Del reeves biography

Who is Del Reeves? A Brief Career Overview

Meet Del Reeves, a vibrant figure in the realm of country music known for his playful "girl-watching" novelty songs and heartfelt storytelling. With a career spanning several decades, Del, whose full name is Franklin Delano Reeves, has been a prolific singer and songwriter, enchanting audiences with his cowboy western and truck-driving country tunes. Rising to fame in the 1960s, he left an indelible mark on the music scene with hits like "Girl on a Billboard" and "The Belles of Southern Bell." Del's unique approach to songwriting and his charming on-stage persona set him apart, making him a beloved icon in the vinyl culture. His records, vibrant and nostalgic, continue to resonate with vinyl collectors and music enthusiasts alike. Let's dive deeper into the life of this remarkable artist!

Del Reeves's Early Life and Background

Franklin Delano Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina, in July 1932, the youngest of 11 children. Growing up in a large family during tough economic times, music became a source of comfort and joy. His brothers served in World War II, leaving their musical instruments behind, which allowed young Del to borrow and learn to play the guitar. By age 12, he was already a local radio star, performing on the Merry Go Round Show. Del's love for music deepened as he grew, shaped by the culture and environment around him. Later, after attending Appalachian State College and serving in the United States Air Force, he found his footing in the bustling city of Sacramento, where he became a regular on The Chester Smith Show. This early exposure to the music industry fueled his passion for vinyl records, laying the foundation for his future as a prolific country artist.

The Musical Influences That Shaped Del Reeves's Sound

Del Reeves's sound is a melting pot of various influences that helped define his signature style. Growing up, he was influenced by the likes

American country music singer (1932–2007)

Musical artist

Franklin Delano Reeves (July 14, 1932 – January 1, 2007) was an American country music singer, best known for his "girl-watching" novelty songs of the 1960s including "Girl on the Billboard" and "The Belles of Southern Bell". He is also known for his 1968 trucker's anthem, "Looking at the World Through a Windshield", which demonstrated he was capable of more than just novelty songs. He became one of the most successful male country singers of the 1960s.

Early life

Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina, in July 1932 , United States, the youngest of 11 children. He was named after U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. While his older brothers served in World War II, Reeves learned how to play their musical instruments. By age 12, Reeves began performing on the Merry Go Round Show on local radio station WPAQ.

After high school, Reeves briefly attended Appalachian State College (now University). He later enlisted in the United States Air Force, stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.

Music career

1950s

After completing his military service, Reeves began performing regularly on Chester Smith's radio show on Modesto station KTRB around 1955. Reeves made his first rockabilly recordings with Capitol Records from 1957 to 1958.

In 1958, Reeves began hosting a television variety show on Stockton station KOVR.

1960s–2000s

In 1961, Reeves sign

Franklin Delano "Del" Reeves (July 14, 1932 – January 1, 2007) was a country music singer, best known for his "girl-watching" novelty-type songs of the 1960s. He became one of the most successful male country singers of the 1960s. Reeves was named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who had been nominated by the Democratic Party to be their presidential nominee just a few days before he was born.

Del Reeves is probably best known for his fair share of 1960s hits. He proved that he could become a country singer in his own right and become successful, with songs such as "The Girl on the Billboard" and "The Belles of Southern Bell", both highlights from his career. He is also known for his 1968 trucker's anthem "Looking at the World through a Windshield" which proved he was capable of singing more than just novelty songs.

Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina in 1932.

In 1954, he signed on with Capitol Records. Later on in the 1950s, he recorded for Decca Records, as well as Reprise Records and Columbia Records.

Everything began to change when Reeves signed on with United Artists Records. The work he did for United Artists is probably his best known work. He finally scored big in 1961 with the hit song "Be Quiet Mind". Later in 1965, he had his first #1 hit with "The Girl on the Billboard". His follow-up, "The Belles of the Southern Belle" made the Country Top Five. During this time, he and his wife became a songwriting team. The husband-wife duo wrote songs for the likes of Rose Maddox, Carl Smith and Roy Drusky, to name a few.

His success continued throughout the rest of the 1960s. Songs that became hits during this time are "Be Glad" and "Good Time Charlie's."

In the 1970s, he cut a series of duets with Bobby Goldsboro and Penny DeHaven. He also returned to television, hosting the TV program, Del Reeves' Country Carnival.

His last big hit