The smooth voice behind sweet love songs like 'Please Help Me I'm Falling' and 'Why, Baby, Why' has died at age 91. Hank Locklin was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 49 years. In the late 1950s, he was a pioneer of the Nashville Sound, a movement that gave country music more of a pop crossover appeal. Locklin's 'Please Help Me I'm Falling' was listed by Billboard as the second most successful country single of the Rock 'N Roll era. Other hits include 'Happy Journey,' 'Happy Birthday to Me,' 'Let Me Be the One' and 'Send Me the Pillow You Dream On.' Locklin kept making music up until his death. He recently released his 65th album, 'By the Grace of God.'
Locklin was born in McLellan, Fla., the youngest of four children. His interest in music came at age 9, after he was hit by a school bus and was forced to stay home to recover from his injuries. He started playing guitar while bedridden and kept playing music through his school years, eventually winning a talent contest that led to local radio gigs.
The budding singer played in two groups -- the Four Leaf Clover Boys and the Rocky Mountain Boys -- before going solo. Locklin's big break came in 1953 with the No. 1 country hit, 'Let Me Be the One.'
The cause of Locklin's death is not known. He was home in Brewton, Ala., when he passed away on Sunday.
Reader Comments(1 of 4)
MonkeyCheez52at 3-09-2009
My family listened to a country radio station every morning while eating breakfast. I remember the song, Please help me, I'm falling," very well. RIP, Hank.
thurmslaugtat 3-09-2009
Well it's a sad day for country music. I liked Hank.
projo39at 3-09-2009
i still play send me the pillow r i p hank
Lynnat 3-09-2009
I still play alot of Hank's songs on the (NOW DAYS ON CD's) and try to imitate alot of them on my old guitar.
mcsdevcoat 3-09-2009
Those were good memories. Sad to hear of Hank's passing, and his families loss.
One question: Why do these articles insist on ignoring an acceptable reason of death acknowleged for 5500 years when someone dies over the age of 70? (as stated in the Bible: 3 score and ten, the allotted time of man).
Cause of death: Unknown?
He thankfully; died of old age.
coastalcharlieat 3-09-2009
Hank was an awesome singer. Rest in peace Hank, I loved your music, and still do.
Mary Annat 3-09-2009
One of the finest country singers in the good old days. RIP Hank. I will miss you.
vitaleralphlouisat 3-09-2009
I can remember the words to "Once More" and "Little One" by heart -- after 60 years. RIP, Hank! God bless.
alabamajoe10939at 3-09-2009
i enjoy his music the old fashion way Records ,country music has lost a great singer
into228at 3-09-2009
for christ sake he was 91 if only we can all be that lucky.
Juneat 3-09-2009
wHERE DO YOU COME OFF TAKING CHRIST'S NAME IN VANE? AND JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T CARE FOR COUNTRY MUSIC DEFINITELY DOESN'T MAKE IT GARBAGE. OH WELL, THERE IS JUST NO EXCUSE FOR IGNORANCE.
Samm Bucceriat 3-09-2009
June:
The word is "vain" not "vane"
threecatznababyat 3-11-2009
This was a comment about how long he lived and cause of death, I didn't notice anything about a like or dislike of country music noted at all. Chill out!
realfgytiat 3-15-2009
Silly June, you stupid extremist Christian. You are very right. There is no excuse for ignorance, so take your extremism elsewhere.
tonyon301at 3-09-2009
No where in the BIBLE says that a man has to die at 70. You can live as long as God wants you to live, mcsdevco