Cal Smith

Cal Smith ( born April 7, 1932 as Calvin Grant Shofner in Gans, Oklahoma, USA, † October 10, 2013 ) was an American country music singer, who celebrated his greatest successes in the 1970s.

Life

Cal Smith (not to be confused with the more famous country singer Carl Smith) grew up in Oakland, California. He was enthusiastic about early for country music and had paid for the first time as a fifteen year old in a pub gigs. He played initially for pocket money and free food, he worked his way over the years in the scene up. Nevertheless, he had to take additional jobs to get ends meet. He was married a short time, but his wife, who did not want to accept the unsteady life in the long term, introduced him to choose between music and marriage. Smith chose the music.

In 1954, he joined the California Hayride show, two years later he was drafted into the army. After returning to civilian life, he worked as a disc jockey. He played in a group that regularly made ​​appearances in San Jose. As Ernest Tubb was one day in the area, succeeded Smith, a place in the band to get the Texas Troubadors. A musician friend had introduced him to the honky tonk legend.

Career

Cal Smith was from 1961 to 1967 Member of Tubbs backing. 1966 gave him the big star a contract with the Kapp label. Already with his second single, The Only Thing I Want, he was able to place in the country charts. Really successful he was but. Only after joining the Decca / MCA label in 1970. After a short startup time he made it in 1972 with Found Someone of My Own for the first time in the top 10 With over next single, The Lord Knows I'm Drinking, he achieved his first number - one hit. He achieved his greatest success in 1974. Country Bumpkin reached the top of the country charts and earned him several major awards. The Academy of Country Music Country Bumpkin chose the " Single of the Year ", the CMA for "Song of the Year" and " Single of the Year ". In addition, Smith was named " most promising singer ". In the same year, It's Time to Pay the Fiddler he achieved his third and final number - one hit.

The singer with the deep, sonorous voice, which often strongly reminiscent of Johnny Cash had, after long years, finally reached the top in the music business. Unlike almost every other country musicians he had no talent for songwriting and was the other dependent on supplies. Although he was represented several times on the charts, his career was drawing to its end. In 1979, he lost his recording contract. With a smaller label him in 1982 succeeded in duet with Billy Parker a final chart placement.

Last Cal Smith lived with his second wife Darlene near Branson ( Missouri).

Discography

Albums: