Porter Wagoner
Porter Wagoner (August 12, 1927–October 28, 2007) was an American country and gospel singer, songwriter, and television host. Born in West Plains, Missouri, he began his career performing on regional radio station KWTO before signing with RCA Victor in 1952. He was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1957. Backed by his band, the Wagonmasters, he generated over 80 charted country singles, including the number-one hit "Misery Loves Company". From 1960 to 1981, he hosted the syndicated television program The Porter Wagoner Show, which notably launched the career of Dolly Parton following her 1967 introduction. The duo formed one of the most successful vocal partnerships in roots music history, securing a number-one hit with "Please Don't Stop Loving Me" and winning consecutive CMA Vocal Duo of the Year honors. Renowned for his blond pompadour and flashy, rhinestone-encrusted Nudie suits, Wagoner won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002. His late-career renaissance culminated in the critically acclaimed, Marty Stuart-produced final album, Wagonmaster (2007).