Bob Ferguson | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Robert Bruce Ferguson |
Also known as | Eli Possumtrot |
Born | December 30, 1927 |
Origin | Willow Springs, Missouri, United States |
Died | July 22, 2001 | (aged 73)
Genres | Country |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, steel string, piano |
Years active | 1955–1978 |
Labels | RCA Victor |
Formerly of | Ferlin 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).