Ray Pennington facts for kids

Ramon Daniel Pennington (born December 22, 1933 – died October 7, 2020) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was famous for writing the song "I'm a Ramblin' Man". He also started his own record company called Step One Records.

Ray Pennington's Music Career

Ray Pennington began his music journey in a western swing band called the Western Rhythm Boys. They played music in Ohio. In 1958, he signed with King Records. He released a song called "Three Hearts in a Tangle" using the name Ray Starr. However, he wasn't happy with the song and asked for it to be taken back.

After that, Pennington started working as a record producer and helped find new artists for King Records. He helped produce Hawkshaw Hawkins' last album, Lonesome 7-7203. This album was special because it was one of the first country albums to have both black and white session musicians (musicians who are hired for recording sessions). He also produced music for other groups like The Stanley Brothers and Reno and Smiley, and he played drums for Reno and Smiley.

In 1961, another singer named Roy Drusky covered "Three Hearts in a Tangle." His version became very popular, reaching number 2 on the country music charts. Ray Pennington kept performing with the Western Rhythm Boys and another band called the Starliners. He also worked in a record store and released a rhythm and blues song called "I Have to Laugh to Keep from Crying" as Ray Starr.

Moving to Nashville

In 1964, Ray Pennington moved to Nashville, Tennessee, which is a big center for country music. There, he worked at Pamper Music. He produced music for artists like Tex Williams and Kenny Price. Kenny Price even recorded two of Pennington's songs: "Walking on New Grass" and "Happy Tracks."

In 1966, Pennington signed with Capitol Records as a singer. He had three songs that made it onto the music charts, including "I'm a Ramblin' Man," which reached number 29. After leaving Capitol, he joined Monument Records in 1969 and had five more songs on the charts.

He then moved to RCA Records. While he was there, Waylon Jennings covered "I'm a Ramblin' Man." Waylon's version became a huge hit, reaching number 1! Ray Pennington continued to work as a producer for RCA artists like Billy Walker and Norma Jean. His last solo song to chart was "She Wanted a Little Bit More" in 1978. Later, he formed a duo called Bluestone with Jerry McBee, and they had a song called "Haven't I Loved You Somewhere Before" on the charts.

Starting Step One Records

In 1984, Ray Pennington started his own record company, Step One Records, with a partner named Mel Holt. The first artist to sign with their new label was Ray Price. A fiddler named Clinton Gregory had three songs that reached the Top 30 while he was with Step One. Other artists on the label included Western Flyer, Celinda Pink, and The Geezinslaws.

While working with Step One Records, Ray Pennington recorded several albums with a band called the Swing Shift Band. He started this band with a steel guitar player named Buddy Emmons. Their song "Turn Me Loose and Let Me Swing" made it onto the charts in 1988. Step One Records closed down in 1998.

Ray Pennington's Passing

Ray Pennington passed away on October 7, 2020, at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He was 86 years old. He died after a fire started in his garage. His wife, Mama Charlotte, was able to get out safely.

Music Albums and Songs

Albums by Ray Pennington

Source: AllMusic

Albums with the Swing Shift Band

Source: AllMusic

Songs (Singles)

Source: AllMusic

See also

In Spanish: Ray Pennington para niños