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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHART, Freddie(b Frederick Segrest, 21 December 1926, Lochapoka AL; d 27 October 2018, Burbank CA) Country singer with sentimental ballad style, and a very successful songwriter. One of 15 children from a very poor family; he joined the US Marines, after discharge worked in a band NYC; to Arizona '51 where he joined Left Frizzell and began writing songs. He signed with Capitol, made little impression as recording artist but was regular on Home Town Jamboree TV series in Hollywood. Signed to Columbia '57, had first hits with 'The Wall', 'The Key's In The Mailbox', 'What A Laugh!' '59-61. To the Kapp label '65 and cult record 'Hank Williams' Guitar'; minor hits '66-8. He re-joined Capitol and was about to be dropped after 15 country hits '59-70, nine in the top 40; he had matured from a honky-tonk style to the slicker Nashville sound and had his biggest hit: 'Easy Loving' '71, no. 1 country and top 20 pop, one of only three songs to win CMA Song of the Year two years in a row ('71-2). He had 32 more country chart hits '72-87, 13 top tens including 'My Hang-Up Is You', 'Bless Your Heart' and three more all no. 1 '72-3. He also wrote songs for Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, George Jones, Waylon Jennings and many more. He label-hopped in the '80s, then retired after nearly 50 hits altogether in the Billboard country chart. He had a trucking company and operated a school for handicapped children. |