Bill Mack (songwriter) facts for kids
Bill Mack Smith Jr. (born June 4, 1929 – died July 31, 2020) was an American country music songwriter, singer, and radio host. He was well-known for his radio shows, especially one that was popular with truck drivers. He also created the Bill Mack Million Mile Club to celebrate truckers who drove one million miles without an accident.
Life as a Radio Star
For many years, Bill Mack was famous for hosting The Country Roads Show. This show later changed its name to U.S. 1 Trucking Show and then Midnight Cowboy Trucking Show. It was an overnight country music show on WBAP radio in Fort Worth, Texas. WBAP was a powerful station, meaning its signal could reach very far, especially at night.
Mack's show was a favorite among truck drivers who were on the road late at night. The show's opening music was a lively song called "Orange Blossom Special." Because WBAP had a strong signal that traveled across the country at night, many people in the United States could listen to Bill Mack's show. He started his show in 1969.
Bill Mack also hosted other radio shows, like Country Crossroads, which was heard on over 800 stations. He even had a similar show on cable television. Later, Mack moved his show to XM Satellite Radio on a channel called Open Road. He joined other popular radio hosts who also focused on trucking. His show was heard on XM channel 13. On April 29, 2011, Bill Mack announced that his show on Sirius/XM was ending.
A Talented Songwriter
Besides being a radio star, Bill Mack was also a very successful songwriter in country music. His most famous song is "Blue." This song became a huge hit for singer LeAnn Rimes. "Blue" was so popular that it won Bill Mack a Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1997.
He also wrote another well-known song called "Drinking Champagne." Many different artists have recorded this song. It was a hit for Cal Smith in 1968 and again for George Strait in 1990. Other famous singers like Dean Martin, Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis, and George Jones have also recorded songs written by Bill Mack.
Awards and Recognition
Bill Mack received many honors for his work.
- In 1982, he was named to the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame.
- In 1999, he was added to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
- In 2000, he won an award from the Grand Ole Opry, a very famous country music show.
Family Life
Bill Mack lived in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Cynthia. They had three children named Misty Dawn, Billy Mack III, and Sunday Renee. They also had several grandchildren. Bill Mack had another daughter named Debbie from an earlier marriage.
His son, Bill Mack Smith III, also known as "Billy," has followed in his father's footsteps and hosts his own radio show in Fort Worth, Texas.
Later Years
Bill Mack passed away on July 31, 2020. His family shared that he had been diagnosed with COVID-19 just two days before his death.
