Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

KING, Claude

(b 5 Feb. '33, Shreveport LA; d '83) Country singer with rich voice, also had pop success. Began in teens at local functions; worked on construction; radio debut on Louisiana Hayride '58 as protégé of Johnny Horton; managed by Horton's manager Tillman Franks, signed to Columbia '61, had country/pop hits with "Big River, Big Man', "The Comancheros', then no. 1 country/top 10 pop "Wolverton Mountain' '62 (written by Merle Kilgore). Last pop Hot 100 entry was "The Burning Of Atlanta' '62; further country hits with "Sam Hill' '64, "Tiger Woman' '65; began to fade from chart, made comeback with Horton tribute album and single "All For The Love Of A Girl' '69. 27 entries in country chart '61-71; less luck on Cinnamon '74, True '77-81. Albums on Columbia incl. Meet Claude King '62, Tiger Woman '65, I Remember Johnny '69, Chip'n'Dale's Place '71.