From American Songwriter · Erinn Callahan · · 1m
Buddy Killen: Country Music Pioneer
Buddy Killen, born in Alabama 94 years ago, shaped country music with hits for Dolly Parton and Buck Owens.
In brief
Buddy Killen, born in Alabama 94 years ago, shaped country music with hits for Dolly Parton and Buck Owens. Buddy Killen, a country music legend who helped launch Dolly Parton's career and wrote hits for Buck Owens and Conway Twitty, died at 73. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Buddy Killen's Birth and Early Career
Buddy Killen was born in Florence, Alabama on November 13, 1932.
Killen's Grand Ole Opry Beginnings
Killen started playing bass for comedians at the Grand Ole Opry, later touring with Hank Williams, Sr., Jim Reeves, and Eddy Arnold.
Tree Publishing and Songwriting Success
Killen founded Tree Publishing, which helped establish Nashville as country music's epicenter, and wrote hits for Elvis Presley, Buck Owens, and Conway Twitty.
Dolly Parton's Tribute
Dolly Parton honored Killen as 'one of the very first people to see my dream' in a statement after his death.
“one of the very first people to see my dream”
Killen's Later Career and Legacy
Killen led Tree Publishing for 14 years before selling it to CBS Records in 1989 and building Killen Music Group.
The takeaway
Buddy Killen, a country music legend who helped launch Dolly Parton's career and wrote hits for Buck Owens and Conway Twitty, died at 73.
