Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame member Dick Damron died Saturday at age 91, leaving behind a storied legacy in country music. Born Joseph Glenn Damron, the Alberta native first made waves as a rockabilly artist in 1959 before cementing his name as a mainstream country star.
Damron’s journey began far from the stage. A former rodeo rider and oil-well laborer, he debuted with a gritty edge, later refining his sound in Nashville with the famed A-Team. From 1970 to 1991, he landed 38 singles on the RPM Country Hit charts, including 14 top-10 hits. His first two singles, “Countryfied” and “Rise and Shine,” soared to No. 1 in 1971. He repeated that success with “On The Road” in 1976 and “Susan Flowers” in 1977.
A prolific songwriter, Damron penned country and gospel tunes recorded by icons like Charley Pride, Wilf Carter, and George Hamilton IV. Artists Carroll Baker and Terry Carisse also brought his work to life. Known for his “outlaw” persona, he carved a distinct niche in the genre. In his later years, duets with Ginny Mitchell and Ray Griff showcased his enduring appeal.
Damron’s creativity extended beyond music. In 1997, he released his autobiography, The Legend & The Legacy, offering fans a glimpse into his colorful life. He later penned two novels, broadening his artistic footprint. In 2011 and 2012, Germany’s Bear Family Records honored his catalog with two 3-CD boxed sets, cementing his global influence.
Country Music Icon Remembered
From rodeo dust to recording studios, Damron’s career spanned decades and styles, blending raw talent with a rebel spirit. His death marks the end of an era for Canadian country music, but his songs — and his story — live on, celebrated by fans and peers alike.
During his peak with RCA Canada in the 1970s and 1980s, Damron racked up accolades. The Canadian Country Music Association named him Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Instrumentalist of the Year, among others. In 1994, his contributions earned him a spot in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
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