was born October 17, 1941, in Portsmouth, Ohio

charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, of which 18 reached Number One.

Was the first Country artist to appear on Soul Train

He was offered a scholarship to an art school but rejected it in favor of joining the U.S. Army. While in the Army, he became a member of a Christian-influenced trio, where his musical talent and vocal ability first became apparent.

In 1973 while in Nashville, he met Dick Heard, who produced country music singer Mel Street.