In the same year, he also released his first LP, Red Foley Souvenir Album. In order to devote the majority of his time to raising a family, he cut back considerably on his performing commitments, although he continued to release hit after hit in a variety of musical styles, including rockabilly and R&B "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)," a 1951 smash, was the first record ever to sell one million copies on the gospel charts. In 1951, Foley's second wife, Judy Martin (born Eva Overstake), committed suicide, reportedly over the singer's affair with another woman. Again recording solo in 1950, he issued the song that would become his trademark tune, "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy," which stayed in the number one position for 13 weeks. Beginning in 1947, he began recording with his backing band, the Cumberland Valley Boys, earning another number one single with "New Jolie Blonde (New Pretty Blonde)." With the group, he recorded seven Top Five hits between 19, including "Tennessee Saturday Night," a chart-topper in 1948.
In 1946, Foley signed on to emcee and perform on The Prince Albert Show, a segment of the Grand Ole Opry program broadcast on NBC his popularity with listeners is often credited with establishing the Opry as country's pre-eminent radio show. His first chart single, 1944's "Smoke on the Water," topped the charts for 13 consecutive weeks in 1945, he was the first major performer to record in Nashville. In 1941, the same year he made his film debut with Tex Ritter in the Western The Pioneers, he signed a lifetime contract with Decca Records. After exiting the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Foley returned for another seven-year stint at the National Barn Dance show. At the same time, he became the first country artist to host his own network radio program, Avalon Time (co-hosted by comedian Red Skelton), and performed extensively in theaters and clubs and at fairs. The singer remained with the program until late 1939, performing everything from ballads to boogie to blues. While attending college in 1930, he was spotted by a talent scout from Chicago's WLS radio and was tapped to sing with producer John Lair's Cumberland Ridge Runners, the house band on the program National Barn Dance.Īfter seven years with the Ridge Runners, Lair created a new show, Renfro Valley Barn Dance, especially to showcase Foley's talents. Born Clyde Julian Foley on June 17, 1910, in Blue Lick, KY, he began playing guitar and harmonica at a young age, and by the time he was 17 had taken first prize in a statewide talent competition. 24 January 2022.Red Foley was one of the biggest stars in country during the post-war era, a silky-voiced singer who sold some 25 million records between 19 and whose popularity went far in making country music a viable mainstream commodity. "Foley, Red." Discography of American Historical Recordings. In Discography of American Historical Recordings. There's a blue star shining bright (in a window tonight)ĭiscography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. Vocal and instrumental ensemble, with talk
Radio transcription disc : Vocal and instrumental ensemble, with announcements Roles Represented in DAHR: vocalist, guitar, composer, songwriter Recordings (Results 1-25 of 467 records) Company
SMOKE ON THE WATER RED FOLEY SERIES
A Grand Ole Opry veteran until his death, Foley also hosted the first popular country music series on network television, Ozark Jubilee, from 1955 to 1960. His 1951 hit, "Peace in the Valley", was among the first million-selling gospel records.
SMOKE ON THE WATER RED FOLEY TV
Clyde Julian Foley (J– September 19, 1968), known professionally as Red Foley, was an American singer, musician, and radio and TV personality who made a major contribution to the growth of country music after World War II.įor more than two decades, Foley was one of the biggest stars of the genre, selling more than 25 million records.