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Grand Ole Opry Star Hank Locklin Dies at 91

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.

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realfgyti

You've never heard of this guy? Hmmn.

What are you doing here commenting? Trying to get attention from a crowd you don't relate to? You're entitled to your opinion, but do it somewhere where people care.

March 15 2009 at 2:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Donnie

Thats a wonderful thing to say you asshole, Country music is about the heart and soul of the common man or at least it usto be. Maybe you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and missed the whole point of what life's all about. As a successful songwriter in Nashville for over 30 years I really appreciate your ignorance. I'll try harder to reach people like you with no feelings. Have a Blessed day and maybe read a little something from the bible it just may humble you a little.

March 11 2009 at 9:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
WLT-7

That is a shame he will be missed

March 11 2009 at 7:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ROBERT.H

country is the only music i listen to. ss

March 10 2009 at 5:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tyrone

wow hank your musics as fresh today as the 50s and boy i didnt know you was that old like wow rest in glory now hank hope to shake your hand soon
tyrone.... cornwall england

March 10 2009 at 8:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

Its AK. (Fairbanks 2/74-11/75)

March 10 2009 at 6:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

Then what ARE YOU doing here? Country music is REAL LIFE set to music. It is Americana. Yes I knew these songs..Good job Hank! RIP..Buddy

March 10 2009 at 6:13 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
buddytmbll

A very great artist, from the best music. One more thought, is ala alaska , or, is ak alaska/ Just a question Brandon.

March 10 2009 at 6:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Linda

I miss the old days when country music was country. Hank was very much a part of that time. I'm not sure how I would describe what is presented as 'country' these days. George Strait's "Murder on Music Row" offers the best explanation.
Rest in peace, Hank.

March 10 2009 at 6:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
allencollinsa

never heard of this guy , i guess because i did not listen to inbred country music.

March 10 2009 at 5:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply