's two sons. It was a touching event. His casket was closed and I don't know why.
Jan 19, 2010 at 6:30 pm ESTDON says:
CARL SMITH..SPELLS COUNTRY MUSIC...NOW CARL AND GOLDIE CAN SING TOGETHER WITH OTHER COUNTRY GREATS THAT HAVE PASSED ON. MAY GOD GIVE THEM PEACE.
Jan 19, 2010 at 11:45 pm ESTDanny Coane says:
Carl was one of the classic 50's country singers and also had a great band. The Gannaway films of him from '54-'55 are wonderful. Goldie was also a very underrated singer and, in fact, was way ahead of most female country singers of that era. Eerily, my friend, western swing/jazz guitar great Jimmy Wyble (with Bob Wills classic band) passed away on Sat Jan 16th also. Two great artists gone on the same day - bless their souls.
Jan 21, 2010 at 1:21 am ESTkeith gromling says:
carl was one of the greats and he will be miss in many hearts of country music fans
Jan 21, 2010 at 9:40 pm ESTkeith gromling says:
carl was one of the greats and he will be miss in many hearts of country music fans
Jan 21, 2010 at 9:40 pm ESTDiane Diekman says:
I'm listening to the Eddie Stubbs tribute show on WSM right now. What great music by Carl Smith and the Tunesmiths! I fell in love with Carl when I was five years old. I'm grateful I finally got to meet him--in 2000. I recently watched "Buffalo Gun" while working on the biography of Marty Robbins.
Jan 21, 2010 at 11:52 pm ESTBrenda Weesner says:
Carl is my Mommas first cousin his Mother (Aunt Inney )and her Dad Warren Monroe brother and sister. We all found him to be a wonderful inspiration and greatet inger ever.
Jan 24, 2010 at 7:22 pm ESTnathaniel crain says:
ilove to here carl sing
Jan 28, 2010 at 12:56 pm ESTcarl was one of the best
we will all miss him
VINNY says:
JUST 2 WEEKS AGO I PROPOSED TO GET CARL OUT OF RETIREMENT TO PLAY THE HANK WILLIAMS FESTIVAL I GEORGIANA, AL IN JUNE. I WAS SO SO SAD TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST RIP CARL
Jan 29, 2010 at 11:55 pm ESTHeila (South Africa) says:
Carl has been one of my most favorite artists and I am so sorry we lost him
Jan 30, 2010 at 1:25 am ESTCondolences to his families
larry ellison dothan al says:
one of the greatest
Feb 03, 2010 at 5:41 pm ESTpettyblue42 says:
Feb 05, 2010 at 9:43 pm ESTcarl was a class act as a person,performer and dresser
no one can replace him. he and goldie are together again god bless and thanks for the memories.
pettyblue42 says:
can't forget goldie, truly a beautiful,talented lady
Feb 08, 2010 at 9:13 am ESTgod made some special people these were two his best
rest in peace together forever.
Norvald Nygaard says:
Carl was the first country singer I've known, all the way back to 1953. A family that use to live in Montana were here in Norway on a year vacation.
Feb 11, 2010 at 8:45 am ESTThey had a little 78 rpm collection and we kids use to play these records every day. I expecially love "Let Old Mother Nature Have Here Way" and "Are You Teasing Me" When I came to the states back in 1965 I bought as many albums by Carl as I could find.
Later I have bought almost all of his albums.
Rest in peace dear Carl we'll never forget you.
Leave a Comment