However, even though he continued to revisit that kind of music throughout his career, he refused to be narrowly categorized, and continued to stretch himself in other directions. He had another big hit with "Don't Worry", a song that was the first to feature a fuzz-toned guitar effect. Following that was his glorious Calypso-style song, "Devil Woman" (see video below), which wasn't even his first venture outside the mainland — earlier, he'd shown a fondness for Hawaii with an album titled Songs Of The Islands.
He kept churning out hits, including "Ruby Ann" and "Ribbon Of Darkness" (a Gordon Lightfoot song) but he also continued to diversify, covering gospel music - er - religiously. At the same time, he expanded his acting efforts, appearing in more movies and on TV too, but still found time for another interest — auto racing. He drove on dirt tracks and even tried the NASCAR circuit for a while.
His sense of adventure continued with his personal image too. Starting as a clean-cut performer in the early days, he eventually morphed into a long-haired, flamboyantly-mustachioed performer, complete with a wardrobe that fit right into the bright polyester look of the times.
He continued with hit after hit, including "Tonight Carmen", and "I Walk Alone". His last big hit was 1970's Grammy-winning "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife", dedicated to his wife of twenty years. (He also had two children.)
He continued to work regularly in many different musical venues right up until his death during heart surgery, twenty-five years ago this year. His countless best-selling records and multiple Grammy wins might be a little lost in the fog of time, but his music lives on and he deserves to be remembered for his many contributions.
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