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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZRUSSELL, Johnny(b 23 Jan. '40, Sunflower Co. MS) Country singer, songwriter and comedian best known as co-writer of "Act Naturally' hit for Buck Owens, covered by the Beatles and many others. Family moved to California when he was 11 where he entered several talent contests and also played bit parts in TV shows. Performing in local bars led to his first recording of the self-penned "In A Mansion Stands My Love' which was picked up by Jim Reeves as B-side to the million-selling "He'll Have To Go' '59. "Act Naturally' was no.1 country '63. Moved to Nashville '71 and signed to RCA with several top 20 hits incl. "Catfish John' and the biggie "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer' '73; moved over to Polydor '78 and Mercury '80 still scoring regular country hits, by this time married to singer Beverley Heckel. He joined the Grand Ole Opry '85 and remains a senior member as well-known for his comedy as his singing; for some time was a regular on Hee Haw; has written hit songs for George Strait, Gene Watson etc. His "Making Plans' was included on Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt's Trio '88. Albums incl. Mr. & Mrs. Untrue '71, Rednecks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer '73, She's In Love With A Rodeo Man '74, Here Comes Johnny Russell '75, Mr. Entertainer '87 all on RCA; Something Old, Something New '91 on 16th Avenue. |