Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers, who were contacted during 2014, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Ann M. Stuckey, which she submitted to this site on Saturday 25 January 2014.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Ann M. Stuckey who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Ann M. Stuckey
This quote was submitted on Saturday 25 January 2014.
‘I always knew Gene Watson had an amazing voice.
I have been listening to him for many years.
Nat (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988) was very complimentary of Gene’s vocal abilities.
However, this past August (2013), I got to see Gene perform in Carthage, Texas and ever since that show, I have become a bigger fan.
His show is terrific, his performance is incredible. His rapport with his band was excellent.
I have viewed Gene and Rhonda Vincent performing Nat’s song ‘Sweet Thang’ on YouTube so many times.
They are the perfect duet.
Thanks so much for keeping this song alive’
Thank you, Ann M. Stuckey, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Ann M. Stuckey…
(photo credit: Lynn Gray)
Ann M. Stuckey is the widow of Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988), who was a true Texas gentleman.
Nat and Ann Stuckey were basically retired when Nat died from cancer on Wednesday 24 August 1988. The country music business was very good to both Nat and Ann, and continues to be for Ann M. Stuckey.
(Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988)
Nat Stuckey was born Nathan Wright ‘Nat’ Stuckey II on Sunday 17 December 1933 and was reared in Atlanta in Cass County, Texas where he attended Arlington State College, now The University of Texas at Arlington, from which he earned a radio and television degree.
Nat Stuckey established himself as a radio announcer, first at KALT in Atlanta, Texas and then at KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he worked alongside legendary announcer, Raymond Franklin Page (16 July 1925 – Wednesday 9 January 2013).
At KWKH, Nat Stuckey, along with Jim Reeves (Monday 20 August 1923 – Friday 31 July 1964), became a member of the former country music show known as ‘The Louisiana Hayride’.
In 1965, Nat Stuckey saw the release, on Paula Records, of a non-album single, ‘Hurting Again’, but it did not chart.
In August 1966, Nat Stuckey saw the release of his debut album, ‘Nat Stuckey Sings’ (Paula Records, 1966), which was produced by Nat Stuckey and Raymond Franklin Page (16 July 1925 – Wednesday 9 January 2013); the album, which was recorded at Brian’s Studio in Tyler, Texas in July 1966, included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sweet Thang’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.4, 1966)
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ was also recorded by Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984) & Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022), who included it on ‘Singin’ Again’ (Decca Records, 1967); Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn‘s version of the track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ was also recorded by Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent, who included it on ‘Your Money & My Good Looks‘ (Upper Management Music, 2011)
‘Oh, Woman’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.17, 1967)
Nat Stuckey’s debut album, ‘Nat Stuckey Sings’ (Paula Records, 1966), also included the following tracks:
‘Don’t You Believe Her’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Her’ was also recorded by Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013), who included it on ‘Another Bridge To Burn’ (Columbia Records, 1966); the track was also included on Ray Price‘s ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Columbia Records, 1968).
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Her’ was also recorded, as ‘Don’t You Believe Him’, by Reba McEntire, who included it on ‘My Kind of Country’ (MCA Records, 1984)
On Monday 10 November 2014, England’s Hux Records released Reba McEntire’s ‘My Kind of Country’ (MCA Records, 1984), along with Reba McEntire’s ‘Just A Little Love’ (MCA Records, 1984), as a special 2-for-1 CD set.
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Her’ was also recorded, as ‘Don’t You Believe Him’, by Kristin Major, who included it on ‘What’s Done is Done’ (Drivin’ Records, 2006)
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Her’ was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘My Heroes Have Always Been Country‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2014)
‘I Wonder (Where The Bird Flies)’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Wall Climber’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Sadness Follows Me Home’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Tears Tears’ (written by Robin Hood Brians)
‘On The Other Hand’ (written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz)
• Paul Overstreet & Don Schlitz’s ‘On The Other Hand’ was also recorded by Randy Travis, who included it on ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986)
‘Paralyze My Mind’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Just Leave The Door Open’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Round & Round’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Pop A Top’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’ was also recorded by Jim Ed Brown (Sunday 1 April 1934 – Thursday 11 June 2015), who included it on ‘Just Jim’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967); Jim Ed Brown’s version of the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’ was also recorded by Alan Jackson, who included it on ‘Under The Influence’ (Arista Nashville Records, 1999), which was produced by Keith Stegall.
Nat Stuckey’s debut album, ‘Nat Stuckey Sings’ (Paula Records, 1966), reached No.6 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1966.
On Tuesday 27 December 1966, Buck Owens & The Buckaroos saw the release of ‘Open Up Your Heart’ (Capitol Records, 1966), which included ‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’, which was written by Nat Stuckey, Don Rich (Friday 15 August 1941 – Wednesday 17 July 1974) and Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for seven weeks in January / February 1966.
Jim Ed Brown (Sunday 1 April 1934 – Thursday 11 June 2015) recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Pop’ and included the track on ‘Just Jim’ (RCA Victor Records, 1967); the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967.
In May 1967, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘All My Tomorrows’ (Paula Records, 1967), which was produced by Stan Lewis, and was recorded at Starday Sound Studio in Nashville in January 1967; the album included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘All My Tomorrows’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.27, 1967)
• Nat Stuckey’s ‘All My Tomorrows’ was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on ‘Real.Country.Music‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016)
‘You’re Putting Me On’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.67, 1967)
‘Adorable Women’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.41, 1967)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘All My Tomorrows’ (Paula Records, 1967) also included the following tracks:
‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006), Don Rich (Friday 15 August 1941 – Wednesday 17 July 1974) and Nat Stuckey
• Buck Owens, Don Rich & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’ his track was also recorded by Buck Owens & The Buckaroos, who included it on ‘Open Up Your Heart’ (Capitol Records, 1966); Buck Owens & The Buckaroos’ version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for seven weeks in January / February 1966
‘All My Good Times Are Gone’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Will’s Crossing’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Anywhere I Am’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Walk Through This World With Me’, which was written by Sandra Noreen Seamons (Friday 31 May 1935 – Friday 22 August 2014) and Kaye Jeanne Savage (passed away on Friday 18 December 2009)
• ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ was also recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013), who included it on ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ (Musicor Records, 1967); George Jones‘ version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in April 1967
• ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ was also recorded by Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022), who included it on ‘Singin’ With Feelin’ (Decca Records, 1967)
• ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ was also recorded by Claude Gray, who included it on ‘Claude Gray Sings’ (Decca Records, 1967)
• ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ was also recorded by Engelbert Humperdinck, who included it on ‘Release Me’ (Decca Records, 1967)
• ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ was also recorded by Daryle Singletary (Wednesday 10 March 1971 – Monday 12 February 2018), who included it on ‘That’s Why I Sing This Way’ (Audium Records / Koch Records, 2002); the track featured guest vocals from George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 – Friday 26 April 2013)
• ‘Walk Through This World With Me’ was also recorded by Tanya Tucker, who included it on ‘My Turn’ (Saguaro Road Records, 2009)
‘I Knew Her When’ (written by George Woodland)
‘Social Obligations’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’, which was written by Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003)
• ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’ was also recorded by Don Gibson, who included it on ‘Oh, Lonesome Me’ (RCA Records, 1958); Don Gibson’s version of the track reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1957, No.81 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1957 and, at the time of Don Gibson’s death, on Monday 17 November 2003, the song had been recorded by more than 700 artists
‘There’s A Lot More’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘All My Tomorrows’ (Paula Records, 1967) reached No.28 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1967.
Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ and included the track on ‘Life Turned Her That Way’ (Kapp Records, 1967).
Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984) & Loretta Lynn (Thursday 14 April 1932 – Tuesday 4 October 2022) recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ and included the track on ‘Singin’ Again’ (Decca Records, 1967); the track reached No.45 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967.
Ray Price (Tuesday 12 January 1926 – Monday 16 December 2013) recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Her’ and included the track on ‘Take Me As I Am’ (Columbia Records, 1968).
In September 1968, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Harper Valley P.T.A. / Plastic Saddle’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Plastic Saddle’, which was written by Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980) (No.9, 1968) / this track also reached No.8 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1968
‘Joe & Mabel’s 12th Street Bar & Grill’ (written by Bobby Braddock) (No.13, 1969)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Harper Valley P.T.A. / Plastic Saddle’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968) also included the following tracks:
‘Folsom Prison Blues’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003)
‘Lookin’ In A Mirror’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘She Just Wrote Me From Atlanta’, which was written by Vincent Wesley Matthews (1940 – Saturday 22 November 2003)
‘To My Sorrow’, which was written by Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980)
‘What Made Milwaukee Famous’, which was written by Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘Mr. America’, which was written by Jack Moran and Glenn Douglas Tubb (Saturday 29 June 1935 – Saturday 22 May 2021)
‘No One Will Ever Know I Lied (But Me)’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Harper Valley PTA’, which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 – Friday 20 August 2021)
‘Dreams of The Everyday Housewife’ (written by Chris Gantry)
‘Woman of Hurt’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Harper Valley P.T.A. / Plastic Saddle’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968) reached No.37 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1968.
In late 1968, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Leave This One Alone’, a non-album single, which reached No.63 on the Billboard country music singles chart.
Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006) & June Stearns recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ and included the track on ‘Back To Back’ (Columbia Records, 1969).
In January 1969, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Stuckey Style’ (Paula Records, 1969), which was produced by Stan Lewis, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘My Can Do Can’t Keep Up With My Want To’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.17, 1968)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Stuckey Style’ (Paula Records, 1969) also included the following tracks:
‘Welcome To My World’, which was written by Ray Winkler (Wednesday 13 October 1920 – Saturday 9 May 1998) and John Hathcock / Although the song is credited to Ray Winkler and John Hathcock, the melody was likely written by Eddie McDuff rather than Ray Winkler; a traditional love song, the bridge includes lyrics taken from Matthew 7:7-8 (‘Knock and the door will open; seek and you will find; ask and you’ll be given…’, from the Sermon on the Mount)
‘Gentle On My Mind’, which was written by John Hartford (Thursday 30 December 1937 – Monday 4 June 2001)
‘That’s All That Matters’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Together Again’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
‘With Pen In Hand’ (written by Bobby Goldsboro)
‘Son of Hickory Holler’s Tramp’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)
‘By The Time I Get To Phoenix’ (written by Jimmy Webb)
‘Oh, Lonesome Me’, which was written by Don Gibson (Tuesday 3 April 1928 – Monday 17 November 2003)
‘She Thinks I Still Care’ (written by Dickey Lee and Steve Duffy)
In April 1969, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Keep ‘Em Country’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969), which was produced by Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included the following tracks:
‘House of The Rising Sun’ (written by Alan Price)
‘Weren’t The Roses Beautiful In May’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Letter To Shirley’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Gardener For Her Roses’ (written by Roland Pike and Johnny Whitehead)
‘Don’t You Ever Get Tired (of Hurtin’ Me)’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘Loving You’, which was written by Jerry Leiber (Tuesday 25 April 1933 – Monday 22 August 2011) and Mike Stoller
‘Always Late (With Your Kisses)’, which was written by Lefty Frizzell (Saturday 31 March 1928 – Saturday 19 July 1975) and Blackie Crawford
‘Son of A Bum’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘First Day’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘One Mile More’ (written by Ann Monkhouse)
‘Wine In The Cellar’ (written by Jim Robinson and Johnny Wilson)
‘Sock It To Me Country Style’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Keep ‘Em Country’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) reached No.27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1969.
In July 1969, Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Young Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969), which was produced by Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 – Sunday 22 July 2001) and Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Young Love’ (written by Carole Joyner and Rick Cartey) (No.20, 1969)
Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Young Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) also included the following tracks:
‘Even The Bad Times Are Good’, which was written by Carl Robert Belew (Tuesday 21 April 1931 – Wednesday 31 October 1990) and Clyde Pitts Jr. (1939 – Saturday 26 March 2011)
‘Two Together’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Whispering Hope’ (written by Alice Hawthorne and Alton Howard) / Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey were in the final nominations for a Grammy Award for their performance of this track
‘I’ll Share My World With You’ (written by Ben Wilson)
‘I Got You’ (written by Ricci Mareno and Gordon Galbraith)
‘Together Alone’ (written by Bruce Cockburn)
‘Something Pretty’ (written by Charles Williams and Wayne Stokes)
‘Yours Love’, which was written by Harlan Howard (Thursday 8 September 1927 – Sunday 3 March 2002)
‘Stand Beside Me’, which was written by Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 – Tuesday 13 August 2013)
‘Rings of Gold’ (written by Gene Thomas)
‘Let It Be Me’ (written by Mike Curtis, Pierre Delanoe and Gilbert Becaud)
Personnel involved in the recording of Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Young Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) included the following:
Grady Martin (Thursday 17 January 1929 – Monday 3 December 2001), Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001), Pete Wade, Fred Carter and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. and Bobby Dyson (bass)
Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019) and James Isbell (drums)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) and David Briggs (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes)
Bill Walker (vibes)
Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Young Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1969.
In November 1969, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘New Country Roads’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969), which was produced by Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Cut Across Shorty’, which was written by Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006) and Wayne P. Walker (No.15, 1969)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘New Country Roads’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) also included the following tracks:
‘In The Year 2525’ (written by Rick Evans)
‘The Letter’ (written by Wayne C. Thompson)
‘In The Ghetto’, which was written by Mac Davis (Wednesday 21 January 1942 – Tuesday 29 September 2020)
‘These Eyes’ (written by Burton Cummings and Randall Bachman)
‘Bad Moon Rising’ (written by John C. Fogerty)
‘Listen To The Band’, which was written by Michael Nesmith (Wednesday 30 December 1942 – Friday 10 December 2021)
‘This Guy’s In Love With You’, which was written by Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Monday 1 September 2012) and Burt Bacharach (Saturday 12 May 1928 – Wednesday 8 February 2023)
‘Clean Up Your Own Backyard’, which was written by Mac Davis (Wednesday 21 January 1942 – Tuesday 29 September 2020) and Billy Strange (Monday 29 September 1930 – Wednesday 22 February 2012)
‘Roll Over Beethoven’, which was written by Chuck Berry (Monday 18 October 1926 – Saturday 18 March 2017)
‘Hound Dog’, which was written by Jerry Leiber (Tuesday 25 April 1933 – Monday 22 August 2011) and Mike Stoller
Personnel involved in the recording of Nat Stuckey’s ‘New Country Roads’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969) included the following:
Wayne Moss, Pete Wade, Dale Sellers, Harold Bradley (Saturday 2 January 1926 – Thursday 31 January 2019) and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Lloyd Green, Pete Drake (Saturday 8 October 1932 – Friday 29 July 1988) and Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 2005) (steel guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr., Joe Zinkan and Henry Strzelecki (Tuesday 8 August 1939 – Monday 29 December 2014) (bass)
Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019), Kenneth Buttrey and Willie Ackerman (drums)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022), David Briggs and Jerry Smith (piano)
Bobby Thompson (Monday 5 July 1937 – Wednesday 18 May 2005) (banjo / six-string Dobro)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, vibes, organ)
Dorothy Dillard, Priscilla Ann Reed Hubbard (1941 – Wednesday 24 September 2014), Louis Nunley (Thursday 15 October 1931 – Friday 26 October 2012), William Wright and The Jordanaires (vocals)
In early 1970, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Sittin’ In Atlanta Station’, a non-album track, which reached No.33 on the Billboard country music singles chart.
In January 1970, Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Sunday Morning With Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970), which was produced by Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 – Sunday 22 July 2001) and Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘If God Is Dead (Who’s This Living In My Soul)’ (written by Lawrence Reynolds) (No.59, 1970)
Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sunday Morning With Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:
‘Sunday Morning’, which was written by Van Trevor and Dick Heard (1937 – Tuesday 8 September 1998)
‘Love Takes Care Of Me’ (written by Jimmy Peppers)
‘Crumbs From The Table’ (written by Barbara Miller)
‘Daddy Sang Bass’, which was written by Carl Perkins (Saturday 9 April 1932 – Monday 19 January 1998)
‘Now Lord, What Can I Do For You’, which was written by Ira Louvin (Monday 21 April 1924 – Sunday 20 June 1965) and Anne Young
‘Well, It’s All Right’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘He Turned The Water Into Wine’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003)
‘Way Up On The Mountain’, which was written by Ira Louvin (Monday 21 April 1924 – Sunday 20 June 1965) and Anne Young
‘God Will’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016) and Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006)
‘Did You Let Your Light Shine’ (written by Barbara Miller)
Personnel involved in the recording of Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sunday Morning with Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) included the following:
Fred F. Carter Jr. (Sunday 31 December 1933 – Saturday 17 July 2010), Dean Porter, Ray Edenton (Wednesday 3 November 1926 – Wednesday 21 September 2022), Jerry Shook and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. (bass)
Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019) and James Isbell (drums)
David Briggs and Jerry Whitehurst (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, organ)
Bill Walker (vibes)
In March 1970, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Old Man Willis’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970), which was produced by Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Old Man Willis’, which was written by Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018) (No.31, 1970)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Old Man Willis’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:
‘Life’ (written by Shirl Milete)
‘Talk Back’, which was written by Bill Dees and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014)
‘Little Tin God’ (written by Myra Smith and Margaret Lewis)
‘Lookin’ For A Soul Mate’ (written by Steve Bare and Mike Bare)
‘Least That You Could Do Is Wash Your Hands’, which was written by Paul Craft (Friday 12 August 1938 – Saturday 18 October 2014)
‘Whole Lot of Lonesome Ago’, which was written by Johnny MacRae (1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013)
‘When A Kiss Really Is A Kiss’, which was written by Alex Harvey (Monday 10 March 1947 – Saturday 4 April 2020) and Elkin Rippy
‘Mississippi Hippie’ (written by Bob Leftridge)
‘It Takes Me All Night Long’, which was written by Bill Eldridge and Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003)
In September 1970, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Country Fever’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970), which was produced by Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sweet Thang & Cisco’, which was written by Bill Eldridge and Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003) (No.8, 1970) / this track also reached No.4 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1970
‘Whiskey, Whiskey’ (written by Tom Ghent) (No.31, 1971)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Country Fever’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) also included the following tracks:
‘When Ole Goin’ Gets A Goin’, which was written by Edward Monroe ‘Eddie’ Miller (Wednesday 10 December 1919 – Monday 11 April 1977)
‘Caffeine Nicotine Benzedrine (And Wish Me Luck)’ (written by Bill Hayes, Bill Howard and Betty Mackey)
‘Rainy Night In Georgia’, which was written by Tony Joe White (Friday 23 July 1943 – Wednesday 24 October 2018)
‘What Am I Doing In LA’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Mean Old Frisco Blues’, which was written by Arthur Crudup (Thursday 24 August 1905 – Thursday 28 March 1974)
‘Soul Fever’ (written by Sonny Curtis)
‘My Protest Song’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Cullman, Alabama’ (written by Roger Sovine)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Country Fever’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) reached No.38 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1970.
Jimmy Dean (Friday 10 August 1928 – Sunday 13 June 2010) & Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 – Wednesday 4 September 1991) recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ and included the track on ‘Country Boy & Country Girl’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970).
In February 1971, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971), which was produced by Jerry Bradley, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning (& She Loves Me To Sleep Every Night)’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022) and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999) (No.11, 1971) / this track also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1971
Nat Stuckey’s ‘She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971) also included the following tracks:
‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘I’m So Afraid of Losing You Again’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
‘For The Good Times’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Before I Found The Wine’ (written by Jimmy Peppers)
‘Hello Darlin’, which was written by Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993)
‘Half The Love’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Snuff Queen’, which was written by Bill Eldridge and Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003)
‘Statue of A Fool’, which was written by Jan Crutchfield (Saturday 26 February 1938 – Thursday 1 November 2012)
‘Devil Made Me Do That’, which was written by Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971) reached No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1971.
In June 1971, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Only A Woman Like You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971), which was produced by Jerry Bradley, and included one track, which was a hit single on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Only A Woman Like You’, which was written by Bill Eldridge and Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003) (No.24, 1971)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Only A Woman Like You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1971) also included the following tracks:
‘Last One To Touch Me’ (written by Dolly Parton)
‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)
‘How Much More Can She Stand’ (written by Harry Compton)
‘You Make Me Feel Like A Man’, which was written by Warner Hensley McPherson Jr. (Warner Mack) (Friday 5 April 1935 – Tuesday 1 March 2022)
‘Raining In My Heart’, which was written by Boudleaux Bryant (Friday 13 February 1920 – Thursday 25 June 1987) and Felice Bryant (Wednesday 7 August 1925 – Tuesday 22 April 2003)
‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’ (traditional)
‘Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone’, which was written by Dave Kirby (Sunday 10 July 1938 – Saturday 17 April 2004) and Glenn W. Martin (Thursday 30 June 1932 – Sunday 12 May 2019)
‘When You’re Hot, You’re Hot’, which was written by Jerry Reed Hubbard (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Sunday 31 August 2008)
In January 1972, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Forgive Me For Calling You Darling’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972), which was produced by Jerry Bradley, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘I’m Gonna Act Right’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) (No.17, 1972) / this track also reached No.34 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1971
‘Forgive Me For Calling You Darling’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999) (No.16, 1972) / this track also reached No.6 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Forgive Me For Calling You Darling’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) also included the following tracks:
‘Take Me Home Country Roads’, which was written by John Denver (Friday 31 December 1943 – Sunday 12 October 1997), Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert
‘Easy Lovin’, which was written by Freddie Hart (Tuesday 21 December 1926 – Saturday 27 October 2018)
‘Here I Go Again’, which was written by Ted Harris (1937 – Sunday 22 November 2015)
‘Don’t Pay The Ransom’ (written by Dalton Roberts and Jack Shoemake)
‘It’s Impossible’ (written by Sid Wayne)
‘Sweet Mercy Brown’ (written by Jim Owen)
‘Never Ending Song of Love’, which was written by Delaney Bramlett (Saturday 1 July 1939 – Saturday 27 December 2008)
‘Lookin’ For A Way’ (written by Jimmy Peppers)
Personnel involved in the recording of Nat Stuckey’s ‘Forgive Me For Calling You Darling’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) included the following:
Pete Wade, Dale Sellers and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) (electric guitar)
Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (rhythm guitar)
Jimmy Wilkerson and Jerry Bradley (bass guitar)
Lloyd Green and Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 2005) (steel guitar)
Bob Moore (Wednesday 30 November 1932 – Wednesday 22 September 2021), Bobby Dyson and Roy Huskey Jr. (bass)
David Briggs and Jerry Smith (piano)
Buddy Harman (Sunday 23 December 1928 – Thursday 21 August 2008), Willie Ackerman and Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019) (drums)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, organ)
The Jordanaires and The Nashville Edition (vocals)
In August 1972, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Is It Any Wonder That I Love You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972), which was produced by Jerry Bradley, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Is It Any Wonder That I Love You’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.26, 1972)
‘Don’t Pay The Ransom’ (written by Dalton Roberts and Jack Shoemake) (No.18, 1972) / this track also reached No.28 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1972
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Is It Any Wonder That I Love You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) also included the following tracks:
‘Good Hearted Woman’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Willie Nelson
‘Carolyn’, which was written by Tommy Collins (Sunday 28 September 1930 – Tuesday 14 March 2000)
‘Delta Dawn’, which was written by Alex Harvey (Monday 10 March 1947 – Saturday 4 April 2020) and Larry Collins
‘She’s All I Got’ (written by Gary Bonds and Jerry Williams)
‘I Never Once Stopped Loving You’, which was written by Bill Anderson and Jan Howard (Friday 13 March 1929 – Saturday 28 March 2020)
‘Got It Comin’ Day’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘I Sure Do Enjoy Loving You’ (written by Bill Anderson)
‘There’s Still You’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
Personnel involved in the recording of Nat Stuckey’s ‘Is It Any Wonder That I Love You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972) included the following:
Pete Wade, Dale Sellers and Jimmy Capps (Thursday 25 May 1939 – Monday 1 June 2020) (electric guitar)
Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (rhythm guitar)
Jimmy Wilkerson and Jerry Bradley (bass guitar)
Lloyd Green and Harald ‘Hal’ Rugg (Tuesday 21 July 1936 – Tuesday 9 August 2005) (steel guitar)
Bob Moore (Wednesday 30 November 1932 – Wednesday 22 September 2021), Bobby Dyson and Roy Huskey Jr. (bass)
David Briggs and Jerry Smith (piano)
Buddy Harman (Sunday 23 December 1928 – Thursday 21 August 2008), Willie Ackerman and Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019) (drums)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica, organ)
The Jordanaires and The Nashville Edition (vocals)
In April 1973, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘Take Time To Love Her’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973), which was produced by Jerry Bradley, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Take Time To Love Her’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.10, 1973)
‘I Used It All On You’ (written by Tom Crum) (No.22, 1973)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Take Time To Love Her’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) also included the following tracks:
‘Baby, Don’t Get Hooked On Me’, which was written by Mac Davis (Wednesday 21 January 1942 – Tuesday 29 September 2020)
‘Crystal Chandeliers’, which was written by Ted Harris (1937 – Sunday 22 November 2015)
‘Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues’ (written by Danny O’Keefe)
‘Lovin’ On Backstreets’ (written by Hugh King)
‘Now Lonely Is Only A Word’ (written by Rory Bourke and Gayle Barnhill)
‘Man That I Am’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Love Me’ (written by Jeannie Pruett)
‘Alabama Wild Man’, which was written by Jerry Reed Hubbard (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Sunday 31 August 2008)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Take Time To Love Her’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973) reached No.37 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1973.
Between late 1973 and 1975, Nat Stuckey enjoyed a number of hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Leaving On Her Mind’ (No.14, 1973)
‘You Never Say You Love Me Anymore’ (No.31, 1974)
‘It Hurts To Know The Feeling’s Gone’ (No.42, 1974)
‘You Don’t Have To Go Home’ (No.36, 1974)
‘Boom Boom Barroom Man’ (No.85, 1975)
In April 1974, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘The Best of Nat Stuckey’ (RCA Victor Records, 1974), which was produced by Jerry Bradley and Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included the following tracks:
‘Take Time To Love Her’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No.10, 1973)
‘Is It Any Wonder That I Love You’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) (No. 26, 1972)
‘She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning (& She Loves Me To Sleep Every Night)’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999) (No.11, 1971) / this track also reached No.5 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1971
‘Only A Woman Like You’, which was written by Bill Eldridge and Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003) (No.24, 1971)
‘Forgive Me For Calling You Darling’, which was written by Dallas Frazier (Friday 27 October 1939 – Friday 14 January 2022)and Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999) (No.16, 1972)
‘Sweet Thang & Cisco’, which was written by Bill Eldridge and Gary Stewart (Sunday 28 May 1944 – Tuesday 16 December 2003) (No.8, 1969)
‘Cut Across Shorty’, which was written by Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006) and Wayne P. Walker (No.15, 1969)
‘Joe & Mabel’s 12th Street Bar & Grill’ (written by Bobby Braddock) (No.13, 1969)
‘I’m Gonna Act Right’, which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017)(No.17, 1972) / this track also reached No.34 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1971
‘Plastic Saddle’, which was written by Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980) (No.9, 1968) / this track also reached No.8 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1968
In October 1974, Nat Stuckey saw the release of ‘In The Ghetto’ (RCA Camden Records, 1974), a compilation album, which included the following tracks:
‘In The Ghetto’, which was written by Mac Davis (Wednesday 21 January 1942 – Tuesday 29 September 2020) / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘New Country Roads’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969)
‘Folsom Prison Blues’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003) / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘Harper Valley P.T.A. / Plastic Saddle’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968)
‘Alabama Wild Man’, which was written by Jerry Reed Hubbard (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Sunday 31 August 2008) / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘Take Time To Love Her’ (RCA Victor Records, 1973)
‘Hound Dog’, which was written by Jerry Leiber (Tuesday 25 April 1933 – Monday 22 August 2011) and Mike Stoller / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘New Country Roads’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969)
‘House of The Rising Sun’ (written by Alan Price) / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘Keep ‘Em Country’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969)
‘Plastic Saddle’, which was written by Vic McAlpin (Monday 4 February 1918 – Friday 18 January 1980) / this track, which reached No.9 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1968, and No.8 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1968, was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘Harper Valley P.T.A. / Plastic Saddle’ (RCA Victor Records, 1968)
‘Good Hearted Woman’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Willie Nelson / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘Is It Any Wonder That I Love You’ (RCA Victor Records, 1972)
‘This Guy’s In Love With You’, which was written by Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Monday 1 September 2012) and Burt Bacharach (Saturday 12 May 1928 – Wednesday 8 February 2023) / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘New Country Roads’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969)
‘Loving You’, which was written by Jerry Leiber (Tuesday 25 April 1933 – Monday 22 August 2011) and Mike Stoller / this track was originally included on Nat Stuckey’s ‘Keep ‘Em Country’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969)
Following a seven year tenure with RCA Records, Nat Stuckey departed the label and signed a recording contract with MCA Records.
In February 1976, Nat Stuckey saw the release of his first album for MCA Records, ‘Independence’ (MCA Records, 1976), which was produced by Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) and David Barnes, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Sun Comin’ Up’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.13, 1976)
‘The Way He’s Treated You’ (written by Gary Price) (No.46, 1976)
‘That’s All She Ever Said Except Goodbye’ (written by Nat Stuckey) (No.42, 1976)
Nat Stuckey’s first album for MCA Records, ‘Independence’ (MCA Records, 1976), also included the following tracks:
‘Lyin’ Eyes’, which was written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey (Saturday 6 November 1948 – Tuesday 19 January 2016)
‘At Least One Time’ (written by Jack Dunham and Galen Raye)
‘After The Lovin’ Has Passed’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Walk On’ (written by Jason Barnes)
‘Linda On My Mind’, which was written by Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993)
‘Honky Tonk Dreams’, which was written by Troy Seals and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004)
‘She Stays In The Name of Love’ (written by David Barnes)
Personnel involved in the recording of Nat Stuckey’s first album for MCA Records, ‘Independence’ (MCA Records, 1976), included the following:
Grady Martin (Thursday 17 January 1929 – Monday 3 December 2001), Pete Wade, Steve Gibson and John Christopher (guitar)
John Hughey (Wednesday 27 December 1933 – Sunday 18 November 2007) (steel guitar)
Mike Leech (bass)
Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019) (drums / percussion)
Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins (Tuesday 18 January 1938 – Sunday 30 January 2022) and David Briggs (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica)
The Sheldon Kurland Strings
Byron Bach and Roy Christensen (cello)
Gary Vanosdale and Marvin Chantry (viola)
Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Kurland (Saturday 9 June 1928 – Wednesday 6 January 2010), Stephanie Woolf, Carl Gorodetzky, Brenton Banks, Lennie Haight and George Binkley (violin)
The Lea Jane Singers
Lea Jane Berinati, Janie Fricke, Tom Brannon and Duane West
In 1977 and 1978, Nat Stuckey saw the the release of a number of non-album singles, which were released as singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘The Shady Side of Charlotte’ (No.48, 1977)
‘Fallin’ Down’ / this track was released as a single in 1977, but it did not chart
‘Buddy, I Lied’ (No.63, 1977)
‘I’m Coming Home To Face The Music’ (No.62, 1977)
‘That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)’, which was written by John Beasley Smith (1901 – 1968) and James ‘Haven’ Lamont Gillespie (6 February 1888 – Friday 14 March 1975) (No.66, 1978)
‘The Days of Sand & Shovels’ (written by Doyle Marsh and George Reneau) (No.26, 1978) / this track was Nat Stuckey’s last chart appearance on the Billboard country music singles chart
Nat Stuckey also went on to direct in producing sessions, along with announcing and singing jingles on hundreds of regional and national commercials.
In the 1970s, Nat Stuckey wrote two jingles for Coca-Cola, recorded twenty-two spots for McDonald’s, and was the singing voice on the last Spuds MacKenzie commercial for Budweiser.
In the 1980s, Nat Stuckey continued recording jingles.
After Nat and Ann Stuckey moved to Nashville, they established a booking agency, Music Row Talent, Inc.
Nat Stuckey also bought and sold land in Tennessee and Texas through his Texas Promised Land Development Company.
Despite the demands of his businesses, touring schedule, recording sessions and songwriting, Nat Stuckey found time to pursue a variety of personal interests.
Nat Stuckey rode motorcycles and was a bass fisherman of sufficient skill to be invited to Bass Master Tournaments. A dog lover, Nat Stuckey sometimes was allowed to assist in veterinary surgery; the vet was a business partner.
When Ann Stuckey took charge of her husband’s fan club, she happily distributed badges, which declared that the wearer was ‘Stuck On Stuckey’. Fans were indeed ‘Stuck On Stuckey’ because of Nat Stuckey’s enormous versatility.
During a career which spanned more than three decades, Nat Stuckey was a singer, songwriter, disc jockey, record producer, music publisher, owner of a booking agency and the voice of hundreds of commercials.
In 1982, Nat Stuckey saw the release of a self-titled album, ‘Nat Stuckey’ (51 West Records, 1982), which was produced by Nat Stuckey, and included the following tracks:
‘Can’t You See’ (written by Toy T. Caldwell)
‘Lucille’, which was written by Roger D. Bowling (Sunday 3 December 1944 – Sunday 26 December 1982) and Hal Bynum (Saturday 29 September 1934 – Thursday 2 June 2022)
‘Loving Her Was Easier’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Margaritaville’, which was written by Jimmy Buffett (Wednesday 25 December 1946 – Friday 1 September 2023)
‘Brown Eyed Handsome Man’, which was written by Chuck Berry (Monday 18 October 1926 – Saturday 18 March 2017)
‘I Believe in You’, which was written by Roger Cook and Sam Hogin (1950 – Monday 9 August 2004)
‘Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys’, which was written by Ed Bruce (Friday 29 December 1939 – Friday 8 January 2021) and Patsy Ann Bruce (Friday 8 March 1940 – Sunday 16 May 2021)
‘Sunday Morning Coming Down’ (written by Kris Kristofferson)
‘Amanda’ (written by Bob McDill)
‘Good Hearted Woman’, which was written by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 – Wednesday 13 February 2002) and Willie Nelson
Reba McEntire recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Him’ and included the track on ‘My Kind of Country’ (MCA Records, 1984).
On Monday 10 November 2014, England’s Hux Records released Reba McEntire’s ‘Just A Little Love’ (MCA Records, 1984), along with Reba McEntire’s ‘My Kind of Country’ (MCA Records, 1984) as HUX142, a special ‘2-on-1’ CD set.
Randy Travis recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Diggin’ Up Bones’ (co-written with Paul Overstreet and Al Gore) and included the track on ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986).
Nat Stuckey’s carpentry skills inspired him to start a woodworking and furniture-making enterprise at his home on Center Hill Lake in Tennessee. However, Nat Stuckey’s latest venture was cut short by the discovery of lung cancer.
Within two months of diagnosis, the fifty-four-year-old entertainer died on Wednesday 24 August 1988. Nat Stuckey’s ashes were scattered over Center Hill Lake in Tennessee.
On Friday 26 August 1988, a memorial service for Nat Stuckey was held at Brentwood United Methodist Church in Nashville.
In 1998, under the guidance of Ann M. Stuckey, Music Row Talent Records released ‘Pop A Top’ (Music Row Talent Records, 1998), which included the following tracks:
‘Pop A Top’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Living In Love’ (written by Nat Stuckey and J. Martin Johnson)
‘Only Oklahoma Away’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Ken Jones
’43 & Only’ (written by Nat Stuckey and Ann M. Stuckey)
‘Sittin’ & Thinkin’, which was written by Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995)
‘Rose Ellen’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Fallen Angel’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Lover To Lover’, which was written by Jerry Fuller and John A. Hobbs (Saturday 11 February 1928 – Wednesday 12 June 2019)
‘Texas Promise’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Best Is Yet To Go’ (written by Bobby Fisher and Anna Garrott)
‘The Days of Sand & Shovels’ (written by Doyle Marsh and Bud Reneau) / this track reached No.26 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, and was Nat Stuckey’s last chart appearance
‘Fool’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Rebel’ (written by Larry Shell and Gary Gentry)
‘Why You Been Gone So Long’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
‘Night Lies’ (written by Nat Stuckey and Ann M. Stuckey)
‘One More Time’ (written by Nat Stuckey and Bob McCracken)
In June 2002, Orchard Records re-issued Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’ (Music Row Talent Records, 1998).
On Tuesday 26 October 1999, Alan Jackson saw the release of ‘Under The Influence’ (Arista Nashville Records, 1999), which was produced by Keith Stegall, and included Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’; Alan Jackson’s version of the song reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1999, No.2 on the Canadian RPM Magazine Chart in 1999, and No.43 on the Billboard Top 200 pop music singles chart in 1999.
On Monday 23 July 2001, Music Row Talent Records released Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith‘s ‘God Will’ (Music Row Talent Records, 2001); the album was a re-issue of their duet album, ‘Sunday Morning With Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969), which was produced by Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 – Sunday 22 July 2001) and Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981), and included the following tracks:
‘God Will’, which was written by John D. Loudermilk (Saturday 31 March 1934 – Wednesday 21 September 2016) and Marijohn Wilkin (Wednesday 14 July 1920 – Saturday 28 October 2006)
‘Now Lord, What Can I Do For You’, which was written by Ira Louvin (Monday 21 April 1924 – Sunday 20 June 1965) and Anne Young
‘Well, It’s All Right’, which was written by Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘Crumbs From The Table’ (written by Barbara Miller)
‘Did You Let Your Light Shine’ (written by Barbara Miller)
‘Sunday Morning’, which was written by Van Trevor and Dick Heard (1937 – Tuesday 8 September 1998)
‘Daddy Sang Bass’, which was written by Carl Perkins (Saturday 9 April 1932 – Monday 19 January 1998)
‘Way Up On The Mountain’, which was written by Ira Louvin (Monday 21 April 1924 – Sunday 20 June 1965) and Anne Young
‘His Love Takes Care of Me’ (written by Jimmy Peppers)
‘He Turned The Water Into Wine’, which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 – Friday 12 September 2003)
‘If God Is Dead (Who’s This Living In My Soul)’ (written by Lawrence Reynolds) / this track reached No.59 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1970
‘Whispering Hope’ (written by Alice Hawthorne and Alton Howard) / the original version of this track was included on Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey‘s ‘Young Love’ (RCA Victor Records, 1969), which was produced by Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 – Sunday 22 July 2001) and Felton Jarvis (Friday 16 November 1934 – Saturday 3 January 1981); Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey were awarded ‘Most Promising Duo’ in 1969, while their recording of ‘Whispering Hope’ was a finalist Grammy Award nominee in the ‘Best Sacred Song Performance’
Personnel involved in the recording of Connie Smith & Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sunday Morning with Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith’ (RCA Victor Records, 1970) included the following:
Fred F. Carter Jr. (Sunday 31 December 1933 – Saturday 17 July 2010), Dean Porter, Ray Edenton (Wednesday 3 November 1926 – Wednesday 21 September 2022), Jerry Shook and Chip Young (Thursday 19 May 1938 – Saturday 20 December 2014) (guitar)
Weldon Myrick (Monday 10 April 1939 – Monday 2 June 2014) (steel guitar)
Roy Huskey Jr. (bass)
Jerry Kirby Carrigan (Monday 13 September 1943 – Saturday 22 June 2019) and James Isbell (drums)
David Briggs and Jerry Whitehurst (piano)
Charlie McCoy (harmonica / organ)
Bill Walker (vibes)
In June 2002, Orchard Records re-issued Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’ (Music Row Talent Records, 1998), which had previously been released by Music Row Talent Records in 1998.
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’ (Music Row Talent Records, 1998 / Orchard Records, 2002), which was released under the guidance of Ann M. Stuckey, included the following tracks:
‘Pop A Top’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Living In Love’ (written by Nat Stuckey and J. Martin Johnson)
‘Only Oklahoma Away’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Ken Jones
’43 & Only’ (written by Nat Stuckey and Ann M. Stuckey)
‘Sittin’ & Thinkin’, which was written by Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995)
‘Rose Ellen’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Fallen Angel’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Lover To Lover’, which was written by Jerry Fuller and John A. Hobbs (Saturday 11 February 1928 – Wednesday 12 June 2019)
‘Texas Promise’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Best Is Yet To Go’ (written by Bobby Fisher and Anna Garrott)
‘The Days of Sand & Shovels’ (written by Doyle Marsh and Bud Reneau) / this track reached No.26 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978, and was Nat Stuckey’s last chart appearance
‘Fool’ (written by Nat Stuckey)
‘Rebel’ (written by Larry Shell and Gary Gentry)
‘Why You Been Gone So Long’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
‘Night Lies’ (written by Nat Stuckey and Ann M. Stuckey)
‘One More Time’ (written by Nat Stuckey and Bob McCracken)
Nat Stuckey’s ‘Pop A Top’ (Music Row Talent Records, 1998 / Orchard Records, 2002) was previously released by Music Row Talent Records in 1998.
On Saturday 17 August 2002, Nat Stuckey was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
It was also on Saturday 17 August 2002 when Nat Stuckey’s fellow country music artists, Tanya Tucker and Gene Watson, were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
On Tuesday 6 March 2007, Jann Browne saw the release of ‘Buckin’ Around: A Tribute To The Legendary Buck Owens’ (Plan B Records, 2007), which was dedicated to the music of Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 – Saturday 25 March 2006); one of the included tracks was ‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’, which was written by Buck Owens, Don Rich (Friday 15 August 1941 – Wednesday 17 July 1974) and Nat Stuckey (Sunday 17 December 1933 – Wednesday 24 August 1988).
The original version of ‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’ was recorded by Buck Owens, who included it on ‘Open Up Your Heart’ (Capitol Records, 1966); Buck Owens’ version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for seven weeks in January / February 1966.
‘Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line’ was also recorded by Nat Stuckey, who included it on ‘All My Tomorrows’ (Paula Records, 1967).
Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sweet Thang’ and included the track on ‘Your Money & My Good Looks‘ (Upper Management Music, 2011).
On Tuesday 7 June 2011, Randy Travis saw the release of ’25th Anniversary Celebration’ (Warner Bros. Records, 2011), which was produced by Kyle Lehning, and was released to celebrate 25 years since the release of Randy Travis‘ debut album, ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986); one of the included tracks was Nat Stuckey’s ‘Diggin’ Up Bones’ (co-written with Al Gore and Paul Overstreet), which featured guest vocals from John Anderson.
The original version of this track, which was included on Randy Travis‘ ‘Storms of Life’ (Warner Bros. Records, 1986), was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in November 1986.
Gene Watson recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Don’t You Believe Her’ and included the track on ‘My Heroes Have Always Been Country‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2014).
Dallas Wayne recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘Sun Comin’ Up’ and included the track on ‘Songs The Jukebox Taught Me’ (Heart of Texas Records, 2016).
Gene Watson re-recorded Nat Stuckey’s ‘All My Tomorrows’ and included the track on ‘Real.Country.Music‘ (Fourteen Carat Music, 2016); Gene Watson originally recorded the track during his time with Step One Records (1993 – 1997), but it was not included on any album release.
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