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Don Gibson music biography continued...

Following the war, he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he became a featured performer on two WNOX radio programs, Tennessee Barn Dance and Mid-day Merry-Go-Round, as a member of a group calling themselves Sons of the Soil. The Sons of the Soil disbanded, and Gibson set out to establish himself as a solo act. He recorded a series of songs for several labels, but failed to achieve any lasting degree of success. He became a staff songwriter for the famed Acuff-Rose publishing company, and wrote and recorded "Sweet Dreams" in 1955, which became a Top Ten hit. In 1957, Gibson signed with RCA Victor and immediately penned and recorded two songs that would become his signature tunes—" Oh Lonesome Me" and "I Can't Sop Loving You." Both huge hits that established Gibson as a major force in country music, the latter tune has been covered by over 150 artists including Elvis Presley and Ray Charles (who turned it into a gold record). The remainder of the 1950s and early 1960s was a very successful time for Gibson. He wrote and performed such hits as "Look Who's Blue," "Lonesome Old House," " Big Hearted Me," "Don't Tell Me Your Troubles," and "Just One Time," as well as performing tunes penned by other lyricists. He also appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for the first time in 1958, finally gaining widespread acceptance by the country music establishment.



Drug abuse took a toll on Gibson in the 60s, and a result the Grand Ole Opry revoked his membership in 1963. Gibson cleaned up, however, and made a comeback in the 70s, when he was reinstated to the venerable institution. After more than 30 years of hit-making endeavors, Gibson slowed down significantly after the 1970s. His extensive catalog of songs, however, continued to provide hits for a younger generation of stars. Gibson was nominated to the Country Music Hall of Fame for the first time in 1992 and was inducted in 2001. He passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of 80 chart appearances and 19 top ten hits.