Porter Wagoner

Porter Wagoner can't slow down (Jun 2007)

After a career marked by colorful outfits, a pompadour, a bunch of hits dating back to the 1950's, a long-running television show, a chunk of time singing with Dolly Parton and a half-century performing at the Grand Ole Opry, it would be easy to give Porter Wagoner a fast pass into the comforts of a rocking chair. Forget about that notion because Wagoner, 79, just released a brand new album, "Wagonmaster," on a very edgy label that is home from everyone from Nick Cave to Tom Waits. And if recording for the Anti- label wasn't enough to give Wagoner's recording a kick start, consider that Marty Stuart produced.  ...

Porter Wagoner reaches another landmark (Oct 2002)

Landmarks fill Porter Wagoner's career. Three Grammy awards. Member of the Grand Ole Opry for 45 years. Nearly four decades of timeless music. Dolly Parton. But Wagoner has just received more good fortune. Wagoner's new album "Unplugged" tackles new terrain for a man who's tackled plenty of terrain. You might think that after nearly 50 years as a force in country music that Wagoner's well has grown a bit dry. Think again. Released on Nashville's Shell Point Records, "Unplugged" follows his release from 2000, "The Best I've Ever Been," with aplomb aplenty.  ...

Porter Wagoner: the best he's ever been? (Jul 2000)

Porter Wagoner hasn't exactly been hiding under a rock. He's been on the Grand Ole Opry almost every weekend, often on the nationally televised portion. People who don't follow the Opry might have thought Wagoner had fallen off the face of the earth, but he just hadn't made a record since the early 80's. "I didn't want to record because I didn't have any great material to record," the 72-year-old Wagoner says from his Nashville home, where he spends much of his time fishing and riding horses. His new album, "The Best I've Ever Been" on Shell Point, came about when "I got some great songs that I really liked."  ...

R.I.P. Porter Wagoner (Nov 2007)

The late Porter Wagoner was a true legend. The man from West Plains, Mo. contributed to the growth of country music in many ways. Of course, he enjoyed many hits starting in 1954. His first number 1 was "A Satisfied Mind," which was perched at the top for 4 weeks in 1955. The hits continued with songs like "Misery Loves Company," "The Cold Hard Facts of Life," and "Please Don't Stop Loving Me." He spurred on the careers of Patty Loveless and later introduced Dolly Parton to the country world. His spoken recitations proved unique, showing he would sometimes operate outside the box.  ...