SUSAN RAYE
Susan Raye is the quintessential
country music star of radio, stage
and television.
Her pleasant girl-next-door beauty
was never compromised by heavy makeup,
her face always looked freshly scrubbed
and her long dark hair
was icing on the cake.
Her voice was soft and clear
with just enough country accent
to make her performances genuine.
Shania Twain is a superstar
and represents
country music of the 90s
and I love to watch her,
attend her concerts
and listen to her records;
however,
country music of the 90s
is pure crossover pop and rock
and the original homespun quality
has been boldly replaced
with glitz and glimmer
and rock-a-billy groups.
Susan exemplifies homespun country
which is representative of
country music’s earliest beginnings.
Variety is the spice of life
and we enjoy it all throughout
our entertainment experience.
Susan is not easily replicated
and remains a unique favorite
of original country music buffs.
Susan was born
in Eugene, Oregon in 1944
and moved to a small town
near Portland at age 13.
She was hired at 17
as DJ and live performer
for the KWAY Radio Station.
Susan met Buck Owens’ manager,
Jack McFadden,
when she was 19
in a Portland nightclub
and Susan was soon
touring the Pacific Northwest
with Buck Owens
and The Buckaroos.
Susan performed on Hee Haw
starting in 1969 and moved
to Bakersfield in 1970.
Susan signed with Capitol Records
and made her single release debut
"Maybe If I Close My Eyes"
in 1969 with her first major hit
"One Night Stand"
following soon afterward.
Susan’s big hit in 1971
"L.A. International Airport"
was a crossover song that reached
Number 9 on the Country Music Chart
and Number 54 on the Pop Music Chart.
Soon to follow was her popular
"I’ve Got A Happy Heart"
that rose to the Number 3 spot
in record time.
"The Great White Horse"
in 1972 was her biggest duet
with Buck Owens.
Her final solo hit on the charts was
"Whatcha You Gonna Do
With A Dog Like That?"
released in 1975.
Susan recorded 25 top albums,
including five duet albums
with Buck Owens
and two gold singles.
Susan married Buckaroo drummer,
Jerry Wiggins
in October of 1971.
Maintaining a low profile private life
Susan returned to college in 1984
at the tender age of 40.
Mother of six children,
Susan is now
a Marriage Family
And Child Counselor.
Sounds very much to me
like she’s had it all ~
ending up happily ever after.
