Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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PENNINGTON, Ray

(b Ramon Daniel Pennington, '33, Clay Co. KY) Country singer, songwriter, producer and label executive. Best known for songwriting and producer of hits for Waylon Jennings, Gene Watson, Ray Price etc. In his teens singing on Cincinnatti TV station; formed Mid-West Rhythm Boys '52 playing western swing, touring Kentucky and Indiana; joined King Records '59 as producer and recorded R&B as Ray Starr; also started writing country hits ("Three Hearts In A Tangle' '61 for Roy Drusky); signed writer's contract with Pamper Music in Nashville '63; joined Boone Records as producer (Kenny Price "Walking On New Grass '66); as an artist with Capitol had minor country hits '66-8; recorded for Monument, MRC, Dimension (with Jerry McBee as Bluestone) and EMH, minor hits with each. Took over as producer and executive for Step One Records '84 in Nashville and teamed with steel guitarist Buddy Emmons for the studio-oriented Swing Shift Band. Albums incl. Ray Pennington Sings For The Other Woman '70 on Monument; Memories '83 on Dimension; Dear Lord I've Changed Since I've Been Unchained '87 on Step One; Swing Shift Band--Swingin' From The '40s Thru The '80s '84, In The Mood For Swingin' '86, Swingin' Our Way '90, Swingin' By Request '92, all on Step One.