Bob Ferguson (musician)

Bob Ferguson
Bob Ferguson
Bob Ferguson
Background information
Birth nameRobert Bruce Ferguson
Also known asEli Possumtrot
Born(1927-12-30)December 30, 1927
OriginWillow Springs, Missouri, United States
DiedJuly 22, 2001(2001-07-22) (aged 73)
GenresCountry
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, steel string, piano
Years active1955–1978
LabelsRCA Victor
Formerly ofFerlin Husky, Harvie June Van, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius

Robert Bruce Ferguson (December 30, 1927 – July 22, 2001) was an American country music songwriter and record producer who was instrumental in establishing Nashville, Tennessee as a center of country music. He was also a movie producer, and Choctaw Indian historian. Ferguson is best known for writing the bestselling songs "On the Wings of a Dove" and "The Carroll County Accident".[1] The "Carroll County Accident" won the Country Music Association Song of the Year in 1969. In 1983 "Wings of a Dove" was featured in the movie Tender Mercies starring Robert Duvall. In 1987, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) awarded Ferguson with the "million air" plays for the "Wings of a Dove."

The country song "Carroll County Accident", recorded by Porter Wagoner, made No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart (No. 92 pop) and No. 1 on the Cash Box country singles chart. The tune was also recorded by Wagoner's longtime duet partner Dolly Parton. Ferguson married twice, first to Harvie June Van (1950s/60s) then to Martha Jean Lewis (1970 to 2001).

  1. ^ Morris, Edward. ""Wings of a Dove" Writer, Bob Ferguson, Dies at 73 in Mississippi". Archived from the original on May 9, 2006. Retrieved 2008-05-13.