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19 Years Ago Today, We Lost “Mr. Grand Ole Opry,” the Country Legend Who Helped Introduce Dolly Parton to the World
Porter Wagoner, the country singer and long-time Grand Ole Opry figure, died of lung cancer on 28 October 2007, aged 80. He is remembered for his songs and television work, which helped introduce Dolly Parton to a national audience and launch her career.
Wagoner began performing in Missouri in the late 1940s and scored his first major hit as a songwriter in 1953. His television show ran for 21 years and drew about three million viewers at its peak; Parton joined in 1967, and their partnership produced several hit duets. He also welcomed James Brown to the Opry in 1979, became its unofficial spokesman after Roy Acuff’s death, and marked 50 years as a member in 2007.
In short
- Porter Wagoner died aged 80 in 2007.
- His television show helped introduce Dolly Parton to millions.
- He was a prominent Grand Ole Opry member and spokesman.
Explained simply
The Grand Ole Opry is a long-running country music programme and performance institution based in Nashville, Tennessee. Porter Wagoner became one of its best-known performers after starting out in Missouri in the late 1940s, and he also hosted a television show for 21 years.
Dolly Parton joined Wagoner’s show in 1967, early in her career. They recorded hit duets together, while the programme brought her performances to viewers across the United States.
Wagoner also became a prominent representative of the Opry, especially after fellow country singer Roy Acuff died. His career linked the Opry’s traditions with a wider television audience, and his welcome to soul singer James Brown in 1979 showed the programme bringing in performers from beyond country music.
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