RIP Eddy Arnold

Mr.Wizard

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One of my mom's favorites.
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Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like "Make the World Go Away" made him one of the most successful country singers in history, died Thursday morning, days short of his 90th birthday.

Arnold died at a care facility near Nashville, said Don Cusic, a professor at Belmont University and author of the biography "Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart." His wife of 66 years, Sally, had died in March, and in the same month, Arnold fell outside his home, injuring his hip.

Arnold's vocals on songs like the 1965 "Make the World Go Away," one of his many No. 1 country hits and a top 10 hit on the pop charts, made him one of the most successful country singers in history.

Folksy yet sophisticated, he became a pioneer of "The Nashville Sound," also called "countrypolitan," a mixture of country and pop styles. His crossover success paved the way for later singers such as Kenny Rogers.

"I sing a little country, I sing a little pop and I sing a little folk, and it all goes together," he said in 1970.

He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966. The following year he was the first person to receive the entertainer of the year award from the Country Music Association.

The reference book "Top Country Singles 1944-1993,'" by Joel Whitburn, ranked Arnold the No. 1 country singer in terms of overall success on the Billboard country charts. It lists his first No. 1 hit as "It's a Sin," 1947, and for the following year ranks his "Bouquet of Roses" as the biggest hit of the entire year.
 
He cowrote one of the greatest country songs of all time with the lovely and talented Cindy Walker. "You Don't Know Me" is easily one of my top 5 songs of all time.

Doesn't matter who does it. Willie has a great version on his Cindy Walker album, Emmylou's version kicks serious *** but Eddy's still is my favorite.

He, along with Don Williams, has one of the most soothing voices. RIP Mr. Arnold.
 
As throughout their lives, I thought this was the star of Green Acres and the original Longest Yard until I read the op.

You Don't Know Me is a great song. I am surprised no one mentions Ray Charles' version.

Anyways, I remember hearing Make the World Go Away on the AM radio back in the day. RIP to a gentleman singer.
 
One of the greatest voices of 'pop' music. RIP
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I am saddened in a strange way for a celebrity death; I would like to share this news with my father, who loved Eddy Arnold, but my father recently died, also.
 
I watched a special one night several years ago on this fellow. I was young at the end of his mass popularity, but I will always remember Cattle Call and Cool Water. He was a lot like Fred McMurray in he was shrewd in where he put his money, and probably got wealthier off of his investments than his royalties. Which is quite amazing considering he was the largest seller worldwide until The Beatles came along, if i remember right.

I was also impressed with the fact that he never ran into problems with alcohol, drugs or any of the other nasty fates. Maybe there was a seamier side to him, but from what i was hearing he was pretty much a straight arrow.

I would agree with the smooth voice, but would have to add Ray Price and Jim Reeves to that short list also.
 

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