Here I am backstage in Portland, Oregon with two of country music’s most talented artists: Don Gibson (left) and Ferlin Husky (right).  The year was 1959.  Oregon was celebrating its Centennial with a huge six month fair.  Part of that fair was the appearance of many country acts, headlined as Country Music America.  Just about everyone you can think of in country music came to the fair.  I had been a big fan of both Don and Ferlin and played their music.  Oh, you say but weren’t you Mr. Rock and Roll?  Yes, but both these artists were crossover stars.  Don wrote I Can’t Stop Loving You and Ray Charles recorded it. He had many hits himself including Blue, Blue Day and Oh Lonesome Me.

Ferlin Husky had monster hits with Gone and Wings Of A Dove.  Ferlin was a consummate performer and even had another persona: Simon Crum, a wise and witty drifter. He  recorded under that name, as Terry Preston, and under his real name on Capitol Records.  Ferlin died Thursday. He was 85 and suffered from congestive heart failure. You can read more about the life of Ferlin Husky here.

I am so glad I took a cameraman with me everywhere I went. This picture brings back so many fond memories.