Life, influence of Wagoner outlined in article

The Nashville Tennessean offers a look at the life of country music legend Porter Wagoner, who died over the weekend at age 80. Wagoner, of course, was born in West Plains, and had his first successes as a musician in Springfield. Wagoner's later years were highlighted by an unlikely comeback:

Wagoner did not record any country hits after 1983, and talks of a comeback album were halted after he nearly died from an aneurysm in 2006. But he slowly returned to good health, and he and (Marty) Stuart set about making an album that highlighted his talents.

"Wagonmaster" was released to rave reviews, Wagoner's legacy was reevaluated by the New York Times and other publications, and Wagoner wound up opening for rock band the White Stripes at Madison Square Garden.

"I'm just so grateful, and feel so good about the fact that God let me live through that aneurysm," Wagoner said earlier this year. "I guess I think he had some other things that he wanted me to do."