This Sunday we’re featuring Tanya Tucker -- singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitar player.

Back in January of this year, Tucker had to reschedule some tour dates because of a fall while on tour. She fractured a vertebrae and injuring her rib. Tucker was also diagnosed with bronchitis while in the hospital in Texas. She received breathing treatments and physical therapy, but didn’t need surgery.

Tucker was born October 10, 1958, in Seminole, Texas. She had her first hit in 1972 at age 13 when she recorded “Delta Dawn.” The song reached number six on the country chart. Her second single, “Love’s the Answer,” also became a top ten hit in late 1972. Tucker’s third single became her first number one hit, “What’s Your Mama’s Name” in the spring of 1973.  Then came “Blood Red and Goin’ Down” and then my favorite, “Would you Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone).” With this string of hits, she became known as a country sensation.

By the end of the 1970s, her record sales were declining.  In 1980, she recorded a few singles with Glen Campbell with whom she was romantically involved. She also dated Merle Haggard, Andy Gibb and Don Johnson.

In the 1980s, she was using alcohol and cocaine. In 1988, Tucker entered the Betty Ford Center.

The "Delta Dawn" singer is the mother of three children.  Tucker has two brothers, Don and Robert -- who died from pneumonia -- and a sister, La Costa.

Hear the life and music of Tanya Tucker at 11 am on the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight.  The country classic show begins at 9 am at 98.1 FM Minnesota’s New Country, online and by downloading the new 98.1 mobile app.

 

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