Charlie Rich was born in Forest City, Arkansas on December 14, 1932.  Rich began his professional career as a jazz musician.  His success came first with Rock and Roll then R & B and finally with Countrypolitan.

He wrote several songs for Johnny Cash and other country artists.  Rich was a genius when it came to song writing.  He broke through in country music in 1972, a top ten hit with “I Take it on Home.”

It was 1973 when “Behind Closed Doors” became a giant pop-country and international hit.  Rich became CMA’s 1973 Male Vocalist of the Year and 1974 Entertainer of the Year.  Other number one hits include, “The Most Beautiful Girl,” “A Very Special Love Song” and “Rollin’ with the Flow.”

In the later part of his life, Rich acquired the nickname the ‘Silver Fox.’  In 1992, Rich released a comeback album called ‘Pictures and Paintings.’  The well-received record would be his last.  On July 25, 1995 Rich died suddenly of a blood clot in his lungs.

Rich was married to his wife Margaret for 43 years.  He is the father of four children.

 


 

 

Hear the life and music of Charlie Rich Sunday May 8th at 11 am on the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight.  It’s a segment of the Country Classic Show heard from 9 am to 1 pm every Sunday on 98.1 Minnesota’s New Country, online and on your mobile device.

 


 

 

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