Dave Kirby was born in Brady, McCulloch County, Texas on Saturday 10 July 1938.
Dave Kirby was a natural musician and took up the guitar while still a young boy, encouraged by a family that included his uncle, Big Bill Lister (Friday 5 January 1923 – Tuesday 1 December 2009), who was the front man for legendary Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 – Thursday 1 January 1953).
In 1955, Dave Kirby moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and landed a job at a local radio station playing country music.
Dave Kirby was influenced by the music of Carl Smith (Tuesday 15 March 1927 – Saturday 16 January 2010), Mac Wiseman (Saturday 23 May 1925 – Saturday 23 February 2019) and Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984), along with the guitar playing of Merle Travis (Thursday 29 November 1917 – Thursday 20 October 1983).
Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Down By The River’ and included the track on ‘You’re For Me’ (Capitol Records, 1962); this was Dave Kirby’s very first recorded song.
In 1963, Rose Maddox (Saturday 15 August 1925 – Wednesday 15 April 1998) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Down To The River’; Rose Maddox’s version of the track reached No.18 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1963.
Shortly afterwards, Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006) and Rose Maddox (Saturday 15 August 1925 – Wednesday 15 April 1998) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Down By The River’ as a duet, which was subsequently included on ‘The One Rose: The Capitol Years’ (Bear Family Records, 1993).
Johnny & Jonie Mosby recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Strawberry Wine’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘Mr. & Mrs. Country Music’ (Columbia Records, 1965).
‘During the 1960s, Willie Nelson used to come out to Albuquerque, New Mexico and he got me to go and play in the band’, Dave Kirby recalled in an interview in 2000.
‘Willie got to liking my songs, and I don’t remember how, but Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) got to liking them too.
They both wrote me saying ‘Come to Nashville’, so in 1967, I made the big move’.
In 1967, as a result of encouragement from both Willie Nelson and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), Dave Kirby moved to Nashville, and signed a songwriting contract with Pamper Music, which was owned in part by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013).
Other acclaimed songwriters working for Pamper Music at this time included Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 – Sunday 25 October 1992), Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002), Willie Nelson and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010).
During the early 1960s, Dave Kirby spent a year playing guitar in Willie Nelson’s band.
Dave Kirby also signed to Monument Records, which was owned by Fred Foster (Sunday 26 July 1931 – Wednesday 20 February 2019), as a solo act, scoring the hit single, ‘Her & The Car & The Mobile Home’ (written by Dave Kirby and Don Stock), in 1969.
‘I got a few things cut and then I wrote ‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone?’, Dave said. ‘It has become my biggest hit, but it just lay there at the Pamper Music shelf for three years before it ever got cut’.
Dave Kirby also enjoyed a successful career playing lead guitar for a number of country music artists, including Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), Janie Fricke, Ringo Starr, Emmylou Harris, Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017), Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 – Friday 20 March 2020), Willie Nelson, Crystal Gayle, Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 – Wednesday 17 July 1985), Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), Moe Bandy, Ronnie Milsap, Connie Smith and James Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Price (Wednesday 27 May 1931 – Tuesday 4 August 1987).
Dave Kirby was not only a successful songwriter and session player; he also contributed many vocal recordings of his own, including ‘North Alabama’, ‘Cantaloupe Jones’, ‘The Rumor’, ‘Cowboy Connection’ and ‘Better Off When I Was Hungry’.
Dave Kirby recorded material for a number of record labels, including Boone Records, Capitol Records, Dimension Records and Monument Records.
Norma Jean recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Dusty Road’, which was co-written with Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980), and included the track on ‘Country Giants’ (RCA Records, 1969); the track reached No.44 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1969.
Jeannie Seely recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Be Better Off’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Jeannie Seely’ (Decca Records, 1969).
Roy Linwood Clark (Saturday 15 April 1933 – Thursday 15 November 2018) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘April’s Fool’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Yesterday When I Was Young’ (Dot Records, 1969).
In 1969, Tommy Sears saw the release, on Chalet Records, of ‘A Walk On The Outside’ (written by Dave Kirby and Chuck Howard), which was a non-album track.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘April’s Fool’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’ (Columbia Records, 1969); the track reached No.14 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1969.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’ (Columbia Records, 1969); the track reached No.8 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1970.
Jimmy Dean (Friday 10 August 1928 – Sunday 13 June 2010) and Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I Wish I Didn’t Have To Miss You’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Country Boy & Country Girl’ (RCA Records, 1970).
Jeannie Seely recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’m Afraid I Lied’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Please Be My New Love’ (Decca Records, 1970).
Jeannie Seely recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Please Be My New Love’ (Decca Records, 1970).
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 15 March 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘April’s Fool’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Lord, Is That Me’ (Decca Records, 1970).
Norma Jean recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I Wish I Didn’t Have To Miss You’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and included the track on ‘Another Man Loved Me Last Night’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970).
Norma Jean recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and included the track on ‘Another Man Loved Me Last Night’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970).
Norma Jean recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Another Man Loved Me Last Night’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970).
Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Charley Pride’s 10th Album’ (RCA Records, 1970); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in April / May 1970.
Porter Wagoner (Friday 12 August 1927 – Sunday 28 October 2007) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Sidewalks of Chicago’ and included the track on ‘Skid Row Joe / Down In The Alley’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970).
Norma Jean recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Midnight Cowboy’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘It’s Time For Norma Jean’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970).
It was also in 1970 when Dave Kirby began session work in Nashville; his first recording session was with Country Music Hall of Famer, Grandpa Jones (Monday 20 October 1913 – Thursday 19 February 1998).
‘Grandpa walked in the studio and looked at me’, Dave Kirby recalled. ‘I had kind of long hair and the first thing he said was ‘Son, don’t play any of those hippie licks on my record’.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘For The Good Times’ (Columbia Records, 1970); the track was subsequently included on ‘Welcome to My World: The Love Songs of Ray Price‘ (Hux Records, 1970), which was released on Monday 29 July 2013.
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 15 March 2013) and Jeannie Seely recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Wish I Didn’t Have To Miss You’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Jack Greene & Jeannie Seely’ (Decca Records, 1970); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970.
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘One More Time’ (MGM Records, 1970).
Johnny Bush (Sunday 17 February 1935 – Friday 16 October 2020) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Bush Country’ (Stop Records, 1970).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Sidewalks of Chicago’ and included the track on ‘Hag’ (Capitol Records, 1971).
Hank Thompson (Thursday 3 September 1925 – Tuesday 6 November 2007) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’m Afraid I Lied’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Next Time I Fall In Love’ (Dot Records, 1971).
Norma Jean recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Back To Hers’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Norma Jean’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971).
Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Only A Woman Like You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971).
• Ann M. Stuckey submitted a ‘Peer’s Quote’ about Gene Watson on Saturday 25 January 2014
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 15 March 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’m Afraid I Lied’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Greene Country’ (Decca Records, 1971).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘April’s Fool’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Here Comes Curtis Potter’ (Dot Records, 1971).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Devil River’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Here Comes Curtis Potter’ (Dot Records, 1971).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Here Comes Curtis Potter’ (Dot Records, 1971).
George Morgan (Saturday 28 June 1924 – Monday 7 July 1975) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘A Walk On The Outside’ (co-written with Chuck Howard) and included the track on ‘Real George’ (Stop Records, 1971).
Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 – Thursday 15 March 2013) and Jeannie Seely recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Whiskey Dirt’, which was co-written with Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010), and included the track on ‘Two For The Show’ (Decca Records, 1972).
Porter Wagoner (Friday 12 August 1927 – Sunday 28 October 2007) & Dolly Parton recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Her & The Car & The Mobile Home’ (co-written with Don Stock) and included the track on ‘The Right Combination’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Time’ and included the track on ‘The Lonesomest Lonesome’ (Columbia Records, 1972).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Wake Up Yesterday’ and included the track on ‘The Lonesomest Lonesome’ (Columbia Records, 1972).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘This House’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘The Lonesomest Lonesome’ (Columbia Records, 1972).
In 1973, Dave Kirby saw the release of ‘Singer, Picker, Writer’ (Dot Records, 1973), which was produced by Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988), and included the following tracks:
‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was written by Dave Kirby and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘Sidewalks of Chicago’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘I Wish I Didn’t Have To Miss You’, which was written by Dave Kirby and Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Better Off When I Was Hungry’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘Good Enough To Be Your Man’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘Alabama Sundown’, which was written by Dave Kirby and Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012)
‘Charleston Cotton Mill’, which was written by Dave Kirby and Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘Lila Is My Kind of Woman’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘The Silence Is So Loud’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘So Long Train Whistle’ (written by Dave Kirby and Lew Quadling)
‘Papa Ain’t Gonna Work On The Railroad No More’ (written by Dave Kirby)
Personnel involved in the recording of Dave Kirby’s ‘Singer, Picker, Writer’ (Dot Records, 1973) included the following:
Billy Sanford, Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020), Jimmy Colvard (1943 – 1977), Dale Sellers and Ray Edenton (Wednesday 3 November 1926 – Wednesday 21 September 2022) (guitar)
Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988) (steel guitar, Dobro)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Henry Strzelecki (Tuesday 8 August 1939 – Monday 29 December 2014), Bob Moore (Wednesday 30 November 1932 – Wednesday 22 September 2021) and Joe Allen (bass)
Dominic Joseph (D.J.) Fontana (Sunday 15 March 1931 – Wednesday 13 June 2018) (drums)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica)
Linda Hargrove (Thursday 3 February 1949 – Sunday 24 October 2010) (vocals)
Dave Kirby’s ‘Singer, Picker, Writer’ (Dot Records, 1973) was recorded, in October 1972, at Pete’s Place in Nashville.
Dolly Parton recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Alabama Sundown’, which was co-written with Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012), and included the track on ‘Bubbling Over’ (RCA Records, 1973).
In 1973, Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Not The Real Me’ (co-written with Joe Allen), as a non-album single, for Capitol Records.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Better Off When I Was Hungry’ and included the track on ‘If We Make It Through December’ (Capitol Records, 1974).
Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Got A Lot Going For Me’ and included the track on ‘The Ramblin’ Man’ (RCA Records, 1974); this track was one of three bonus tracks included on this album.
Cal Smith (Thursday 7 April 1932 – Thursday 10 October 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Even A Wino Has A Home’ and included the track on ‘My Kind of Country’ (MCA Records, 1975).
On Monday 25 October 2010, England’s Hux Records released Cal Smith’s ‘My Kind of Country’ (MCA Records, 1975), along with Cal Smith’s ‘I Just Came Home To Count The Memories’ (MCA Records, 1977), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) & Tammy Wynete (Tuesday 5 May 1942 – Monday 6 April 1998) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘God’s Gonna Getcha (For That)’, which was co-written with Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015), and included the track on ‘George & Tammy & Tina’ (Epic Records, 1975); the track reached No.25 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories of Us’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Memories of Us’ (Epic Records, 1975); the track reached No.21 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1975.
Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘It Always Rains On Me’ (co-written with Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘Sincerely Jan Howard’ (GRT Records, 1975).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘So Long Train Whistle’ (co-written with Lew Quadling) and included the track on ‘My Love Affair With Trains’ (Capitol Records, 1976).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Where Have All The Hobos Gone’, which was co-written with Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012), and included the track on ‘My Love Affair With Trains’ (Capitol Records, 1976).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Hobo’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘My Love Affair With Trains’ (Capitol Records, 1976).
Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 – Wednesday 17 July 1985) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘It Always Rains On Me’ (co-written with Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘After The Storm’ (Playboy Records, 1976).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?’ and included the track on ‘The Roots of My Raising’ (Capitol Records, 1976); the track was the ‘B’ side of ‘Cherokee Maiden’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006) and was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in November 1976.
It was at this time, in the mid-1970s, when Dave Kirby was a member of The Strangers, the acclaimed band of Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Walk On The Outside’ (co-written with Chuck Howard) and included the track on ‘The Roots of My Raising’ (Capitol Records, 1976).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Colorado’ and included the track on ‘The Roots of My Raising’ (Capitol Records, 1976).
In February 1977, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977); Dave Kirby played guitar on all tracks.
On Tuesday 3 December 2002, England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Paper Rosie‘ (Capitol Records, 1977), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Love in the Hot Afternoon‘ (Capitol Records, 1975), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
Bill Anderson & Mary Lou Turner recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Where Are You Going, Billy Boy?’ and included the track on ‘Billy Boy & Mary Lou’ (MCA Records, 1977).
Johnny Rodriguez recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘The Immigrant’, which was co-written with Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), and included the track on ‘Savin’ This Love Song For You’ (Mercury Records, 1977).
Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Am I Gonna Have To Burn Atlanta Down’ and included the track on ‘The Tennessean’ (Epic Records, 1977).
Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ain’t No Good Chain Gang’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘The Tennessean’ (Epic Records, 1977).
On Monday 27 April 2009, England’s Hux Records released Ed Bruce‘s ‘The Tennessean’ (Epic Records, 1977), along with Ed Bruce‘s ‘Cowboys & Dreamers’ (Epic Records, 1978), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
In October 1977, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1977); Dave Kirby played guitar on all tracks.
On Monday 26 September 2005, England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Beautiful Country‘ (Capitol Records, 1978), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Because You Believed in Me‘ (Capitol Records, 1976), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
The New Starlite Ramblers recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Colorado’ and included the track on ‘1977’ (RPI Records, 1977).
Dennis Weaver (Wednesday 4 June 1924 – Friday 24 February 2006) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Devil In My Arms’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Dennis Weaver’ (DJM Records, 1977).
Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) & Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘I Would Like To See You Again’ (Columbia Records, 1978); the track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978.
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘I’m Always On A Mountain When I Fall’ (MCA Records, 1978).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘The Immigrant’ (co-written with Merle Haggard) and included the track on ‘I’m Always On A Mountain When I Fall’ (MCA Records, 1978).
In August 1978, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); Dave Kirby played rhythm guitar and acoustic guitar on all tracks.
On Tuesday 27 January 2009, England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Miracle Express’ and included the track on ‘Cowboys & Dreamers’ (Epic Records, 1978).
On Monday 27 April 2009, England’s Hux Records released Ed Bruce‘s ‘Cowboys & Dreamers’ (Epic Records, 1978), along with Ed Bruce‘s ‘The Tennessean’ (Epic Records, 1977), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
Brenda Kaye Perry recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Make You Love Me Again’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Deeper Water’ (MRC Records, 1978), an album, which was produced by Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020).
Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 – Tuesday 10 December 1996) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘The Great Chicago Fire’ (co-written with Bobby Fischer) and included the track on ‘Chapter Two’ (MCA Records, 1979).
In August 1979, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979); Dave Kirby played rhythm guitar and acoustic guitar on all tracks.
On Tuesday 27 January 2009, England’s Hux Records released Gene Watson‘s ‘Should I Come Home‘ (Capitol Records, 1979), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set.
Moe Bandy recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Champ’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Champ’ (Columbia Records, 1980).
Razzy Bailey (Tuesday 14 February 1939 – Thursday 5 August 2021) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Too Old To Play Cowboy’, which was co-written with Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012), and included the track on ‘Razzy’ (RCA Victor Records, 1980); the track reached No.13 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980.
Moe Bandy recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘If I Lay Down The Bottle’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Following The Feeling’ (Columbia Records, 1980).
In August 1980, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980); Dave Kirby played rhythm guitar and acoustic guitar on all tracks.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Cold Day In July’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Have A Good Day’, which was co-written with Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022), and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know‘ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Tryin’ To Satisfy You’ (co-written with Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘No One Will Ever Know’ (Capitol Records, 1980).
Jerry Lee Lewis (Sunday 29 September 1935 – Friday 28 October 2022) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Jukebox Junky’, which was co-written with Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012), and included the track on ‘Killer Country’ (Elektra Records, 1980).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Back To The Barrooms Again’ (co-written with Merle Haggard) and included the track on ‘Back To The Barrooms’ (MCA Records, 1980).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ever Changing Woman’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Back To The Barrooms’ (MCA Records, 1980).
In 1981, Dave Kirby made a return to the Billboard country music singles chart, as an artist in his own right, with the tracks ‘North Alabama’ and ‘Moccasin Man’, which were released on Dimension Records; the highest-ranking of these efforts, however, only reached No.37.
In February 1981, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981); Dave Kirby played acoustic guitar and electric guitar on all tracks.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Come Back Home’ (co-written with Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Down Here On My Knees’ (co-written with Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Between This Time & The Next Time‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Getting Over You Again’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Town & Country’ (Dimension Records, 1981).
John Anderson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You’ve Got The Longest Leavin’ Act In Town’ (co-written with Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘John Anderson 2’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1981).
Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Country Boys’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Hey Joe, Hey Moe’ (Columbia Records, 1981).
Moe Bandy recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Champ’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Encore’ (Columbia Records, 1981).
Jeannie C. Riley recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ve Got It All’ and included the track on ‘From Harper Valley To The Mountain Top’ (MCA Records, 1981).
In October 1981, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981); Dave Kirby played guitar on all tracks.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Loves Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Nothing About Her Reminds Me of You’ and included the track on ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘The Sun Never Comes Up’ (co-written with Joe Allen) and included the track on ‘Old Loves Never Die‘ (MCA Records, 1981).
The Vic Willis Trio recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Colorado’ and included the track on ‘The Vic Willis Trio: Stars of The Grand Ole Opry’ (Pete Drake Productions / First Generation Records, 1981).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Brothers’ and included the track on ‘Yesterday’s Wine’ (Epic Records, 1982).
Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Mobile Bay (Magnolia Blossoms)’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Yesterday’s Wine’ (Epic Records, 1982).
In July 1982, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘This Dream’s on Me‘ (MCA Records, 1982); Dave Kirby played rhythm guitar and lead guitar on all tracks.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Full Time Fool’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘This Dream’s on Me‘ (MCA Records, 1982).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You Sure Make Cheatin’ Seem Easy’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘This Dream’s on Me‘ (MCA Records, 1982).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Something To Forget You By’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Somewhere In Texas’ (Dimension Records, 1982).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Wait ‘Til Those Bridges Are Gone’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Somewhere In Texas’ (Dimension Records, 1982).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You’re Just Another Beer Drinking Song’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Somewhere In Texas’ (Dimension Records, 1982).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘When Will Forgetting Begin’ (co-written Jesse Shofner) and included the track on ‘Somewhere In Texas’ (Dimension Records, 1982).
Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003) & Dean Dillon recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Let’s Start A War’ (co-written with Jesse Shofner) and included the track on ‘Brotherly Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1982).
In 1983, Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) & The Cherokee Cowboys recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Loves Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb); the track was subsequently included on Ray Price‘s ‘A New Place To Begin’ (Varese-Sarabande Records, 2014).
In March 1983, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky‘ (MCA Records, 1983); Dave Kirby played guitar on all tracks.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘You’re Just Another Beer Drinkin’ Song’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky‘ (MCA Records, 1983).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘If I Were You, I’d Fall In Love With Me’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Sometimes I Get Lucky‘ (MCA Records, 1983).
Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’ (co-written with Ray Pennington) and included the track on ‘Memories’ (EMH Records, 1983).
Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For A Long, Long, Time)’ (co-written with Joe Allen and Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘Country, Past, Present, Future’ (Doorknob Records, 1983).
Moe Bandy recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Texas Saturday Night’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Motel Matches’ (Columbia Records, 1984).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Wino’s Prayer’ (co-written with L. Kirby) and included the track on ‘Heartaches, Love & Stuff‘ (MCA Records, 1984).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Texas Saturday Night’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Heartaches, Love & Stuff‘ (MCA Records, 1984).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘A Memory Away’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Heartaches, Love & Stuff‘ (MCA Records, 1984).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Sailing Home To Me’, which was co-written with Danny Morrison (Sunday 22 April 1945 – Tuesday 14 February 2012), and included the track on ‘Heartaches, Love & Stuff‘ (MCA Records, 1984).
Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Loves Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Homecoming’ (RCA Victor Records, 1984).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Forever Again’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Little by Little‘ (MCA Records, 1984); the track reached No.10 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1984.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Growing Apart’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Little by Little‘ (MCA Records, 1984), an album, which was subsequently released, on CD, by MCA Records, in 1990.
Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Why Am I Doing Without’, which was co-written with Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015), and included the track on ‘Your Wife Is Cheatin’ (Atlantic Records, 1984).
The Bluegrass Cardinals recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Colorado’ and included the track on ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ (Sugar Hill Records, 1984).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Loves Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Down In Texas Today’ (Step One Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Heart of Texas Records in 2006.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories To Burn’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985); the track, which reached No.5 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985, featured Leona Williams on background vocals, along with Dave Kirby on rhythm guitar.
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Stranger In Our House Tonight’ and included the track on ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985).
On Monday 9 May 2011, England’s Hux Records released, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Gene Watson‘s ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Starting New Memories‘ (Epic Records, 1986), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set; the CD set was released worldwide on Tuesday 17 May 2011.
In 1985, Dave Kirby married country music entertainer, Leona Williams.
Together, Dave Kirby and Leona Williams entertained throughout the United States, while still maintaining a heavy songwriting schedule and session work.
‘Dave Kirby never realised his importance in the country music community’, Brady, Texas disc jockey Tracy Pitcox said.
‘Dave played on virtually all of the sessions leaving Nashville throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s. His songwriting is legendary. We are very honoured to recognise Dave in his hometown every year during our ‘Dave Kirby Celebration’.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Five Fingers’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories To Burn’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Why Don’t Love Just Go Away (When It’s All Gone)’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘All You Have To Do Is Come Back Home’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Welcome To Ray Price Country’ (Step One Records, 1985).
John Schneider recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Leavin’s Been Comin’ (For A Long, Long, Time)’ (co-written with Joe Allen and Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘Tryin’ To Outrun The Wind’ (MCA Records, 1985).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Almost Like Having You Here’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Starting New Memories‘ (Epic Records, 1986).
Gene Watson recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Starting New Memories Today’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Starting New Memories‘ (Epic Records, 1986).
On Monday 9 May 2011, England’s Hux Records released, in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, Gene Watson‘s ‘Starting New Memories‘ (Epic Records, 1986), along with Gene Watson‘s ‘Memories to Burn‘ (Epic Records, 1985), as a special ‘2-on-1‘ CD set; the CD set was released worldwide on Tuesday 17 May 2011.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘The Heart of Country Music’ (Step One Records, 1986).
Charlie Walker (Tuesday 2 November 1926 – Friday 12 September 2008) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘If I Were You, I’d Fall In Love With Me’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Charlie Walker’ (Dot Records, 1986).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Loves Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Just Enough Love’ (Step One Records, 1987).
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Big Ole Teardrops’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Just Enough Love’ (Step One Records, 1988); the track reached No.68 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1988.
Jo-El Sonnier (Wednesday 2 October 1946 – Saturday 13 January 2024) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘No More One More Time’ (co-written with Troy Seals) and included the track on ‘Come On Joe’ (RCA Records, 1987); the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in early 1988.
Hank Thompson (Thursday 3 September 1925 – Tuesday 6 November 2007) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘If I Were You, I’d Fall In Love With Me’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Here’s To Country Music’ (Step One Records, 1988).
George Strait recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Leavin’s Been Coming For A Long Long Time’ (co-written with Joe Allen and Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘Beyond The Blue Neon’ (MCA Records, 1989).
The Geezinslaws – Sammy Allred (1934 – Saturday 9 May 2018) and Dewayne Smith (passed away on Friday 16 March 2019) – recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ever Changing Woman’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘The Geezinslaws’ (Step One Records, 1989).
The Geezinslaws – Sammy Allred (1934 – Saturday 9 May 2018) and Dewayne Smith (passed away on Friday 16 March 2019) – recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Afraid You’d Come Back’ and included the track on ‘World Tour’ (Step One Records, 1990).
Texas Tornados recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Zone of Our Own’ (Reprise Records / WEA Records, 1991).
Brother Phelps – Ricky Lee (guitar & vocals) and Doug Phelps (bass guitar & vocals) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ever Changing Woman’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Let Go’ (Asylum Records, 1993); the track reached No.62 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1994.
In July 1993, Charley Pride (Friday 18 March 1934 – Saturday 12 December 2020) saw the release of ‘My Six Latest & Six Greatest’ (Honest Entertainment Records, 1993). One of the included tracks was Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and was a re-recording; the original version of this track was recorded by Charley Pride, and was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in April / May 1970.
James Dee (J.D.) Crowe (Friday 27 August 1937 – Friday 24 December 2021) & The New South recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ever Changing Woman’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Flashback’ (Rounder Records, 1994).
Gene Watson re-recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Getting Over You Again’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘The Good Ole Days‘ (Step One Records, 1996).
Radio Sweethearts recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘New Memories’ (St. Roch Records, 1996).
Bill Green recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘World of Make Believe’ (Neon Fire Records, 1997).
Ron Wayne Atwood recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Outlaw Country’ (AVAP Records, 1997).
Odd Jarle Hanssen recorded ‘Old Loves Never Die’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Warren D. Robb, and included the track on ‘Deja-Vu’ (RTA Records, 1997).
James Dee (J.D.) Crowe (Friday 27 August 1937 – Friday 24 December 2021) & The New South recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Back To The Barrooms Again’, which was co-written with Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), and included the track on ‘Come On Down To My World’ (Rounder Records, 1999).
Wayne Kemp (Sunday 1 June 1941 – Monday 9 March 2015) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Leavin’s Been Coming For A Long Long Time’ (co-written with Joe Allen and Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘The Alcohall of Fame’ (CMC Records, 2001).
Leona Williams recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories To Burn’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Honorary Texas’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2003).
Jody Nix recorded recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Play Me Something I Can Swing To’ (Jody Nix Records, 2004).
On Saturday 17 April 2004, following a short illness, Dave Kirby passed away at his Branson, Taney County, Missouri residence; Dave Kirby had been diagnosed with multimyloma cancer in March 2004.
Dave Kirby was buried in Vienna Public Cemetery, Vienna, Maries County, Missouri.
On Tuesday 5 October 2004, Heart of Texas Records released Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone?’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2004), which included ten of Dave Kirby’s biggest writing successes:
‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone?’, which was written by Dave Kirby and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘Colorado’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘Memories To Burn’ (written by Dave Kirby and Warren D. Robb)
‘Leavings Been Coming (For A Long, Long Time)’ (written by Joe Allen, Dave Kirby and Sonny Throckmorton)
‘Forever Again’ (written by Warren D. Robb and Dave Kirby)
‘There Ain’t No Good Chain Gang’, which was written by Dave Kirby and Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022)
‘What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?’ (written by Dave Kirby)
‘Mobile Bay’
‘No More One More Time’
‘Sidewalks of Chicago’
Dave Kirby’s ‘Is Anybody Going To San Antone?’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2004) was self-produced by Dave Kirby and was recorded in his own home recording studio.
Gene Watson re-recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘If I Were You, I’d Fall In Love With Me’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Gene Watson: Then & Now‘ (Koch Records Nashville, 2005).
Billy Keeble recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘It Always Rains On Me’ (co-written with Sonny Throckmorton) and included the track on ‘The Real Me’ (Global Records, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Chicago Dancin’ Girls’ (co-written with Leona Williams) and included the track on ‘Chicago Dancin’ Girls’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2005).
Gary Lee Hargis recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ever Changing Woman’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Back To The Well’ (Gary Lee Hargis Independent Release, 2005).
Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Ray Pennington’s ‘One Away From One Too Many Heartaches’ and included the track on ‘Down In Texas Today’ (Step One Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Heart of Texas Records in 2006.
In the mid-1990s, while at Step One Records, Curtis Potter (Thursday 18 April 1940 – Saturday 23 January 2016) recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Love’s Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb); the track was subsequently included on ‘Down In Texas’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2006).
Liz Talley recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Johnny Getting Out of Jail Barbeque’ (co-written with Leona Williams and Terry Radigan) and included the track on ‘More Than Satisfied’ (Diamond Music Group, 2009).
Billy Henson, featuring The Fiddles of Tennessee, recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Colorado’ and included the track on ‘There Is A Time’ (Billy Henson Independent Release, 2011).
Justin Trevino recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Two of The Usual’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2011).
Gene Watson re-recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories To Burn’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012).
Ernie Sykes recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories of Us’, which was co-written with Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019), and included the track on ‘Ernie Sykes Sings! Brand New World’ (Ampersand Records, 2012).
Ron Williams recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Under The Spell’ and included the track on ‘Foolproof’ (Loveshine Records, 2013).
Ron Williams recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Things I Almost Had With You’ and included the track on ‘Foolproof’ (Loveshine Records, 2013).
Ron Williams recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Foolproof’ and included the track on ‘Foolproof’ (Loveshine Records, 2013).
Ron Williams recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Too Close To The Border’ and included the track on ‘Foolproof’ (Loveshine Records, 2013).
Ron Williams recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Dance ‘Til The Cows Come Home’ and included the track on ‘Foolproof’ (Loveshine Records, 2013).
Randy Travis recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?’ and included the track on ‘Influence, Volume 1: The Man I Am’ (Warner Bros. Nashville Records, 2013).
Randy Travis recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Ever Changing Woman’, which was co-written with Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), and included the track on ‘Influence, Volume 1: The Man I Am’ (Warner Bros. Nashville Records, 2013).
Teea Goans recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Memories To Burn’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Memories To Burn’ (Crosswind Records, 2014).
The Wiseman Brothers – Jay Moore, Donovan Wiseman, Devon Wiseman and Drew Lawson – recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Back To The Barrooms Again’, which was co-written with Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), and included the track on ‘The Wiseman Brothers’ (Audio & Video Inc. / The Wiseman Brothers, 2015).
Gene Watson re-recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘Old Loves Never Die’ (co-written with Warren D. Robb) and included the track on ‘Real.Country.Music‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016).
Billy Mata & The Texas Tradition recorded Dave Kirby’s ‘I’ll Go To A Stranger’, which was co-written with Ray Pennington (Friday 22 December 1933 – Wednesday 7 October 2020), and included the track on ‘Traditionally Yours’ (Calvary Productions & Keepin’ The Texas Tradition Music, 2016).
June 2013
Sean Brady at the Original Gene Watson Fan Site expressed a heartfelt word of thanks to Tracy Pitcox at Heart of Texas Records in Brady, Texas for kindly granting permission to use the above information, along with a wonderful selection of photographs, for this special feature about Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004).