Biography
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Born
9 August 1934
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Born In
Chickasha, Grady County, Oklahoma, United States
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Died
6 February 2005 (aged 70)
Wyatt Merle Kilgore (August 9, 1934 – February 6, 2005) was an American singer, songwriter, and manager.
Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, he carried the guitar for Hank Williams at the Louisiana Hayride when he was fourteen. This would begin a close relationship with the Williams family that would last three generations. On April 07, 1986, he was named Executive Vice President and head of management of Hank Williams Jr. Enterprises.
Kilgore went on to a career as a country music recording artist but had great success as a songwriter, co-writing with June Carter Cash the song "Ring of Fire" first recorded by her sister Anita Carter and later her husband Johnny Cash. With Claude King he also co-wrote King's big crossover hit, "Wolverton Mountain." Amongst others, he also penned "Johnny Reb" for Johnny Horton and the Tommy Roe pop music hit, "The Folk Singer." He was also an actor, featured in Coal Miner's Daughter, Willa and Nashville
In 2005, Merle Kilgore died from congestive heart failure while receiving treatment for lung cancer. Family and friends gathered at the Ryman Auditorium for a celebration of Merle's life. Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt hosted the memorial service, and there were musical performances by Kid Rock, Big & Rich, Wynonna, and others. Guests were left with a final request by Merle himself, Greg Oswald announced that, "On our trip to the graveside, there will be no carpooling." Merle's funeral procession was the longest ever in Nashville. Merle was laid to rest in the Hendersonville Memorial Gardens.
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