Remembering Porter Wagoner

Country music and the Grand Ole Opry lost a true legend with the passing of Porter Wagoner on October 28, 2007. I remember watching the Porter Wagoner television show in my younger days as my parents were huge country music fans. Before that, I remember my family huddled around a transistor radio listening to the Grand Ole Opry on WSM-AM on Saturday nights. Porter Wagoner was a star in every sense of the word, but he was also a very nice, humble human being.

In the days of Opryland USA, Porter used to walk around the park -- always with his signature rhinestoned jackets, shaking hands and greeting the park guests. I was also backstage at the Opry many times, witnessing Porter saying "Hi" to everyone he saw and, if he stopped to chat with you, his hand would always rest on your shoulder. New country music artists appearing on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time were always welcomed by Porter and his beaming smile.

Country music star, Marty Stuart, coaxed Porter back into the studio to record songs that would ultimately become the 17-track Wagonmaster, released in June 2007. The album received critical acclaim and Porter was back in the spotlight. He was booked for several shows with Marty Stuart and The Fabulous Superlatives as his band, including an opening slot for the White Stripes at Madison Square Garden. A new legion of Porter fans was formed. An invitation was extended to Porter to the Pageant of Peace celebration at the White House next month. Porter said to Marty, "You're gonna have to call the President and tell him I won't be able to sing him any Christmas songs this year. Maybe next year."

It's sad Porter was only able to enjoy the rebirth of his career for a few short months. But, how nice it was that he left ..... at the top.

Later .....