Johnny Russell - Grave of a Famous Person on Waymarking.com

Johnny Russell was born in Sunflower County, Mississippi but moved to California with his family when he was just 11 years old. It was in California that Johnny showed he had a talent for songwriting. Little did anyone know that young Johnny Russell would go on to become one of the most talented and accomplished songwriters in country music. He wrote such country music hits as “Act Naturally,” “Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer" and “Catfish John.” Johnny was a regular guest on the Nashville Network's “Nashville Now” TV show with Ralph Emory. Johnny was well over 300 pounds when he would take the stage; he would ask everyone “Can everybody see me all right?” Johnny Russell was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame on November 4, 2001.

Johnny Russell died on July 3, 2001 and is resting in the Mausoleum at the Hendersonville Memorial Park in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

The coordinates for this waymark were taken at the mausoleum entrance.

Description: Johnny Russell was born on January 23, 1940 in Sunflower County, Mississippi. His family moved to California when he was 11 years old and it was there that he was first noticed as a songwriter, having his first song published when he was still a senior in high school. During his career he wrote a number of hit song including “Act Naturally,” which was recorded by Buck Owens in 1963 and the Beatles with Ringo Starr singing lead vocals. In 1989, Owens and Starr recorded a duet of the song, which was nominated for both a Grammy and a CMA award. Johnny’s own recording career took off in the 1970s. His biggest hit was "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer," which went as high as #4 and was nominated for a Grammy in 1973. Johnny also is known for other country hits including “They Baptized Jesse Taylor” and “Catfish John.” In 1985, Russell joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry where he would often quip, "Can everybody see me all right?" Russell, who weighed about 300 pounds, loved to joke, especially about himself. He said, "I've always loved to laugh, especially at myself. Probably my greatest satisfaction is to see my audiences give off a good belly laugh. It makes me feel great! I know they're enjoying themselves. And that's what entertainment is all about. That's my job." Johnny also wrote "Let's Fall To Pieces Together," which was a #1 hit for George Strait, and "Making Plans," which was recorded by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt on their Trio album. One of his early songs, "In a Mansion Stands My Love" was recorded by Jim Reeves, and became the flip side to Reeves' #1 hit, "He'll Have To Go." Johnny Russell suffered from a number of ailments, including diabetes, and on July 3, 2001 he died in a Nashville hospital. He is resting in the mausoleum at the Hendersonville Memorial Park in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Date of birth: 01/23/1940 Date of death: 07/03/2001 Area of notoriety: Entertainment Marker Type: Tomb (above ground) Setting: Indoor Visiting Hours/Restrictions: Daily - During Daylight Hours Fee required?: No Web site: [Web Link]

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