Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature Ferlin Husky

I invite you to join me for the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight this weekend when we feature Ferlin Husky.

Husky was born in Flat River, Missouri,  about 50 miles south of St. Louis on December 3, 1927.  After serving for five years in the Merchant Marines during World War II, he moved to Bakersfield, California and worked as a D.J.

In 1949, he signed a recording contract and recorded under the name Terry Preston for a short time because he thought his real name sounded too made up.  Husky made a major breakthrough when he recorded “Gone” in November 1956; the song peaked at number one in February 1957 and stayed at that position for ten weeks.

As Husky’s popularity grew, he soon was appearing in films and television.  In the 1960s he continued to rack up country hits.  His biggest was “Wings of a Dove” reaching number one and staying at the top of the chart for ten weeks. (See video below.)

Husky had two dozen Top 20 hits on the country chart from 1953-1975.

In 2010, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Husky once said that his selection for a short run as Arthur Godfrey’s summer replacement at CBS in the 1950’s was the high point for his career.

Husky didn’t have a high school education; he dropped out of school in the eighth grade.  He died on St. Patrick’s Day March 17, 2011 at the age of 85.  He had a history of heart problems and related ailments.  Husky is survived by six daughters, two sons.  A son, Danny, died in 1970.

Join us at 9 am with the Country Classic Show at 98.1 FM Minnesota’s New Country, online and on your mobile device.

Remember we always take your requests at 320-252-9897 or by email to dick@minnesotasnewcountry.com.