In The News

Country singer Slim Whitman passes away

Country singer Slim Whitman passes away

THE country singer Slim Whitman has passed away at the age of 90.

Born Ottis Dewey Whitman, his road to fame began with an approach from Colonel Tom Parker, who went on become Elvis Presley’s manager. Parker had heard Mr. Whitman singing on a radio station and was impressed enough to get him signed to RCA Records. 

His first single I’m Casting My Lasso Towards The Sky was released in 1948 but success was to remain elusive for the first several years. However, his cover version of Love Song Of The Waterfall reached Number 10 in the U.S. Country Charts in 1952 and this proved to be turning-point in his career.

He quickly followed up this success with Indian Love Call which reached Number 2 in the charts

His distinctive yodelling singing style proved a hit with fans across the world. The single Rose Marie (see below) reached Number 4 in America and Number 1 in Britain — a position he held for 11 weeks, setting a record which was to stand for 36 years when Bryan Adams’ recording of (Everything I Do) I Do It For You held the top spot for 16 weeks in 1991.

During his career he recorded more than 65 albums and enjoyed worldwide sales in the millions. His other hits included I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen, Just Call Me Lonesome, I Remember You (see below) and Red River Valley.

His final album Twilight On The Trail was released in 2010.

In a 1991 interview, Mr. Whitman said he wanted to be remembered as “a nice guy”, adding: “I don’t think you’ve ever heard anything bad about me, and I’d like to keep it that way”.

He is survived by his children Byron and Sharon.

To view footage of Mr. Whitman singing Rose Marie, click here.

To see a performance of I Remember You, click here.

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