Johnny Russell
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John Bright Russell (January 23, 1940 – July 3, 2001) was an American country singer, songwriter, and comedian famous for his song "Act Naturally", which was made famous by Buck Owens, who recorded it in 1963, and The Beatles in 1965. His songs have been recorded by Burl Ives, Jim Reeves, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt.
Born in Sunflower County, Mississippi, he moved with his family at age 11 to Fresno, California, where he began writing songs and entering talent contests while still in high school, graduating in 1958. He had his first song published that year, "In a Mansion Stands My Love," which was recorded by Jim Reeves as the "B" side of his 1960 hit "He'll Have to Go."
His recording of his song "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer" was his only top 10 hit, peaking at No. 4 on Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart in October 1973. The song was nominated later that year for a Grammy Award. Russell is also known for hits such as "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor," "Catfish John" and "Hello, I Love You."
George Strait topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with Russell's song "Let's Fall to Pieces Together."
[edit] Reference
- Roy, Don. (1998). "Johnny Russell." In The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Paul Kingsbury, Ed. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 462-463.
