The latest inductee into the Hall of Famous Missourians is a country music legend from Missouri whose career spanned decades.
Porter Wagoner was born in Howell County in 1927. Wagoner was known for his flashy, rhinestone covered suits; a boisterous personality on stage; for his television show that spanned two decades; and for launching the career of another country legend, Dolly Parton.
Wagoner’s career took off after he sang on a local radio station out of the grocery store where he worked as a meat cutter. From there he was hired by Springfield radio station KWTO and then signed with RCA Records.
His hits included Green, Green Grass of Home; The Carroll County Accident; and Misery Loves Company. He also wrote songs that were hits for other artists and recorded a series of top ten duets with Parton, including Please Don’t Stop Loving Me, which became a number one hit in 1974.
Wagoner joins other famous Missourians including Mark Twain, Dred Scott, and Jack Buck in the Hall.
The Hall is located in the third floor Rotunda in the Capitol, between the House and Senate Chambers.
This takes me back! I watched The Porter Wagoner show in Granby at my Grandmother's home. He had a sidekick singer, a promising, young gal by the name of Dolly Parton.
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