Merle Kilgore - Dear Mama 1960
Merle Kilgore, born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, began his career at age 14 carrying Hank Williams Sr.’s guitar. At 18, Merle wrote his first number one hit, “More and More”, which became a million-seller for Webb Pierce in 1954. Not long after, young Merle wrote a 10 million seller, “Wolverton Mountain,” recorded by Claude King, and then co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with June Carter-Cash, as recorded by Johnny Cash. The song sold more than 16 million records. Merle continued to write hit after hit making his song catalog over 300 songs, and in his lifetime has sold close to 50 million.
Merle’s first Top Ten record was the self-penned “Dear Mama\".
Wyatt Merle Kilgore (August 9, 1934 – February 6, 2005) was an American singer, songwriter, and manager.
