Tommy Overstreet
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Tommy Overstreet, born September 10, 1937) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a "Countrypolitan"-influenced country music singer whose popularity peaked in the 1970s. He grew up in both Houston and Abilene, Texas.
Overstreet, often known simply as "T.O." by fans and disc jockeys, has had a successful country music career; he has had 26 top ten singles (in Cash Box; the Billboard charts tended to ignore smaller record labels), and seven number one singles.
Overstreet decided on a singing career when he was very young, influenced largely by his uncle, Gene Austin. Austin was a singing star of the 1920s and 1930s.
Overstreet's musical career started when he was seventeen years old, singing on country-western star Slim Willet's television show in Abilene.
In the late 1950s, Overstreet started a group called "The Shadows". They entertained at various venues throughout western Texas, including Air Force bases and movie theaters.
Overstreet first recorded at Norman Petty's studios in Clovis, New Mexico, along with Jimmy Gilmer's group, The Fireballs. In 1960, Overstreet recorded in New York City at Roulette Records, with Doc Severinsen on trumpet, Sam "The Man" Taylor on saxophone and the Ray Charles Singers singing backup. But the sides never saw the light of day, due to the Payola Scandal of 1960.
In 1967, Overstreet was hired to manage Dot Records in Nashville. In 1971, he decided to pursue a recording career, signing himself to Dot and quickly establishing himself as a country hitmaker that very year with a top five hit, "Gwen (Congratulations)".
His hits include "I Don't Know You Anymore," "(Jeannie Marie) You Were a Lady", "If Love were a Bottle of Wine," "Ann (Don't Go Runnin')," "If I Miss You Again Tonight," "Send Me No Roses," "Yes, Ma'am," and many others.
As a songwriter, Overstreet has written over 500 songs. At the beginning of his career, well-known pop singer Pat Boone recorded his songs.
Overstreet remains active as a concert performer and occasional recording artist, including stints recording gospel and big band music.