Porter Wagoner, in full Porter Wayne Wagoner (Born August 12, 1927 – October 28, 2007 ) is an American country musician who rose to fame as the lead vocalist in American country music.
He was a popular singer, songwriter, and actor in his early days. Due to his contribution to the music industry, he won three Grammy Awards as well.
Early life
Wagoner was born in the Ozark mountain region of Missouri. Later moved to West plains with his family. When he was a teenager, he used to do the job of butchery in the nearby
market.
He would sing frequently when business used to be slow. Even the owner of the shop believed that the shop’s reputation was increased due to Porter’s singing.
As he grew up, he fell in love with country music.
Career
Wagoner was very fond of country music. Later he formed the Blue Ridge band by 1950 and started singing over the local radio station.
He became to perform in KWTO in Springfield Missouri when he got hired by Si Siman. Eventually, renowned radio station KWTO offered Porter a show in 1951.
RCA Victor offered him a contract as a performer. His early journey as a band was nothing but a struggle. However, his first hit came in 1953 when he released a song titled “TradeMark.”
Porter also played for ABC TV Ozark Jubilee as a performer with his trio group. Later Warden continued to be a business manager of Porter and the duo continued their formation in Grand Ole Opry.
From 1960, Porter delivered some of the most hits of his career. His hit tracks include “Misery Loves Company, “The Carrol County Accident”, “Green, Green Grass of Home”.
Acting
Later during the show young vocalist, Porter was introduced to some great figures of country music at that time but his songs would not list in the top ten.
Soon he quitted that show and launched his own television show namely ” Syndicated out of Nashville.” It turned out very well. It became the most popular and renowned show of the ’60s.
The show was all 30 minutes long and it was over 600 episodes in total. It also had a viewership of over three million people worldwide.
The show was most popular in Cable TV Network and Rural TV Network as well. Porter usually opened the show with Dolly Parton and Norma Jean.
The show also had a comedic scene with popular comedian Speck Rhodes. Dolly Parton left the show in the 1980s and Porter brought James Brown to the show.
In the middle of 1980, Porter also released a rhythm and blues album with Joe Simon. He also starred in the movie Honkytonk Man. He hosted the show Opry Backstage in 1990.
In 2004, Porter appeared in the comedy show featured in HBO called Da Ali G Show. Porter was awarded 50 years of membership on his 80th birthday.
Personal life
Porter Wagoner stands at the height of 5 ft 4 inch tall and weighs about 77 kg. He has brown color eyes and his hair color is brown in color as well.
His zodiac sign is Leo. Porter’s passion was related to music and songwriting. He would write songs and create music all the time in his spare period.
In the later part of his life, he was also involved in TV series. Porter never had the chance to have his own hobby, but he enjoyed his work a lot and was always happy with his life.
Relationship
Wagoner did marriage twice. His first spouse was Velma Johnson(1943-1943) which didn’t last more than a year.
After 3 years, He was again married to Ruth Olive Williams from 1946 to 1986. They did divorce in 1986. Though their relationship was not so good and separated in 1966.
He had three children with Ruth; Debra, Richard, and Denise.
Family
Porter Wagoner was born to Charles. E Wagoner and Bertha May. Charles was a farmer whereas Bertha was a popular actress during her time.
Regarding siblings, Porter had 4 siblings but among those only one sibling name is known. His brother’s name is Glenn Wagoner.
There is no real known identity of his other siblings and no one knows what they actually do for a living.
Awards and Achievements
Wagoner was awarded the Grammy Award for best gospel performance twice.
In 1970 and 1971, He along with his duo partner Dolly Parton(who was helped by him to establish a career) received the award for vocal duo of the year by CMA (Country Music Association).
He also has performed at the famous Grand Ole Opry.
Is Wagoner Dead or Alive?
Wagoner surrendered to lung cancer at his home in Nashville on October 28, 2007. He will always be one of the best vocalists in country music.
His funeral was in November 2007. It was held in Grand Ole Opry House. Porter was later buried in Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetry in Nashville, Tennesse.
Net worth
Wagoner has a net worth of approximately $10 million as of 2021. He has made such a huge amount of wealth from his primary job/career as Singer and Songwriter.
His popular shows added more amount of wealth to his side. Porter also gained a larger number of fans and audiences from his illustrious career as a musician, actor, and songwriter.
Trivia
- Porter Wagoner was born in Missouri in 1997.
- He died in 2007 due to lung cancer at the age of 80.
- Porter had a popular show called Syndicated out of Nashville.
- He won three Grammys awards and a lifetime honorable award for his contribution to his music.
- Porter Wagoner had a net worth of $10 million as of 2021.
