Retro Redux: Faron Young - The Hillbilly Heartthrob

Faron Young experienced most of the highs - and the lows - that sometimes accompany country music fame. He was not only a big star, with several number-one hits and the adulation of fans, but he was also tremendously influential, helping many young performers get their start. And yet his life spiraled downward in later years and tragically ended in suicide.

Born and raised as a Louisiana farm boy, Faron began his musical life as did many others — by the gift of a guitar. He worked hard and by the time he was out of high school he was playing regularly in country bands. After a brief try at college, he decided to stick with music and continued performing everywhere he could. By 1951 he was able to work himself into a regular spot on the Louisiana Hayride, a radio show that was second only to the Grand Ole Opry in the world of country music. He also began making a few records and doing some road shows, often as part of a duet with friend Webb Pierce.

As Faron's career began to build he found a new recording company and also moved up to the Grand Ole Opry (where he would star for many years). He was a natural performer and soon became a favorite, his good looks and singing style earning him the nickname "the Hillbilly Heartthrob."

Unfortunately Uncle Sam came calling, and in 1952 Faron was drafted into the Army as part of the Korean War build-up. He spent the next couple of years as part of Special Services entertaining the troops, but was also able to record some records, including top ten hits "Goin' Steady," and "I Can't Wait (For the Sun to Go Down)."

His record sales began to boom and by the time he was discharged in 1954 he had a big seller with "If You Ain't Lovin," followed in 1955 by "Forgive Me, Dear," and "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young." For the rest of the decade he churned out top ten hits regularly, including "Alone With You," and "Country Girl."

Article Author: Big Geez

Big Geez is a retiree who takes time off from trimming his ear hair to write about music -- sometimes doing conventional reviews, but often just sharing his opinions about how something resonates with his memories and those of his generation. …

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