Country music singer and songwriter.
Born: October 3, 1928 Altus, Oklahoma Died: December 21, 2012 (age 84) Waco, Texas.
He made his mark mostly as a songwriter, charting 7 times in the U.S. between 1965 and 1980. His highest charted song was "Long Black Limousine" by Jody Miller in 1968--it peaked at #73 overall and #73 on the country charts.
Vern's musical career started at an early age. He sang at church and at gatherings close to home. He finished school in 1947, then moved to Sacramento, California where he worked in a slaughter house for several years, becoming a butcher. During this time, Vern was also doing some pickin' and singing at various clubs in the area.
He was the vocalist on many Phil Baugh releases.
Vern and Bobby George wrote hits such as "The Long Black Limousine", a tune recorded first by Vern, then by Bobby Bare, George Hamilton IV, Elvis Presley, Rose Maddox, Glen Campbell and Gordon Terry. Then they wrote, "Who'll Be The First," which was recorded by Ray Price and "One More Memory," recorded by Wynn Stewart just to name a few.
In 1964 he teamed up with Phil Baugh recording the album Country Guitar, which contained two major hits, "Country Guitar" (a song where Vern sang lead) and "One Man Band." He teamed up with Janet McBride, country singer and yodeler, beginning in 1966, recording an album of duets together and becoming a very popular act as they travelled across the country.
