Red Foley
Clyde Julian "Red" Foley (born 17 June 1910 in Blue Lick, Kentucky, † September 19, 1968 in Fort Wayne, Indiana) was an American country music singer.
Biography
Childhood and youth
Foley's parents ran a grocery store, and he was early familiar with the musical instruments offered there. For a time he received singing lessons. But his main interest was initially the sport. After he had emerged in various singing competitions as the winner, he was in 1930 for the WLS National Barn Dance in Chicago discovered. At this time he studied at Georgetown College of Kentucky.
Career
Foley spent seven years at the WLS National Barn Dance show. As a singer, he appeared along with the Cumberland Ridge Runners. 1933 his wife died giving birth to their first child. He married a little later. His daughter from this second marriage to Judy Martin is Shirley Lee Foley, who is married to the singer Pat Boone since 1953. Their daughter is a singer Debby Boone.
1937 at WLW a new show was launched, which was tailored specifically to Red Foley, the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Here he had the opportunity to ask his musical versatility. His repertoire ranged from soft ballads to fast Boogie Woogie. Thanks to his pleasant voice and his friendly personality, he quickly gained in popularity. Two years later he got his own show, Avalon Time.
In a small label first plates were recorded. In 1941 he signed with Decca Records. His first minor hit was Old Shep. In the same year he returned to the Barn Dance back show. During this time he also appeared several times in western movies. In 1944, he had with Smoke On The Water his first number - one hit. Other top - 10 finishes followed, including with Shame On You re a top success. In 1946 he took over the role of the conferencier the Grand Ole Opry, in 1950 he had his first million-seller with Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy. In the same year he Dancing Pig and Ou Lady Of Fatima go with Cincinnati two further success in the pop charts.
The early fifties, his wife committed suicide after she learned of his affair with Sally Sweet, who would become his third wife later. Foley withdrew for a time from the public, but continued to produce plates. His solitary life lasted until 1954, when he got the offer for a new show. Ozark Jubilee was an instant success and ran until 1960.
In the sixties, Foley continued to produce plates, but no longer able to place in the charts themselves. For a time he worked in the television series Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
1967 Foley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. For his contributions to the country music industry, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ( 6225 Hollywood Blvd. ).
Red Foley died on September 19, 1968 at the age of 58 years to a heart attack. He was interred in the Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Nashville.