Mae Boren Axton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mae Boren Axton
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Mae Boren
September 14, 1914 Bardwell, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | April 9, 1997 (aged 82) |
| Nationality | American |
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| Known for | Co-writing "Heartbreak Hotel" |
Mae Boren Axton (born September 14, 1914 – died April 9, 1997) was a very important person in the music world. People called her the "Queen Mother of Nashville." She helped write "Heartbreak Hotel," a famous song sung by Elvis Presley. Mae also worked with many other big music stars like Reba McEntire and Willie Nelson.
About Mae Boren Axton
Mae Boren was born in Texas. She was the only girl in a family with nine children! When she was two, her family moved to Oklahoma.
Mae loved to learn. She went to college and earned a degree in journalism. She also became a teacher. She taught English and journalism in schools across Oklahoma.
Mae married John T. Axton, who was an officer in the US Navy. They had two sons. One son, Hoyt Axton, became a famous folk music singer and actor. The family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1949. Mae continued to teach English at high schools there.
Mae's Music Career
In the 1950s, Mae started making many friends in the music business. One important person she knew was Fred Rose, who worked with Hank Williams. Mae also teamed up with other musicians to write songs.
Mae was a busy person! She worked as a radio announcer and helped promote new music. She wrote about 200 songs during her career. Famous singers like Perry Como recorded her songs.
Mae also had a knack for finding new talent. In 1983, she discovered a young singer named Tiffany Darwish. Mae brought Tiffany to Nashville, and soon Tiffany became the youngest female artist to have a number one album on the Billboard charts.
Each year, the Academy of Country Music gives out the Mae Boren Axton Service Award. This award honors people who have shown great dedication to country music.
Writing "Heartbreak Hotel"
Mae Boren Axton played a big part in the career of Elvis Presley. She met Elvis when he was just 19 years old after one of his shows. She then introduced him to his famous manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Mae worked hard to get Elvis signed to a record label. She convinced Stephen H. Sholes, who was in charge of RCA Victor's Nashville office, to sign Elvis.
In 1955, Mae co-wrote "Heartbreak Hotel" with Tommy Durden. Tommy got the idea from a newspaper story about a man who said, "This is the story of a person who walked a lonely street." Mae added the idea of a "Heartbreak Hotel" at the end of that lonely street. This song became Elvis's first number one hit and is still one of the greatest rock and roll songs ever!
Later Life and Passing
Mae Boren Axton passed away in 1997 at the age of 82. She was at her home in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
