Dick Damron

Dick Damron (born Joseph Glenn, March 22, 1934 in Bentley, Alberta) is a Canadian country music singer, songwriter. Damron experimented with many musical styles in the country genre including: ‘Outlaw’, ‘Honkey tonk’ and Gospel. Over a recording career spanning 32 years he has recorded more than 25 albums, received numerous country music awards, and been inducted into the International Country Music Hall Of Fame, in Beaumont, Texas.

Early career

Damron started his career performing in both rock and country bands, including the Musical Round-Up Gang (on CKRD radio, Red Deer) and the Nightriders. His recording career began in 1960 when he recorded two LP’s for his own label, Holiday.

Damron had his first breakthrough hit in 1970, when he recorded ‘Countryfied’ for Apex records. He found further success throughout the 1970s with singles such as: ‘Rise ‘n’ Shine,’ ‘The Long Green Line,’ ‘Mother, Love and Country’ and ‘Susan Flowers’.

In 1978 Damron signed his first major label contract and began recording for RCA. By this point he had become an established performer in the ‘outlaw’ style and a well known songwriter. His most popular singles for RCA included ‘Silver and Shine,’ ‘Whisky Jack,’ ‘Honky Tonk Angels and Good Ol’ Boys’ and ‘Good Ol’ Time Country Rock ‘n’ Roll’.

Throughout the years Damron has performed at many notable shows and venues, including the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville (1972). He also toured Europe many times throughout the 70’s and 80’s, the highlight being a performance at the Wembley International Country Music Festival in London, England. Canadian performances include appearances on Canadian television networks CBC and CTV, a concert at the Calgary Stampede, as well as numerous other performances in clubs, concerts, festivals and fairs.

Musical Contacts

As a solo artist, Damron has been known to play with a small group of anonymous support musicians. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, including George Hamilton IV, Carroll Baker, Gary Buck, Terry Carisse, Jimmy Arthur Ordge, Orval Prophet and Rhythm Pals.

Awards

Damron won the Big Country award as top country music composer in 1976, followed by the best male country singer award in the years 1977-1979. ‘Susan Flowers’ was declared the Big Country best country single in 1997. He has won CCMA awards as best male vocalist (1983), instrumentalist (1985), entertainer (1989) and for best single in 1984 (‘Jesus it’s me again’). He was also inducted into the International Country Music Hall of Fame, in Beaumont Texas on October 14, 2001.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Singles with Ginny Mitchell

External links

• Dick Damron's homepage.
• Dick Damron's entry in the Canadian encyclopedia
• Damron rated at Rateyourmusic.com
• Damron at Rocky-52.net
• Damron at Spiritriver.com
• Damron at Seniorchoice.com
• Damron article at Countrymusicnews.ca