born Sept. 12, 1931, Saratoga, Texas, U.S.
U.S. country music singer and songwriter.
He was born to an impoverished family, which moved to Beaumont, Texas, when he was 11 years old. He sang on the streets as a youngster, and he began recording in the early 1950s. His first hit, "Why, Baby, Why" (1955), was followed by "She Thinks I Still Care," "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and many others. In 1957 he joined the Grand Ole Opry . He continued to have hits into the 1980s, including many with his former wife Tammy Wynette . His rocky personal life and career only increased his fans' enduring affection.