Charlie Walker | Nashville star, 81
Grand Ole Opry star Charlie Walker, 81, who became a popular disc jockey in Texas as he built a career as a honky-tonk singer, died Friday in the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, Tenn. He had been diagnosed recently with colon cancer.
Grand Ole Opry star Charlie Walker, 81, who became a popular disc jockey in Texas as he built a career as a honky-tonk singer, died Friday in the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, Tenn. He had been diagnosed recently with colon cancer.
Mr. Walker played country music after World War II over the Armed Forces Radio Network as part of the occupation forces in Tokyo.
He became a top country music disc jockey on San Antonio's KMAC in the 1950s while he recorded regional hits, including "Only You, Only You" on the Decca label.
His breakthrough was on Columbia Records in 1958 with the Harlan Howard-penned "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down." The tune became a million-seller and a country music staple.
He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967, and was also a longtime member of the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame. - AP