Hillbilly Poet's Journey From Appalachia To Yale To Writing Hits For Elvis, Johnny

Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout: A Hillbilly Poet's Journey From Appalachia to Yale to Writing Hits for Elvis, Johnny Cash & More: A Hillbilly Poet's Journey ... Hits for Elvis, Johnny Cash & More

by Billy Edd Wheeler

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3027 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	126 pages
Item Weight	:	8.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.29 x 9 inches

FREE

In the annals of American music, there are few stories as improbable as that of Harlan Howard. Born in Harlan County, Kentucky, in 1927, Howard grew up in a dirt-poor family in the heart of Appalachia. He left school at the age of 14 to work in the coal mines, and by the time he was 20, he had already been married and divorced twice.

But Howard had a secret passion: songwriting. He would often spend his nights scribbling lyrics on scraps of paper, and he would sing his songs to anyone who would listen. In 1956, Howard's life took a dramatic turn when he was discovered by a talent scout from Decca Records. The scout was impressed by Howard's raw talent and his ability to write songs that were both catchy and meaningful.

Howard signed a contract with Decca and moved to Nashville, where he began writing songs for some of the biggest names in country music. In 1958, he wrote "I Fall to Pieces," which became a massive hit for Patsy Cline. Howard went on to write dozens of other hits for country music stars, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today" for George Jones, "Excuse Me (I Think I've Got a Heartache)" for Buck Owens, and "The Bottle Let Me Down" for Merle Haggard.

In 1965, Howard left Nashville for Hollywood, where he began writing songs for film and television. He wrote the theme song for the popular TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies," and he also wrote songs for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Dean Martin.

Howard's songs have been recorded by over 300 artists and have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. He has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He has also received the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Harlan Howard died in 2002 at the age of 74. He was a true American original, and his songs will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The Hillbilly Poet

Harlan Howard was born in Harlan County, Kentucky, on September 8, 1927. He was the son of a coal miner, and he grew up in a dirt-poor family. Howard left school at the age of 14 to work in the coal mines, and by the time he was 20, he had already been married and divorced twice.

But Howard had a secret passion: songwriting. He would often spend his nights scribbling lyrics on scraps of paper, and he would sing his songs to anyone who would listen. In 1956, Howard's life took a dramatic turn when he was discovered by a talent scout from Decca Records. The scout was impressed by Howard's raw talent and his ability to write songs that were both catchy and meaningful.

Howard signed a contract with Decca and moved to Nashville, where he began writing songs for some of the biggest names in country music. In 1958, he wrote "I Fall to Pieces," which became a massive hit for Patsy Cline. Howard went on to write dozens of other hits for country music stars, including "He Stopped Loving Her Today" for George Jones, "Excuse Me (I Think I've Got a Heartache)" for Buck Owens, and "The Bottle Let Me Down" for Merle Haggard.

Howard's songs were often about the struggles of everyday people. He wrote about heartbreak, loneliness, and poverty. But he also wrote about hope, redemption, and the power of love. Howard's songs were honest and heartfelt, and they resonated with people from all walks of life.

The Yale Graduate

In 1965, Howard left Nashville for Hollywood, where he began writing songs for film and television. He wrote the theme song for the popular TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies," and he also wrote songs for Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Dean Martin.

In 1972, Howard decided to go back to school. He enrolled at Yale University, where he studied English literature. Howard graduated from Yale in 1976, and he went on to teach songwriting at the University of Southern California.

Howard's decision to go back to school was a controversial one. Some people felt that he was selling out. But Howard insisted that he wanted to learn more about the craft of songwriting. He also wanted to be a role model for other hillbilly poets who dreamed of going to college.

The Grammy Winner

In 1997, Howard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2002, he received the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Howard was one of the most successful and respected songwriters in American history. He wrote songs that touched the hearts of millions of people, and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

Harlan Howard's Legacy

Harlan Howard was a true American original. He was a hillbilly poet who wrote songs that were both catchy and meaningful. He was a Yale graduate who taught songwriting at the University of Southern California. And he was a Grammy winner who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Howard's songs have been recorded by over 300 artists and have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. They have been translated into over 20 languages, and they have been performed in concert halls and honky-tonks all over the world.

Howard's songs are a testament to the power of music. They can make us laugh, cry, and dance. They can break our hearts and mend them again. They can inspire us to dream big and to never give up on our dreams.

Harlan Howard was a master storyteller. He wrote songs that captured the human experience in all its complexity and beauty. He was a true American treasure, and his songs will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

Hotter Than a Pepper Sprout: A Hillbilly Poet's Journey From Appalachia to Yale to Writing Hits for Elvis, Johnny Cash & More: A Hillbilly Poet's Journey ... Hits for Elvis, Johnny Cash & More

by Billy Edd Wheeler

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3027 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	126 pages
Item Weight	:	8.6 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.29 x 9 inches

FREE