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Killen, Buddy (13th November 1932 – 1st November 2006)

A songwriter, musician, and producer from Florence, Alabama, who went straight from high school to the Grand Ole Opry as a bass player.  He worked with such country legends as Jim Reeves and Hank Williams.

Bass playing wasn’t paying the bills, so he hung up his guitar for a three-piece suit and started shilling songs for an outfit called Tree in 1953.  It was a lucrative venture that resulted in his ownership and Presidentship of the company, and its evolution into what is now known as Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville.

Hard to believe this was the same guy who penned the soul classic “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)”.

Buddy died of cancer on 1st November 2006.  His memorial service was held in the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.  He also left behind a legacy of civic service, and one of his charities is listed below.

Hargus “Pig” Robbins recordings
Forever (Buddy Killen)

Sources:

  1. http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2006/11/1/killen1nov
  2. http://tn.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=TNDR_homepage