Origin Mt. Airy, North Carolina, U.S… Read Full Bio ↴Born November 10, 1945 (1945-11-10)
Origin Mt. Airy, North Carolina, U.S.
Genre(s) Country pop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, Author
Instrument(s) Vocals, guitar
Years active 1967 – present
Label(s) Ramco Records
Challenge Records
Dot Records
Warner Bros. Records
Songbird Records
RCA Records
Mercury Records
Cleveland Records
Associated acts Billy Joe Royal
Website Official Fan Club Site
Donna Fargo (born Yvonne Vaughan on November 10, 1945 in Mount Airy, North Carolina) is an American country music singer-songwriter, who is best-known for a series of Top 10 Country hits in the 1970s. This includes "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA" and "Funny Face", which both became major crossover Pop hits in 1972.
Fargo has won major awards since her debut in the late 60s, including one Grammy award, five awards from the Academy of Country Music and one award from the Country Music Association.
Early career before music
Donna Fargo was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina in 1945. Fargo had been singing since her early years, but never thought about singing professionally. Fargo attended High Point College, then headed west to study at the University of Southern California. After getting her degree, she became a high school teacher in Covina, California, progressing to head of the English Department. [1] While in California, she met Stan Silver, who became her manager when Fargo was performing in California clubs and first seeking a career in music. At this point, Fargo was still teaching. Fargo and Silver eventually married.
Career discovery
She soon started to appear around L.A. while teaching. She went to Phoenix in 1966, adopted the name "Donna Fargo", and recorded her first single. Her first major show was with Ray Price and she began playing in Southern California. [2] Fargo recorded for a few small labels in the early '60s, including Ramco and Challenge, but songs like "Who's Been Sleeping on My Side of the Bed" didn't catch fire.[3] Although her original singles were not successful, the Academy of Country Music Awards named her the "Top New Female Vocalist" award in 1969 anyway. In 1972, Fargo recorded a single for the Decca label before achieving her breakthrough later that year.
Country music career
1972 – 1978: Breakthrough
In 1972 one of Fargo's self-penned songs, "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA" was picked up by Dot Records. Fargo was then signed to the label, and the single was released the same year. She was one of the few female country singers to write her own material at the time, and one of the few country singers to cross over to the Pop charts in a big way, which she did in 1972 with "The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A." (number 11). [4] The song also became a major Country hit, peaking at #1 in 1972. An album of the same name was also released following the song's success, which was also quite successful as was certified "Gold" by the RIAA in early 1973 for selling over 500,000 copies. The follow-up single, "Funny Face" also peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country Chart, and became an ever bigger Pop hit than her previous single, peaking at #5. Both singles were certified "Gold" by the end of the year.
She never made the pop Top 40 again, but placed over a dozen more singles in the country Top Ten in the '70s, most written by herself. [5] Fargo's second album, My Second Album, released in 1973, peaked at #1 on the "Top Country Albums" chart and spawned two singles, both of which were #1 Country hits, "Superman" and "You Were Always There", which both charted on the Pop charts. Fargo remained successful with her third album, also released in 1973, All About Feeling, which released two Top 10 Country hits, "Little Girl Gone" and "I'll Try a Little Bit Harder". The same year, the Grammy awards awarded Fargo the Best Female Country Vocal Performance award for "The Happies Girl in the Whole USA". She was also named "Top Female Vocalist" by the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Fargo ultimately became the fifth most successful female country artist of the 1970s, according to Billboard, behind Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, and Lynn Anderson.
For a better part of the 70s, Fargo stayed high on the charts with songs like "You Were Always There", "It Do Feel Good", and "Mr. Doodles." [6] Fargo had another successful album with Dot in 1974 releasing Miss Donna, which spawned three Top 10 hits, including "You Can't Be a Beacon if You're Light Don't Shine", which peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country Chart. Dot Records was acquired by ABC and the was a noticeable drop-off in chart placings and in 1976, she moved to Warner Bros. Records. [7] In 1976 however, she returned on Warner Bros. with the On the Move album, which brought two Top 20 hits to Fargo. The next year her next album, Fargo Country was released. The album spawned her first #1 Country hit since 1974, "That Was Yesterday", followed by another Top 10 Country hit, "Mockingbird Hill", which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1977. Fargo's 1978 album, Shame on Me also yielded two Top 10 hits, the title track and "Do I Love You", which peaked at #2.
Recognized as one of the leading country songwriters of the era, Fargo's songs have been recorded by Tammy Wynette, Sonny James, Kitty Wells, Tanya Tucker, Jody Miller, Marty Robbins, Dottie West and other artists. Additionally, almost everything Fargo recorded for years was self-penned.
She briefly had her own TV special (produced by the Osmond Brothers), which ran for a year, beginning in 1978. [8] Fargo is one of only five country female vocalists to have their own television series. Kitty Wells in 1968 and Dolly Parton in 1976) were the first. Barbara Mandrell and Reba McEntire are the other two who have had shows since the Fargo series.
1979: Multiple sclerosis problems
In 1978, Fargo found was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was down for a while, but with medical advice and her husbands support, Donna made it back, returning to a limited schedule in 1979 and another Top 10 hit. For the next few years the successes came at a lower level. [9] Although the illness caused a serious decline in her promotional work, Fargo vowed to not let the disease ultimately get to her. In 1979 She recorded a new album, Just for You, which spawned 1 Top 40 hit, "Daddy", a song Fargo had recorded ten years before. The song peaked at #14 in 1979. The follow-up, "Preacher Berry" peaked outside the Country Top 40.
1980 – 1991: Career decline
Fargo released one more album with Warner Bros. in 1980, before switching to the smaller "Songbird" label in 1981. She recorded a well-received Gospel album in 1981 for MCA/Songbird and in 1982 she moved to RCA. [10] Fargo singles charted off RCA in 1983 and 1984, and she recorded one album for the label in 1983. She recorded a single for Columbia records in 1983, as well for Cleveland records in 1984. By now, Fargo's career began to decline in terms of album sales and chart placements.
After several other label changes, Donna signed with Mercury and began another upswing. [11] She recorded an album with the label, Winners, which resulted in three singles spawned from the album, including a Top 30 hit, "Me and You". Fargo also dueted with Billy Joe Royal for her next single, "Members Only". The song became a Top 25 Country hit in 1987, peaking at #23. In 1991, she released the song, "Soldier Boy", a reference to the Gulf War at the time. The song was Fargo's last charting single.
Fargo has since not released another studio since 1986. In 1992, she began work on her autobiography. [12]
Writing career
Since having left recording albums and singles, Fargo has since pursued other careers outside of the music business. She has since established a successfuyl line of greeting cards in The Donna Fargo Collection through the Blue Mountain Arts Poets and Artists series. She has just finished another book. [13] More recently, Fargo has released another series of poem books, including Turst in Yourself, To the Love of My Life, and Ten Golden Rules. Fargo sells her books at her official website.
Awards
Year Award Award Program
1969 Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Female Vocalist
1972 Top Female Vocalist
Song of the Year; "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA"
Single of the Year; "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA]]"
Album of the Year; The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA
Country Music Association Awards Single of the Year; "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA"
1973 Grammy Awards Best Female Country Vocal Performance; "The Happiest Girl In the Whole USA"
Biillboard Awards Top All-Around Female Vocalist-Songwriter
BMI Awards Song of the Year
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Fargo
[edit] References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Fargo
^ Donna Fargo at Birthplace of Country Music.com; profile
^ Donna Fargo at Birthplace of Country Music.com; profile
^ Wolff, Kurt (2000). In Country Music: The Rough Guide. Orla Duane, Editor. London: Rough Guides Ltd. p. 435.
^ Donna Fargo biography at CMT.com; retrieved April 3, 2008
^ Donna Fargo biography at CMT.com
^ Wolff, Kurt (2000). In Country Music: The Rough Guide. Orla Duane, Editor. London: Rough Guides Ltd. p. 436.
^ Birthplace of Country Music's profile on Donna Fargo
^ Wolff, Kurt (2000). In Country Music: The Rough Guide. Orla Duane, Editor. London: Rough Guides Ltd. p. 436.
^ Donna Fargo at Birthplace of Country Music.com
^ Donna Fargo at Sing 365.com
Funny Face
Donna Fargo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Funny face, I need you
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
When the road I walk seems all up hill
And the colors in my rainbow turn blue
You kiss the tears away
You smile at me and say
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world's wrapped up in you.
And when I hurt your feelings as I sometimes do
And I say those mean things that we know are not true
You forgive my childish ways
You hold me close and say
Funny face, funny face I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world's wrapped up in you
The song Funny Face, sung by Donna Fargo, talks about the deep love and admiration she has for someone she calls 'funny face.' The line "my whole world's wrapped up in you" in the chorus pretty much sums up the message of the entire song – the person she is singing to is the center of her world, and without them, everything seems bleak and colorless. She personifies her partner as the only source of sunshine in her otherwise cloudy day.
As the song progresses, Fargo details the unwavering support and loyalty she receives from her partner, even during times of hurtful speech and stubbornness. Her partner forgives her mistakes, embraces her, and tells her that they love her no matter what, always helping her get through those tough times. They are the constant in her life that brings comfort and reassurance.
Overall, the song is a beautiful representation of a strong and healthy relationship, where two people rely on each other without any pride, ego, or malice in their hearts. Fargo's simple but emotive lyrics perfectly capture the essence of a loving relationship that uplifts, supports, and strengthens both parties.
Line by Line Meaning
Funny face, I love you
I express my love for you with your unique and amusing appearance.
Funny face, I need you
I need your presence in my life to feel complete and happy.
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
You are my world, my everything, and I cannot imagine my life without you.
When the road I walk seems all up hill
Life's challenges seem daunting and insurmountable.
And the colors in my rainbow turn blue
Everything around me seems colorless and dull, and I cannot see the beauty that life holds.
You kiss the tears away
You comfort me and wipe away my tears.
You smile at me and say
You reassure me that everything will be okay.
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
I cherish your words of love and affection, and they mean everything to me.
Funny face, don't leave me
I'm afraid to lose you and the happiness you bring into my life.
Funny face, believe me
I want you to trust me and understand how much you mean to me.
And when I hurt your feelings as I sometimes do
I am sometimes hurtful and thoughtless, and I regret causing you pain.
And I say those mean things that we know are not true
I sometimes speak in anger and say things that I don't truly mean, and I know it hurts you.
You forgive my childish ways
You are patient and understanding, and you forgive me for my mistakes and immaturity.
You hold me close and say
You comfort me and reassure me of your love and support.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DONNA FARGO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Janine Linnert
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
When the road I walk seems all up hill
And the colors in my rainbow turn blue
You kiss the tears away
You smile at me and say
Funny face, (funny face) I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world's wrapped up in you.
And when I hurt your feelings as I sometimes do
And I say those mean things that we know are not true
You forgive my childish ways
You hold me close and say
Funny face, funny face I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world's wrapped up in you
pieter van wyk
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
When the road I walk seems all up hill
And the colors in my rainbow turn blue
You kiss the tears away
You smile at me and say
Funny face, (funny face) I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world's wrapped up in you
And when I hurt your feelings as I sometimes do
And I say those mean things that we know are not true
You forgive my childish ways
You hold me close and say
Funny face, funny face I love you
Funny face, I love you
Funny face, I need you
These are...
A True Faith
Never apologize for feeling grief and knowing there is a connection beyond time with your Mom.
Thank you for sharing with me. I am Tracey, age 52.
I am sincere in my empathy. I think we have much in common.
My mother also loved Freddy Fender. Despite not being well-off, we had a console and a stack of records. My Mom made music a priority.
Thank you for sharing with me. My Mom died on Dec. 2nd and had pre-bought gifts, so Christmas is always tough. May God bless you and yours!
Anne C
Anne Chipman
🎼Funny face, I love you ❤️
Funny face, I need you
My whole worlds wrapped up in you
When the road I walk seems all up hill
And the colors in my rainbow turn blue
You kiss the tears away
You smile at me and say
Funny face, (funny face) I love you
Funny face, I love you ,❤️
Funny face, I need you
These are the sweetest words I've ever heard
Funny face, don't leave me
Funny face, believe me
My whole world's wrapped up in you
And when I hurt your feelings as I sometimes do
And I say those mean things that we know are not true
You forgive my childish ways
You hold me close and say
Funny face, funny face I love you
Funny face, I love you ..❤️
Funny face, I need you
These are...🎧....so sweet
John Brewer
My wife passed away just before Thanksgiving 2022. But just a few days before she could sing through her bi-pap mask. It was high pitched and hard to hear her, but we made out what she was singing -- this song. I never remember hearing her sing it before, but on this occasion it was angelic in message and passion. So sweet.. I pray I'll never forget. Thank you Donna Fargo.❤
A True Faith
May you know that your wife will reunite with you. The fact that you posted this proves you have a good soul. May God bless you and yours.
Dawnn Page
My Daddy sang this song to me everyday and then as we danced on my wedding day he sang it to me again. Today I listen to this song and pray that my Daddy will make it through his cancer surgery. So today this song will get me through the day. 💖💖
Janice Lawrence
Such special memories with your daddy. I’m glad you have them to keep in your heart forever. I hope your daddy is still around and is still singing this song to you. If not, whenever you hear this song, I hope it makes you smile through the tears surely brought on by his absence. 💞🙏🏼
Paul Brown
I hope your Dad made it through the operation girl, you and him have our blessings.
Barbara Justice
I use to listen to this as a kid. I loved country, her and Tammy
Jul In The Kitchen
OH so nice Dad !!
tom whalen
hope your dad is well
Chris Low
My wife is singing this at the top of her voice...! It was her and her deceased sisters favorite song. Music is a gift from God
Jane Heffernan
Look at this girl I feel Sam's pain god help him with the loss of his little funny face xxx