Carl Smith photo courtesy of Marty Martel.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Carl Smith, one of the genre’s dominant stars in the 1950s, died Saturday at his home in Franklin, Tenn., according to The Tennessean.
Carl, 82, operated his career in a much different manner than many of his peers. While most country stars continue to record and tour as long as they’re able to find a market, he rather quietly retired from the music business once his hit-making prowess cooled in the late 1970s and lived off his investments with wife Goldie Hill, who had her own recording career in the ‘50s.
During that decade, Carl ranked No. 4 among the top-charting country stars in Billboard, according to Joel Whitburn’s Billboard Hot Country Songs 1944-2008. Only Webb Pierce, Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow outperformed Carl, who accrued 31 Top 10 hits in that period, including five No. 1 singles — “Are You Teasing Me” and “Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way,” among them.
Several of his songs were recirculated by other acts in future years. Gail Davies had a 1981 hit with a remake of “It’s A Lovely, Lovely World”; Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley retooled Carl’s hit “Hey Joe!” as a 1981 novelty duet, “Hey Joe (Hey Moe)”; Buck Owens & Rose Maddox brought new life to “Loose Talk” in 1961; and Sonny James scored with a 1974 remake of “You’re Free To Go.” “I Overlooked An Orchid,” a song Carl wrote and first recorded two months after signing his first recording contract in 1950, would also top the charts in a 1974 version by Mickey Gilley.
Despite his impact on the genre, Carl’s retreat from the spotlight likely affected his place in history. He waited decades for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame, finally landing his plaque in the rotunda in 2003.
A member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1950-1956, Carl married June Carter in July 1952, eventually divorcing in December 1956. The couple had one daughter, Carlene Carter, who also had a handful of hits — including “I Fell In Love” and “Every Little Thing” — in the early 1990s. Carl married Goldie Hill, best known for the No. 1 single “I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes,” in September 1957. She pulled back from touring after that to tend to their home life. Carl and Goldie were married until her death in 2005.
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A great loss to the REAL Country Western music profession. So sad to only hear rockabilly no,, glad I kept all my vinyl to listen to the real artists!! Carl helped lead the way!!
Just read about Carl Smith. To me he one of the late GREATS. My sympathy to all of his family.
I am so sad right now, reading about Carl Smith. He was a great artist, and one of my all time favorites. My symypathy's go out to all his family.
was a great fan and my mother and i loved his song " i over looked an orchid while searching for a rose. my sympathy goes out to carlene and family.
Carl Smith was and will always be my most favorite singer. I still have all his recordings; either 78 rpm or 33 1/3 rpm albums. I saw him many times in North Carolina and Virginia during the 50’s and early 60′S. A very great handsome entertainer.
My condolences to the family.Mr Smith was "Cool Ole' School Country." A lot of artist have covered his material.It's a shame there isn't a old school cable chanel that shows these artist in their prime.I'm African American .I grew up listening to these artist on WJJD in Chicago&watched them on Hee Haw,I loved the Nutie Suits.These guys were the coolest. Some of the earliest song I learned to play on guitar were country songs.God Bless.
In 1973 I had an opportunity to visit Carl and Goldie at their ranch outside Nashville. What an honor and what wonderful people. Carlene was just a teen at that time. Both Carl and Goldie made me feel very special.
Jewell
My heart goes out to Carlene!
he is my favorite.my best to his family.I loved the fifties my favorite,
MY MOTHER WROTE A SONG FOR CARL SMITH IN THE FIFTIES ABOUT THE KOREAN WAR. THOUGH HE DIDN'T ACCEPT THE SPONG HE DID SEND IT BACK TO HER WITH A VERY NICE LETTER. YEAH WE WILL MISS HIM
Carl was truely a Country Music Legend, He has and will be missed.
What sad news. My sympathies go out to his family. I can remember hearing him sing as a young girl. I used to go around singing "Hey Joe", think I was about 9 or 10 yrs. old. God bless him and may he rest in peace.
My Heartfelt sympathies to Carlene and the family. Carl was a country legend and I was so happy to see him get into the Hall of Fame.
my sympathies go out to carl smith family. my prayers will be with yall
was connie smith his daughter
Carl Smith is one reason why I liked Country music , it is still my favorite music
My Deepest Sumpathies to his family, another great passes on.
my sympathy to all the members of carl's family he is and always will be my most complete country singer
Another great Country Singer gone.
met Carl & Webb in 1966 – what real nice guys- both sent me all of their albums at the time to remember them by- so sorry to hear this news!! My sympathy to the family
right on!!!!!!!!!1
My heartfelt sympathies go to Carlene and the family of Carl Smith.
our sympathies also go out to carlene & all family members of carl smith