Bob Luman
Robert " Bob" Glynn Luman ( born April 15, 1937 in Nacogdoches, Texas; † 27 December 1978) was an American country and rockabilly singer.
Life
The equally sports - and music-loving Luman was close to a career as a professional baseball player when he attended a concert by the then-unknown Elvis Presley. Deeply impressed by the show and the ecstatic reaction of the young audience, he decided to become a musician himself. Winning a talent competition gave him an appearance at the Louisiana Hayride. He used his chance and was soon a regular guest of the radio show.
In various smaller labels unsuccessful rockabilly singles were recorded. He joined a few times on television and even got a smaller film role.
Career
Although he had established himself in the music scene, Luman was a major breakthrough initially failed. In 1959 he received a contract offer from a professional baseball clubs. On a whim, he announced during a concert that he had chosen a career as a professional baseball and would retire from the music business. Coincidentally, the Everly Brothers were present and persuaded him to go on. They proposed to him to record the song Let's Think About Living. The single became an unexpected success. It sold over a million copies and placed high in the country and pop charts.
The follow-up single The Great Snowman became a hit. Bob Luman had done it, but was pulled shortly thereafter for two years in the military. He managed, however, to continue career after his release. More singles made it into the top 20th His biggest success in 1972 was Lonely Women Make Good Lovers, which was equally successful was covered by Steve Wariner 1984. Musically, he specialized more and more in the direction of traditional country music. He also appeared regularly on the Grand Ole Opry and on television.
In 1975, he suffered a heart attack and had to stay in a hospital for several months. His health remained precarious. On December 27, 1978 Bob Luman died at the age of 41 years from the effects of pneumonia.