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Nat Stuckey
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Key Information
Nathan Wright Stuckey (December 17, 1933 – August 24, 1988)[2] was an American country singer. He recorded for various labels between 1966 and 1978, charting in the top 10 of Hot Country Songs with "Sweet Thang", "Plastic Saddle", "Sweet Thang and Cisco" and "Take Time to Love Her"
Biography
[edit]Reared in Atlanta in Cass County, Texas, United States, Stuckey attended Arlington State College, now the University of Texas at Arlington, from which he earned a radio and television degree.[1] Stuckey established himself as a radio announcer, first at KALT in Atlanta, Texas, and then at KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana,[3] where he worked alongside Frank Page[4] and Louise Alley, a pioneer woman broadcaster and owner of an advertising agency.[5] Along with Jim Reeves, Stuckey became a member of the former KWKH Country music show known as the Louisiana Hayride.[3]
In 1965, Stuckey co-wrote Buck Owens' number-one single "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line".[3] He then wrote and recorded "Sweet Thang" on Paula Records.[3]
Another of Stuckey's compositions, "Pop a Top", was recorded by Jim Ed Brown on RCA Records in 1967 and by Alan Jackson in 1999.[3] A year later, Stuckey signed with RCA himself.[3] Among his hits for RCA were "Plastic Saddle" and "Sweet Thing and Cisco".[3]
Stuckey teamed with Connie Smith on the duet of "Young Love", followed by another single and two albums.[3] The duo was in the final nominations for a Grammy for their version of "Whispering Hope".
After seven years with RCA, Stuckey signed with MCA Records.[3] With Conway Twitty and David Barnes producing, his single "Sun Comin' Up" made the top 20, but none of his other MCA releases did. He last charted in 1978 with the number 26 single "The Days of Sand and Shovels".[1]
Stuckey also went on to direct in producing sessions, along with announcing and singing jingles on hundreds of regional and national commercials. He wrote two jingles for Coca-Cola in the 1970s, recorded twenty-two spots of McDonald's, and was the singing voice on the last Spuds MacKenzie commercial for Budweiser. He continued recording jingles into the 1980s.[1]
Another project was the ownership of Music Row Talent, Inc., a booking agency in Nashville, Tennessee, which was in business for twelve years. Through his Texas Promise Land Development Company, Stuckey began acquiring land in both Tennessee and Texas.
Shortly before Stuckey's death, Randy Travis released "Diggin' Up Bones", which Stuckey co-wrote.
On August 24, 1988, Stuckey died of lung cancer in a Nashville, Tennessee hospital.[3]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | Album | US Country | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Nat Stuckey Really Sings | 6 | Paula |
| 1967 | All My Tomorrows | 28 | |
| 1968 | Stuckey Style | — | |
| Nat Stuckey Sings | 37 | RCA Victor | |
| 1969 | Keep 'Em Country | 27 | |
| Young Love (w/ Connie Smith) | 29 | ||
| New Country Roads | 27 | ||
| 1970 | Sunday Morning with Nat Stuckey & Connie Smith (w/ Connie Smith) | — | |
| Old Man Willis | — | ||
| Country Fever | 38 | ||
| 1971 | She Wakes Me with a Kiss Every Morning | 20 | |
| Only a Woman Like You | — | ||
| 1972 | Forgive Me for Calling You Darling | 37 | |
| Is It Any Wonder That I Love You | 40 | ||
| 1973 | Take Time to Love Her / I Used It All On You | 37 | |
| 1974 | The Best of Nat Stuckey | 33 | |
| 1976 | Independence | 37 | MCA |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Country | CAN Country | |||
| 1965 | "Hurting Again" | — | — | single only |
| 1966 | "Don't You Believe Her" | — | — | Nat Stuckey Really Sings |
| "Sweet Thang" | 4 | — | ||
| 1967 | "Oh! Woman" | 17 | — | |
| "All My Tomorrows" | 27 | — | All My Tomorrows | |
| "You're Puttin' Me On" | 67 | — | ||
| "Adorable Women" | 41 | — | ||
| 1968 | "My Can Do Can't Keep Up with My Want To" | 17 | — | Stuckey Style |
| "Leave This One Alone" | 63 | — | single only | |
| "Plastic Saddle" | 9 | 8 | Nat Stuckey Sings | |
| 1969 | "Joe and Mabel's 12th Street Bar and Grill" | 13 | — | |
| "Cut Across Shorty" | 15 | — | New Country Roads | |
| "Young Love" (w/ Connie Smith) | 20 | — | Young Love | |
| "Sweet Thang and Cisco" | 8 | 4 | Country Fever | |
| 1970 | "Sittin' in Atlanta Station" | 33 | 16 | single only |
| "If God Is Dead (Who's That Living in My Soul)" (w/ Connie Smith) | 59 | — | Sunday Morning | |
| "Old Man Willis" | 31 | 31 | Old Man Willis | |
| "Whiskey, Whiskey" | 31 | — | Country Fever | |
| 1971 | "She Wakes Me with a Kiss Every Morning (And She Loves Me to Sleep Every Night)" |
11 | 5 | She Wakes Me with a Kiss Every Morning |
| "Only a Woman Like You" | 24 | — | Only a Woman Like You | |
| "I'm Gonna Act Right" | 17 | 34 | Forgive Me for Calling You Darling | |
| 1972 | "Forgive Me for Calling You Darling" | 16 | 6 | |
| "Is It Any Wonder That I Love You" | 26 | — | Is It Any Wonder That I Love You | |
| "Don't Pay the Ransom" | 18 | 28 | ||
| 1973 | "Take Time to Love Her" | 10 | 14 | Take Time to Love Her / I Used It All On You |
| "I Used It All On You" | 22 | 14 | ||
| "Got Leaving On Her Mind" | 14 | 36 | singles only | |
| 1974 | "You Never Say You Love Me Anymore" | 31 | 95 | |
| "It Hurts to Know the Feeling's Gone" | 42 | — | ||
| "You Don't Have to Go Home" | 36 | — | ||
| 1975 | "Boom Boom Barroom Man" | 85 | — | |
| 1976 | "Sun Comin' Up" | 13 | 33 | Independence |
| "The Way He's Treated You" | 46 | — | ||
| "That's All She Ever Said Except Goodbye" | 42 | — | ||
| 1977 | "The Shady Side of Charlotte" | 48 | — | singles only |
| "Fallin' Down" | — | — | ||
| "Buddy, I Lied" | 63 | — | ||
| "I'm Coming Home to Face the Music" | 62 | — | ||
| 1978 | "That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)" | 66 | — | |
| "The Days of Sand and Shovels" | 26 | 29 | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. p. 410. ISBN 0-89820-177-2.
- ^ "Nat Stuckey". Hillbilly-music.com. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Colin Larkin, ed. (1993). The Guinness Who's Who of Country Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 400/1. ISBN 0-85112-726-6.
- ^ "Frank Page Obituary". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved January 12, 2013.
- ^ "Louise Frances Koury Alley". The Shreveport Times. Retrieved October 11, 2015.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
Nat Stuckey
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Upbringing in Texas
Nathan Wright Stuckey II was born on December 17, 1933, in Cass County, Texas, near the small town of Atlanta.[1] He was the son of William Perry Stuckey and Mattie Estelle (Graves) Stuckey, in rural East Texas.[1] Raised in Atlanta, Stuckey grew up in a rural environment.[1] This setting, along with learning to play the guitar from his uncle as a child, fostered his early interest in music.[1] These formative years in Texas contributed to his passion for performance and songwriting.[1]Education and initial career steps
Stuckey graduated from Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Texas, in 1952.[1] His rural Texas upbringing shaped his interest in country music.[1] Following high school, Stuckey attended Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington), where he studied radio and television for two years, earning an associate's degree.[1] This education provided him with skills in broadcasting, such as on-air presentation and program production.[1] After graduating, Stuckey worked as a disc jockey at KALT in Atlanta, Texas, for two years.[1] He then served in the U.S. Army, where he worked with Armed Forces Radio and Television in Korea and New York City.[1] Upon returning from military service, he resumed his role at KALT and performed with local bands, including playing in a jazz band from 1957 to 1958 and leading the country band Corn Huskers from 1958 to 1959.[1] These experiences helped him develop his on-air style, musical selection, and industry connections.[1]Career beginnings
Radio broadcasting roles
After earning his associate's degree in radio and television from Arlington State College, Stuckey began his professional radio career as a disc jockey at KALT in Atlanta, Texas. In 1954, he entered the U.S. Army, serving until 1956 with the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in Korea and New York City, where he continued to develop his broadcasting skills.[1] He then returned to KALT, where he worked until 1962, balancing his on-air duties with local musical performances that complemented his broadcasting work.[1][6] In 1962, Stuckey transitioned to KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana, serving as a staff announcer and disc jockey through 1966, a period during which he refined his skills in the format and established key ties to broader country music circles.[1] As a DJ at KWKH, his routines centered on selecting and spinning records, engaging with listeners, and spotlighting emerging artists, activities that cultivated valuable industry relationships.[1][7] Stuckey leveraged his platform to promote regional talent, notably by airing his own early demo tapes, which paved the way for his entry into music performance opportunities.[1]Involvement with Louisiana Hayride
After completing his radio announcing duties at stations including KALT in Atlanta, Texas, Nat Stuckey transitioned into performing when his musical talents secured him a position at KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he became a regular performer on the Louisiana Hayride from 1962 to 1966.[1] This iconic Saturday night radio and stage show, broadcast live from the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, served as a key platform for country music talent during its later years.[8] Stuckey's early live performances built the foundation for his Hayride involvement; from 1957 to 1958, he played guitar in an eight-piece jazz band, followed by leading the country group the Corn Huskers from 1958 to 1959, entertaining audiences in local Texas clubs.[1] These experiences honed his stage presence and led to opportunities on the Hayride, where he shifted from behind-the-scenes radio work to front-and-center artistry. A 1960 photograph captures him performing on the Hayride stage, evidencing his growing presence even before his regular tenure.[9] On the Hayride, Stuckey shared the bill with a roster of country performers, including established names and up-and-coming acts, which amplified his visibility in the regional music scene and established him as one of the show's final major emerging talents.[10] The exposure from these weekly broadcasts fostered his regional fame, drawing attention from music industry figures and paving the way for initial songwriting ventures and recording contracts.[1] By 1964, this momentum culminated in his first single release, followed by a deal with Paula Records in 1965, marking his entry into professional recording.[1]Songwriting achievements
Breakthrough compositions
Nat Stuckey's entry into professional songwriting came with his co-authorship of "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line" in 1966, alongside Buck Owens and Don Rich. The song became a major hit for Owens, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for seven weeks and reaching number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. This collaboration marked Stuckey's first significant breakthrough, earning him recognition in Nashville's music industry and a BMI award for its widespread airplay.[1][11] Following this success, Stuckey immersed himself in Nashville's song-pitching scene, creating demos of his compositions and presenting them to publishers and artists in Music Row circles. His approach involved recording simple acetate demos at local studios to showcase melodies and lyrics, often drawing from personal experiences to craft relatable country narratives. This hands-on pitching process helped secure interest from labels and performers, solidifying his reputation as an emerging composer.[1] Among his early original works, "Sweet Thang" stood out as a self-penned composition released in 1966, which Stuckey recorded for Paula Records and propelled to number 4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, earning him a BMI award. The song's upbeat, heartfelt portrayal of romantic longing reflected Stuckey's creative influences, rooted in his Texas upbringing in Atlanta and his early radio exposure as a disc jockey at KALT, where he absorbed the rhythms of Southern storytelling and honky-tonk traditions. He occasionally tested such material during performances on the Louisiana Hayride, refining lyrics based on audience feedback before formal demos. This blend of regional authenticity and radio-honed phrasing defined his foundational songwriting style.[1]Hits composed for other artists
One of Nat Stuckey's most enduring contributions as a songwriter came through compositions that achieved commercial success for other performers, establishing him as a key figure in Nashville's songwriting community. His breakthrough, the co-written "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line," topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for Buck Owens in 1966, launching his career in Music Row publishing circles.[12] This early success paved the way for subsequent hits that generated substantial royalties over decades, bolstered by revivals and covers that kept his catalog active. "Pop a Top," penned solely by Stuckey in 1966, became a signature tune for other artists, highlighting his knack for crafting relatable, barroom anthems. Jim Ed Brown's version, released in 1967, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking Brown's first major solo hit and introducing the song's witty narrative about a lonely drinker to a wide audience.[13] Over three decades later, Alan Jackson revived it as the lead single from his 1999 album Under the Influence, reaching No. 6 on the same chart and earning Stuckey renewed recognition through the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), which presented him with an achievement award for the track in 2000.[14] The song's dual successes underscored Stuckey's lasting impact, with royalties from airplay, recordings, and covers providing financial stability amid his shift toward business ventures.[15] In the 1980s, Stuckey co-wrote "Diggin' Up Bones" with Paul Overstreet and Al Gore, a poignant tale of rekindling past romance that propelled Randy Travis to his fourth No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1986.[16] Featured on Travis's debut album Storms of Life, the track's traditional country sound resonated during the genre's neotraditional revival, amplifying Stuckey's royalties through its enduring popularity in playlists and covers.[1] Overall, these external successes—spanning multiple eras—highlighted Stuckey's role in shaping country music, with ongoing royalties from publishing deals sustaining his legacy long after his performing peak.Recording career
Paula Records era
In 1966, Nat Stuckey signed with the Shreveport, Louisiana-based independent label Paula Records, marking his entry into recording as a performer after establishing himself as a songwriter.[1] His debut single for the label was "Hurting Again" backed with "Two Together" (Paula 228), released in late 1965, which received regional airplay in the South but did not chart nationally.[17] This was followed in early 1966 by "Don't You Believe Her" b/w "Round and Round" (Paula 233), another non-charting effort that helped build local promotion through Stuckey's connections to the Louisiana Hayride.[17] Stuckey's breakthrough came with his third single, the self-penned "Sweet Thang" b/w "Paralyze My Mind" (Paula 243), released in mid-1966. Produced by Stuckey himself at the label's studios, the upbeat track featured his signature blend of humor and twangy guitar work, drawing from his songwriting background to capture everyday romantic frustrations.[18] It entered the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in October 1966, climbing steadily to a peak of #4 by December 17, where it held for one week before descending, ultimately spending 15 weeks on the chart and ranking #56 on the year-end tally.[3] The song's success, driven by radio play in the Southwest and Midwest, established Stuckey as a rising country artist and led to increased regional touring.[1] Subsequent Paula singles included "Oh! Woman" b/w "On the Other Hand" (Paula 257) in late 1966, which grazed the lower reaches of the country charts and served as a B-side showcase for more of Stuckey's original material.[17] These releases were supported by live performances on the Louisiana Hayride, where Stuckey often debuted tracks like "Sweet Thang" to enthusiastic crowds, leveraging the show's platform for grassroots promotion in Texas and Louisiana venues.[19] Stuckey's debut album, Nat Stuckey Really Sings (Paula LPS-2192), arrived in August 1966, compiling his early singles alongside originals such as "Wall Climber," "Sadness Follows Me Home," and covers like "She Thinks I Still Care."[17] A follow-up, All My Tomorrows (Paula LPS-2196), followed in 1967, featuring the title track as a single (Paula 267) and including his recording of the co-written "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line," which tied back to his songwriting roots without achieving single status.[17][20] These albums emphasized Stuckey's versatile baritone and narrative style, with live sets at fairs and radio showcases in the region amplifying their reach.[21]RCA Victor period
In 1968, following the success of his Paula Records singles, Nat Stuckey signed a recording contract with RCA Victor, facilitated by Chet Atkins, who recognized his potential as a performer and songwriter.[22] This move marked a significant step in his career, transitioning from an independent label to a major one with greater resources for production and promotion. Stuckey's first RCA single, "Plastic Saddle," released that year, became one of his signature hits, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and spending 15 weeks there.[4] The humorous narrative track, written by Stuckey, exemplified his witty songwriting style and helped establish his presence in Nashville. Stuckey's RCA output continued to build momentum with subsequent releases, including the 1969 single "Sweet Thang and Cisco," which reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and charted for 7 weeks.[5] This upbeat, storytelling song further showcased his ability to craft engaging, character-driven country tunes. Much of his work during this period was produced by Felton Jarvis, an associate of Atkins, who emphasized polished arrangements blending traditional country elements with the emerging Nashville Sound—characterized by lush strings, backing vocals, and crossover appeal to broaden radio play.[23] This stylistic evolution allowed Stuckey to incorporate contemporary influences while maintaining his rootsy, humorous edge, as seen in covers of pop hits adapted for country audiences. Stuckey's early RCA albums reflected this refined sound and included a mix of original compositions and covers. His debut LP, Nat Stuckey Sings (LSP-4090, 1968), produced by Jarvis, featured tracks like "Plastic Saddle," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Harper Valley P.T.A.," highlighting his interpretive skills on both originals and hits by peers like Jeannie C. Riley.[23] The follow-up, Keep 'Em Country (LSP-4123, 1969), continued the trend with songs such as "Loving You" and "Don't You Ever Get Tired," emphasizing straightforward country narratives. Later releases like New Country Roads (LSP-4226, 1969) ventured further into the Nashville Sound by covering rock and pop tunes, including "In the Ghetto" and "Bad Moon Rising," to appeal to a wider audience. These albums often peaked modestly on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, with Keep 'Em Country reaching number 27.[24] To promote his RCA material, Stuckey toured extensively across the United States, performing at venues like the Grand Ole Opry and regional fairs, where he showcased singles from his albums and engaged fans with his charismatic stage presence.[1] This period represented a commercial peak for Stuckey, with RCA's backing enabling more sophisticated recordings and increased visibility in the country music scene until 1975.[2]MCA Records phase
After leaving RCA Victor, where he had achieved several top-10 hits, Nat Stuckey signed with MCA Records in 1976.[1] This move marked a transitional phase in his recording career, as he released his only album with the label, Independence, produced by Conway Twitty and David Barnes.[23] The album featured a mix of original compositions and covers, including Stuckey's self-penned title track single "Sun Comin' Up," which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart that year. Subsequent MCA singles, such as "The Way He's Treated You" (number 46 in 1976) and "Please James" (1977), but only the former achieved modest chart performance. Stuckey's output during this period reflected the broader challenges in the country music industry of the late 1970s, including shifting listener tastes toward more pop-oriented sounds and increased competition from emerging artists, which limited his visibility on the charts.[1] His final chart entry came in 1978 with the single "The Days of Sand and Shovels," a cover of the Doyle Marsh and Bud Reneau composition previously recorded by Waylon Jennings, which reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This release signaled the winding down of Stuckey's active recording career, as he did not return to the country charts thereafter and shifted focus toward songwriting and other ventures.[1]Collaborations
Duets with Connie Smith
Nat Stuckey and Connie Smith began their duet collaboration in 1969 with the album Young Love, released by RCA Records and featuring a mix of country covers performed in harmonious tandem. Produced by Bob Ferguson and Felton Jarvis, the project included twelve tracks, such as the title song—a reimagining of the 1956 hit originally popularized by Sonny James—which became their lead single and reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.[25] The album itself climbed to number 29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, showcasing the duo's ability to blend Smith's emotive delivery with Stuckey's steady baritone for a polished countrypolitan sound.[26] Other notable cuts like "Two Together" and "Whispering Hope" highlighted their vocal interplay, with the latter drawing from traditional hymns to add a spiritual layer to the collection.[27] The pair followed up in 1970 with Sunday Morning with Nat Stuckey and Connie Smith, another RCA release produced by Ferguson and Jarvis, shifting focus to gospel-infused duets that emphasized faith-based themes. This eleven-track effort, including songs like "Sunday Morning" and "God Will," marked their only joint foray into religious music and received positive notice from Billboard for its uplifting arrangements and sincere performances.[28] The album's harmonious style built on the creative synergy of their prior work, where Smith's soaring soprano often led verses while Stuckey's deeper tones provided supportive depth, creating a balanced dynamic that appealed to country gospel audiences.[23] Their duet "Whispering Hope," featured on Young Love, earned a nomination for Best Sacred Performance at the 12th Annual Grammy Awards in 1970, recognizing the duo's evocative rendition of the classic hymn.[29] This accolade underscored the artistic compatibility between Stuckey and Smith, whose combined vocal textures—her clarity contrasting his warmth—elevated covers into fresh interpretations, though neither the single nor albums achieved top-tier commercial dominance beyond modest chart entries. Overall, their brief partnership produced recordings that demonstrated effective vocal blending in both secular and sacred contexts, influencing perceptions of duet potential in mid-century country music.[30]Other musical partnerships
In addition to his prominent duets, Nat Stuckey engaged in various secondary musical partnerships during the 1970s, particularly through production and session work in Nashville. During his tenure with MCA Records, Stuckey collaborated closely with producer and arranger David Barnes on the 1976 album Independence, which focused on solo tracks and marked a shift toward more polished country arrangements.[31] This partnership extended to co-production elements on the lead single "Sun Comin' Up," a self-penned track that reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing Stuckey's evolving sound without reliance on duet formats.[32] Stuckey's Independence sessions highlighted his networking with Nashville's renowned session musicians, including bassist Mike Leach, cellists Byron Bach and Roy Christensen, and backing vocal group The Lea Jane Singers, all contributing to the album's orchestral textures under Barnes's direction.[31] Pedal steel guitarist John Hughey, a staple of the Nashville sound, also provided distinctive instrumentation on several tracks, underscoring Stuckey's integration into the city's tight-knit studio community.[32] These collaborations emphasized collaborative song refinement rather than major co-writing ventures, with Stuckey handling primary composition on cuts like "At Least One Time," a minor self-written piece that exemplified his understated contributions to the era's country output.[31] In live settings, Stuckey made guest appearances on multi-artist tours, including a 1970s European outing alongside Hank Snow, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Darrell, where he performed selections from his RCA catalog to diverse audiences in venues like Liverpool's Empire Theatre.[33] Such networking opportunities reinforced his role within the broader country circuit, fostering informal ties with fellow performers and road musicians beyond formalized recordings.Business and later pursuits
Advertising jingles
In the 1970s, Nat Stuckey transitioned into composing and performing advertising jingles, leveraging his experience as a radio announcer to produce and voice spots for major brands. He wrote two original jingles for Coca-Cola, which were used in national campaigns during that decade.[10] These efforts marked a versatile extension of his musical talents beyond country recordings, allowing him to contribute to radio and television advertising. Stuckey recorded twenty-two commercial spots for McDonald's, providing both music composition and vocal performances that aired widely in the 1970s. His process typically involved producing sessions in Nashville studios, where he composed catchy melodies, arranged instrumentation, and delivered voice-overs tailored to the brand's messaging for memorable radio and TV broadcasts.[10] This work built on his early radio background, enabling quick adaptation to the concise format of 30- to 60-second ads. For Budweiser, Stuckey served as the singing voice in numerous commercials.[10][1] Overall, these jingle projects provided financial stability during periods of fluctuating recording success, with Stuckey contributing to various regional and national ads that enhanced his income through steady session work.[10]Publishing and real estate ventures
In the late 1960s and 1970s, Nat Stuckey expanded beyond performing into music industry entrepreneurship by co-founding Music Row Talent, Inc., with his wife Ann after relocating to Nashville. The company operated as a booking agency focused on talent management for country artists.[10][1] As a music publisher, Stuckey oversaw the management of his song catalog, which generated royalties from compositions recorded by major artists, including Buck Owens's chart-topping "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line" and Jim Ed Brown's Top 5 hit "Pop a Top." These ongoing revenues from licensing and performances provided financial stability amid fluctuating recording success.[10][1] Stuckey simultaneously pursued real estate opportunities through his Texas Promised Land Development Company, acquiring and selling land in Tennessee and Texas to capitalize on Nashville's growth and regional development potential. This venture proved successful, contributing significantly to his portfolio as he diversified from music.[10][1] With his own chart entries waning after joining MCA Records in 1976—culminating in his final Billboard Hot Country Songs appearance in 1978—Stuckey shifted greater emphasis to these publishing and real estate endeavors, sustaining his career through business acumen into the 1980s.[1]Personal life and death
Family and residences
Nathan Wright Stuckey II, known professionally as Nat Stuckey, was born on December 17, 1933, in Cass County, Texas, to parents William Perry Stuckey and Mattie Estelle Graves Stuckey.[1] He grew up in the small town of Atlanta, Texas.[1] Stuckey married Ann Monkhouse.[34] The couple relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1968 to support his burgeoning country music career, establishing a home there that became the base for their shared professional and personal lives.[1][10] Together, they founded Music Row Talent, Inc., a booking agency, allowing Ann to manage his fan club and integrate family support with business demands amid his touring schedule.[1][10] This partnership balanced the rigors of Stuckey's road performances and recording commitments with a stable family dynamic in Nashville, where they remained until his death. Beyond music, Stuckey pursued several personal interests that reflected his Texas roots and hands-on nature. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, owning two Honda bikes and a Harley-Davidson, which he rode for leisure.[10] A skilled bass fisherman, he competed at a high level, earning invitations to Bass Master Tournaments.[10] Stuckey also loved dogs and occasionally assisted a veterinarian friend with surgeries, drawing on his early dabbling in animal care.[10] Additionally, he enjoyed carpentry, launching a small woodworking and furniture-making venture as a creative outlet separate from his musical pursuits.[10] These hobbies provided respite from the demands of his career, allowing him to maintain a grounded personal life with Ann in their Nashville residence.Final years and passing
In 1988, Nat Stuckey was diagnosed with lung cancer, a development that came after years focused on non-musical pursuits such as recording advertising jingles and managing real estate investments.[1] Despite the severity of his condition, Stuckey continued to oversee his business interests during the short course of treatment, including his work with Music Row Talent, Inc., and the Texas Promised Land Development Company, which involved land acquisitions in Tennessee and Texas.[10] Stuckey's illness progressed rapidly, and he passed away just two months after his diagnosis, on August 24, 1988, at a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 54.[1] His death marked the end of a multifaceted career that had shifted from performing and songwriting to entrepreneurial endeavors in his later years. Memorial services for Stuckey were held on August 26, 1988, at Brentwood United Methodist Church in Nashville.[7] He was survived by his wife, Ann Stuckey; his mother, Mrs. W. P. Stuckey of Atlanta, Texas; and his sister, Allene Law of Atlanta, Texas.[7] Following the services, his ashes were scattered over Center Hill Lake in Smithville, Tennessee, a location tied to his personal interests in fishing and woodworking.[1]Legacy
Posthumous influence
Following Nat Stuckey's death in 1988, his songwriting catalog experienced renewed interest through covers by prominent country artists in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly on Alan Jackson's 1999 album Under the Influence, which featured a rendition of "Pop a Top." Jackson's version of "Pop a Top" peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in late 1999, introducing Stuckey's witty, barroom narrative to a new generation and boosting streams of the original recordings on platforms like Spotify and [Apple Music](/page/Apple Music). Similarly, other artists like Stacy Dean Campbell included a cover of "Pop a Top" on his 1995 album Hurt City, highlighting Stuckey's knack for blending humor and heartfelt storytelling in honky-tonk anthems. These revivals extended into the 2000s and beyond, with Orion recording "Plastic Saddle" in 1990, Gene Watson and Rhonda Vincent dueting on "Sweet Thang" for their 2011 album Your Money and My Good Looks, and Chris Shiflett & the Dead Peasants covering "Pop a Top" in 2013 on All Hat and No Cattle, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Stuckey's concise, character-driven lyrics.[35] Stuckey's narrative style, characterized by vivid, everyday scenarios and clever twists, has been cited as an influence by later songwriters seeking to capture authentic country tales. For instance, bluegrass performer Phillip Wilson, Stuckey's cousin, credited him with inspiring his own storytelling approach in songwriting, emphasizing how Stuckey's originals like "Sweet Thang" modeled relatable, slice-of-life vignettes that resonate in modern compositions. This stylistic legacy persists in contemporary country, where songwriters draw on Stuckey's blueprint for blending levity with emotional depth to craft radio-friendly narratives.[36] In the streaming era, Stuckey's catalog has gained fresh recognition, with his originals and covers accumulating millions of plays across digital platforms; for example, Jackson's "Pop a Top" has garnered significant streams on Spotify, underscoring the timeless value of his publishing rights managed through entities like Sony Music. The commercial worth of this repertoire is evident in ongoing royalties from sync licenses and playlists, affirming Stuckey's role as a foundational figure whose songs continue to generate revenue and cultural relevance decades later. Posthumously, archival efforts have preserved and expanded access to Stuckey's work, including the 1999 compilation Pop a Top on Music Row Talent, which incorporated previously unreleased demos alongside his later singles to offer insight into his creative process during the 1980s. Such releases, combined with digital reissues like Koch Records' 2006 The Very Best of Nat Stuckey, have ensured that rare material reaches new audiences, further cementing his influence without relying on extensive new recordings.[37]Recognition and tributes
Stuckey received a Grammy Award nomination in 1970 for Best Sacred Performance (Non-Classical) for his duet with Connie Smith on "Whispering Hope," recorded in 1969.[29] In 2002, Stuckey was posthumously inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his role as one of the last major artists developed by the Louisiana Hayride and his contributions as a singer and songwriter.[10] His songwriting received acclaim through the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) Country Awards; "Pop a Top," which he wrote and which became a No. 1 hit for Jim Ed Brown in 1967, earned its first BMI award in 1968 and was honored again at the 48th Annual BMI Country Awards in 2000 as one of the most-performed country songs of the year.[38] Stuckey was posthumously inducted into the Northwest Louisiana Walk of Stars in 2022, commemorating his Shreveport roots and impact on regional country music.[39] While Stuckey's musical achievements garnered these honors, his broader business ventures in publishing and advertising have received comparatively less formal recognition in major industry tributes.[1]Discography
Studio albums
Nat Stuckey released a series of studio albums spanning from 1966 to 1982 (with posthumous compilations issued later), primarily in the country genre, with a total of 15 original studio recordings across labels including Paula, RCA Victor, MCA, and independent imprints. His discography reflects a progression from traditional country sounds in his early Paula era to more eclectic blends of covers and originals during his prolific RCA period, before tapering into sporadic later releases. Several of these albums have seen digital reissues in the 2020s, such as remastered versions available on streaming platforms.[23][32][40]| Year | Album Title | Label | Key Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Nat Stuckey Really Sings | Paula | "Sweet Thang", "Pop A Top", "Paralyze My Mind" |
| 1967 | All My Tomorrows | Paula | "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line", "All My Tomorrows", "Walk Through This World With Me" |
| 1969 | Stuckey Style (also known as Country Favorites, Stuckey Style) | Paula | "Welcome To My World", "Gentle On My Mind", "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" |
| 1968 | Nat Stuckey Sings | RCA Victor | "Plastic Saddle", "Harper Valley P.T.A.", "Folsom Prison Blues" |
| 1969 | Keep 'Em Country | RCA Victor | "Loving You", "The House Of The Rising Sun", "Sock It To Me Country Style" |
| 1969 | New Country Roads | RCA Victor | "Cut Across Shorty", "In The Ghetto", "This Guy's In Love With You" |
| 1970 | Old Man Willis | RCA Victor | "Old Man Willis", "It Takes Me All Night Long", "Mississippi Hippie" |
| 1970 | Country Fever | RCA Victor | "Sweet Thang And Cisco", "Rainy Night In Georgia", "Whiskey Whiskey" |
| 1971 | She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning | RCA Victor | "She Wakes Me With A Kiss Every Morning", "Sunday Morning Coming Down", "For The Good Times" |
| 1971 | Only A Woman Like You | RCA Victor | "Only A Woman Like You", "Help Me Make It Through The Night", "When You're Hot You're Hot" |
| 1972 | Forgive Me For Calling You Darling | RCA Victor | "Forgive Me For Calling You Darling", "Take Me Home Country Roads", "Don't Pay The Ransom" |
| 1972 | Is It Any Wonder That I Love You | RCA Victor | "Is It Any Wonder That I Love You", "Delta Dawn", "She's All I Got" |
| 1973 | Take Time To Love Her / I Used It All On You | RCA Victor | "Take Time To Love Her", "Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me", "Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues" |
| 1976 | Independence | MCA | "Sun Comin' Up", "Lyin' Eyes", "Honky Tonk Dreams" |
| 1982 | Nat Stuckey | 51 West | "Can't You See", "Lucille", "Margaritaville" |
Compilations and posthumous releases
Notable compilations include The Best Of Nat Stuckey (RCA Victor, 1974) and the posthumous Pop A Top (AMS/Music Row Talent, 1998), which blends re-recordings of early hits like "Pop A Top" and "Sweet Thang" with previously unreleased material.[41][32]Charting singles
Nat Stuckey released 35 singles that charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart from 1966 to 1978, initially on Paula Records before switching to RCA Victor in 1968 and MCA Records in 1976. His career highlights included four top 10 hits: "Sweet Thang" peaking at number 4 in September 1966 with B-side "Paralyze My Mind" on Paula 243, "Plastic Saddle" reaching number 9 in October 1968 with B-side "Woman of Hurt" on RCA Victor 47-9631, "Sweet Thang and Cisco" hitting number 8 in October 1969 with B-side "Son of a Bum" on RCA Victor 74-0238, and "Take Time to Love Her" number 10 in February 1973 with B-side "Carry Me Back" on RCA Victor 74-0879.[2][23][3] Other notable charting singles included "The Days of Sand and Shovels," reaching number 26 in July 1978 with B-side "Mexican Divorce" on MCA 40923.[2][5][23] Stuckey also charted with duet singles, such as "Young Love" with Connie Smith, a cover of the 1956 standard that peaked at number 20 in 1969 with B-side "Something Pretty" on RCA Victor 74-0181; the collaboration stemmed from their joint album of the same name (see Collaborations section).[2][23] The following table lists selected charting singles on Hot Country Songs, including peaks, entry years, labels, and B-sides where available (full list of 35 available at cited sources):| Year | Title | Peak | Label / Catalog | B-Side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Sweet Thang | 4 | Paula 243 | Paralyze My Mind |
| 1967 | Oh! Woman | 17 | Paula 257 | On The Other Hand |
| 1967 | All My Tomorrows | 27 | Paula 267 | You're Puttin' Me On |
| 1967 | Adorable Women | 41 | Paula 276 | I Knew Her When |
| 1968 | Plastic Saddle | 9 | RCA Victor 47-9631 | Woman of Hurt |
| 1969 | Joe and Mabel's 12th Street Bar and Grill | 13 | RCA Victor 47-9720 | Loving You |
| 1969 | Cut Across Shorty | 15 | RCA Victor 74-0163 | Understand Little Man |
| 1969 | Young Love (with Connie Smith) | 20 | RCA Victor 74-0181 | Something Pretty |
| 1969 | Sweet Thang and Cisco | 8 | RCA Victor 74-0238 | Son of a Bum |
| 1970 | Old Man Willis | 31 | RCA Victor 47-9833 | Untitled |
| 1970 | Whiskey, Whiskey | 31 | RCA Victor 47-9884 | What Am I Doing In L.A.? |
| 1970 | She Wakes Me with a Kiss Every Morning | 11 | RCA Victor 47-9929 | The Devil Made Me Do That |
| 1971 | Only a Woman Like You | 24 | RCA Victor 47-9977 | Half the Love |
| 1971 | I'm Gonna Act Right | 17 | RCA Victor 48-1010 | Chained |
| 1971 | Forgive Me for Calling You Darling | 16 | RCA Victor 74-0590 | He's Got the Whole World in His Hands |
| 1972 | Is It Any Wonder That I Love You? | 26 | RCA Victor 74-0687 | Got It Comin' Day |
| 1972 | Don't Pay the Ransom | 18 | RCA Victor 74-0761 | There's Still You |
| 1973 | Take Time to Love Her | 10 | RCA Victor 74-0879 | Carry Me Back |
| 1973 | I Used It All on You | 22 | RCA Victor 74-0973 | I Know the Feelin' |
| 1976 | Sun Comin' Up | 13 | MCA 40519 | Honky Tonk Dreams |
| 1978 | The Days of Sand and Shovels | 26 | MCA 40923 | Mexican Divorce |