Ray Price has stopped cancer in its tracks. The country legend is resting at his home in Texas, recuperating from surgery to remove polyps from his colon. Price had the surgery last week, after a colonoscopy revealed numerous polyps in the pre-cancerous stage. The surgery was said to be successful, and the 83-year-old entertainer expects to resume his touring schedule in a few weeks.The iconic singer of songs like 'Crazy Arms,' 'Heartaches By the Number' and 'City Lights,' Price made a name for himself in Nashville in the early '50s when he took over Hank Williams' band, the Drifting Cowboys, after Williams' death. He then formed his own band, the Cherokee Cowboys, with friends Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Johnny Paycheck, Johnny Bush and Darrell McCall.
In the late '60s and early '70s, Price was both lauded and criticized or making pop-friendly country music, crossing over to the pop charts with songs like 'Danny Boy' and 'For the Good Times.' He also dabbled in Gospel music but never abandoned his musical roots, continuing to record country hits through the '70s and '80s. His last album was a joint project with buddies Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, 'Last of the Breed,' which was released in 2007.
Reader Comments(1 of 3)
distantmemoryat 7-01-2009
Get well soon Ray.
CNSat 7-01-2009
Interesting.
Litaat 7-01-2009
They failed to list the song that I most associate with this country crooner--"For the Good Times." I wish this man a speedy recovery and nothing but "good times" ahead.
Terryat 7-01-2009
Absolutely. That was the first song that popped into my mind too.
artisticemma44at 7-01-2009
Go back and read it again. obviously you read too fast.
Barbara Mayerat 7-01-2009
You are mistaken. They did mention "For the Good Times" in the last paragraph of the article. Read it again, please. Please get well soon, Ray. We miss you!
Tobyat 7-01-2009
Don't forget another huge hit for Ray: "Danny Boy".
Barbara Mayerat 7-01-2009
You are also mistaken. They mentioned "Danny Boy" in the last paragraph of the article. By the way, my son was named Danny for that very song!
yellowlab1002at 7-01-2009
Sorry to hear Mr. Price needed surgery. Glad his problem was detected and hope for every success and a fast recovery. I grew up on his music and others like him. And I do mean music; not the s--- out there today that's called music. "Burning Bridges" sung by Ray; no one ever did it better. Could have been written for me. Hurry back Ray. the world misses you.
jimstaudtat 7-01-2009
The years have etched their mark on the great singer's face, but they have not touched his voice. Saw him on tour last year with Willie and Merle, and while his pace has slowed, his voice was as dulcet as ever. IMHO, Ray is probably the single most under-rated country singer of all time, and he has always been my number one favorite, ever since the first time I heard him sing "Crazy Arms" circa 1955. Keep on keepin' on, Ray,get well soon. Hope you're back out doing what you love best very quickly.
cliffy934at 7-01-2009
I remember years ago while living in the Dallas area, Ray use to play at Dewey Grooms Longhorn Ballroom and Panther Hall in Fort Worth. I never missed any of his shows. He is without a doubt one of the best entainers that really has class to his performances. Get well soon Ray, we all love you.
stlplyrat 7-01-2009
To even think of all the M Jackson garbage, When there's a Ray Price!
nickcherrylat 7-01-2009
Now their is a real singer and has been at it a long time.
PKasperat 7-01-2009
The same thing happened to me last year! I went to the hospital for a routine colonoscopy; the Dr. found a precancerous polyp. I had to have a bowel resection to remove it.
Hang in there, Ray! You'll be OK!
michelempaivaat 7-01-2009
how old are you pkasper? That sounds scary