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Ferlin Husky

Ferlin Husky (born December 3, 1927 in Flat River, Missouri) is an American singer who has become well-known as a country-pop chart-topper under various names, including Terry Preston and Simon Crum. In the 1950s and 60s, Husky had several hits, including "Gone" and "Wings of a Dove", both number ones on the country charts.

As a merchant marine, Husky entertained the troops on his ship in World War 2. After the war, Husky became a DJ in Missouri and Bakersfield, California, where he began using the moniker Terry Preston in order to hide his rural roots. As a honky tonk singer, Husky signed with Capital Records in 1953 under the guidance of Cliffie Stone , also the manager for Tennessee Earl Ford . With Capital Records, he reverted to his given name. A few singles failed before "A Dear John Letter" with Jean Shepard became a #1 hit. The duo was unable to follow it up.

In 1955, Husky had a solo hit with "I Feel Better All Over (More Than Anywhere's Else)"/"Little Tom", and developed Simon Crum as a comic alter ego. As Crum, Husky signed a separate contract with Capitol Records and began releasing records.

In the late 1950s, Husky had a long string of hits, including the #1 "Gone", and he bgan an acting career on the Kraft TV Theatre program and the film Mr. Rock & Roll . 1960's "Wings of a Dove" became his biggest hits, topping the country charts for ten weeks and attaining #12 on the pop charts. Once again unable to sustain his momentum, Husky had only a few charting singles until the late 1960s, when he became a country-pop star before briefly retiring in 1977 following heart surgery. He remains a popular concert draw, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere.

Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46