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Induction to hall of fame highlights storied career of Bentley’s Dick Damron

Bentley’s Dick Damron will join the North America Country Music Associations, International Hall of Fame this weekend.
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Bentley’s Dick Damron performs at the Central Music Festival just outside of Red Deer. On Saturday, he will be inducted into the North American Country Music Associations, International Hall of Fame. (Advocate file photo)

Bentley’s Dick Damron will join the North America Country Music Associations, International Hall of Fame this weekend.

The induction is a celebration of his 50-plus year musical career that has seen him record 25 albums and more than 500 songs. Many of his songs have been covered by well-known country artists such as George Hamilton IV, Carroll Baker and Charley Pride.

On Saturday, he will be inducted in the NACMAI hall of fame in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

His career highlights include Canadian Country Music Awards for best male vocalist in 1983, instrumentalist in 1985, entertainer in 1989 and best single in 1984 for Jesus, it’s me again. He was also recognized by the Big Country awards, a CCMA forerunner, as the top country music composer in 1976 and 1984 and best male country singer in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1983.

He has already been inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (in Merrit, B.C.), the International Country Music Hall of Fame, the Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Honour.

Aside from Jesus It’s Me, Damron has had plenty of hits including Countryfied, Rise ‘n’ Shine, The Long Green Line, Mother Love and Country, Susan Flowers, Silver and Shine, Whiskey Jack, Honky Tonk Angels, Good Ol’ Boys and Good Ol’ Time Country Rock ‘n’ Roll.

He started his career in the country music business with a train ride from Lacombe to Nashville. This started his lengthy music career. Before he left Alberta, he had played in several rock and country bands including the Musical Round-Up Gang, on CKRD Radio in Red Deer.

Other inductees include RyLee Madison, Scott Wikle, Margie Singleton, Jeannie Kendall, Rex Allen Jr. and Joyce Smith.



mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com

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