Dale Houston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dale & Grace
Dale & Grace, 1963
Background information

Dale Houston (born April 23, 1940 – died September 27, 2007) was an American singer. He became famous as part of the music duo Dale & Grace with his partner, Grace Broussard. They had two big rock and roll songs that made it onto the Billboard music charts. Their most famous song was "I'm Leaving It Up to You" in 1963. This song became a number one hit and sold many copies. Another song, "Stop and Think It Over," reached number 8 in 1964. Their music is a special style called "Swamp Pop," which comes from Louisiana and Texas.

The Story of Dale & Grace

Dale's Early Life

Robert Dale Houston was born in Seminary, a small town in Mississippi. His family later moved to Collins, where his father became a Christian minister. Dale started learning piano when he was in sixth grade. After a few months, he taught himself to play by practicing and singing in church.

When he was 18, Dale recorded some songs like "Lonely Man." These songs became popular in his local area. In 1960, a record executive named Sam Montel saw Dale perform in Baton Rouge. Montel thought Dale was a good songwriter. He signed Dale to write songs for his record label.

Meeting Grace Broussard

In 1963, Dale was singing in a bar in Ferriday, Louisiana. Sam Montel suggested that Dale team up with a female singer named Grace Broussard. Grace was born in 1939 and was from Prairieville, Louisiana. Both Dale and Grace had been singing in local places for several years.

Dale and Grace met and practiced together for hours. Dale started playing a song called "I'm Leaving It Up to You." Montel, who was resting nearby, heard it and immediately knew it would be a hit! The song was recorded and first released on Montel's local label. Radio stations quickly started playing it.

A Number One Hit

Montel's prediction came true. "I'm Leaving It Up to You" became the number one song in the U.S. It stayed at the top of the charts for two weeks. Dale and Grace even toured with other singers. Their song was number one during the week that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It also reached number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Dale appeared on a famous TV show called American Bandstand. In late 1963, Dale and Grace were on tour in Dallas. They were on a street corner waving at President John F. Kennedy shortly before he was killed. They went back to their hotel and heard about the assassination hours later.

In 1964, the duo released their first album. It was called I'm Leaving It Up to You and 11 Other Hit Songs.

The Duo Separates

By 1965, the music scene changed a lot because of bands like The Beatles. Also, Dale and Grace had some personal problems. Grace missed her home, and Dale became seriously ill and had to go to the hospital. Because of these reasons, the duo decided to stop performing together. Grace went back to singing with her brother.

Dale's Passing

Dale Houston passed away on September 27, 2007. He was 67 years old. He died from heart failure in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. His funeral was held in Collins, Mississippi.

Special Honors

In 1995, Dale and Grace reunited and were honored in Mississippi. In 2000, Dale Houston received the 'Louisiana Living Legends Award' from the Public Broadcasting Service. He was also added to the Texas Music Hall of Fame and the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2007, Dale Houston and Grace Broussard were named to the Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame. This honor is given to artists who have achieved national or international recognition. Dale and Grace performed at a festival in Ferriday, where Dale had gone to high school years before. In October 2007, Dale and Grace were also inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Dale & Grace Music

Albums

• 1964 I'm Leaving It Up to You and 11 Other Hit Songs - U.S. Billboard No. 109

Singles

• 1963 "I'm Leaving It Up to You" - U.S. Billboard No. 1 for two weeks
• 1964 "Stop and Think It Over" - U.S. Billboard No. 8
• 1964 "The Loneliest Night" - U.S. Billboard No. 65
• 1964 "Darling It's Wonderful" - U.S. Billboard No. 114
• 1964 "What's Happening to Me" - U.S. Cash Box No. 91
• 1965 "Cool Water" - U.S. Cash Box No. 123