Roy Acuff was born in Maynardville, Tennessee, to Ida Carr and Simon E. Neil Acuff (a Baptist preacher, judge and tenant farmer), the third of their five children. Originally, Acuff didn't plan to be a singer. Acuff sang in the church choir as a schoolboy, but he was more interested in sports, particularly baseball. Not only was he attracted to the sport, he had a wild streak — after his family moved to Knoxville, he was frequently arrested for fighting. Acuff continued to concentrate on playing ball, eventually becoming strong enough to earn a tryout for the major leagues. However, that tryout never took place. Before he had a chance to play, he was struck by a severe sunstroke while he was on a fishing trip; after the sunstroke, Acuff suffered a nervous breakdown. While he was recovering, he decided that a career in baseball was no longer possible, so he decided to become an entertainer. He began to learn the fiddle and became an apprentice of Doc Hauer, a local medicine show man.
While traveling with the medicine show, Acuff learned how to be a performer -- he learned how to sing, how to imitate, how to entertain, how to put on a show. Soon, Acuff joined the Tennessee Crackerjacks, who had a regular slot on Knoxville radio station WROL. Although he was performing frequently, he wasn't making any significant headway, failing to become a star in Tennessee. One song changed that situation -- "The Great Speckled Bird," an old gospel tune that had become popular with the Church of God sect. After another radio entertainer wrote the words out to the song, Acuff began performing it in his shows. Quickly, he became popular throughout the eastern part of Tennessee and was asked to record the song by ARC, a record label with national distribution. Acuff headed north to Chicago for a recording session, which resulted in 20 different songs. In addition to "The Great Speckled Bird," he recorded "Steamboat Whistle Blues" and "The Wabash Cannonball," another Tennessee standard that featured the singer imitating the sound of a train whistle; he also made a handful of risqué numbers during these sessions, which were released under the name the Bang Boys.
Music career
He then turned his attention to his father's fiddle and began playing in a traveling medicine show, often performing in blackface. He toured the Southern United States and eventually formed a band called "The Crazy Tennesseans".
In 1936, he recorded his two most enduring songs, the traditional The Great Speckled Bird and The Wabash Cannonball. He debuted at the Grand Ole Opry two years later. He was booked as a fiddler, and he should have played the Turkey Buzzard for a square dancing segment, but he decided to try and sing The Great Speckled Bird. His decision was not well received, however. Acuff became a regular on the Opry, forming a backing band called the Smoky Mountain Boys, led by friend and Dobro player Bashful Brother Oswald. By 1940 he was the star of the show.
The Great Roy Acuff LP (1964)Acuff's recording of The House of the Rising Sun on November 3, 1938 is the first known commercial recording of the song. He released several singles in the 1940s such as The Wreck on the Highway, Beneath That Lonely Mound of Clay and The Precious Jewel. During the 1940s he also appeared in eight movies.
In 1942, a man of many talents, he formed a music publishing venture with Chicago songwriter Fred Rose. Acuff-Rose Music became a country music phenomenon, owning huge numbers of copyrights including those by Marty Robbins, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and all of the songs of Hank Williams.
As his record sales declined in the late 1940s and 1950s, Acuff spent most of his time on the road, becoming one of the hottest tickets in country music. In 1962 he was the first living musician elected to The Country Music Hall of Fame. By the 1970s Acuff performed almost exclusively with the Grand Ole Opry, at Opryland USA, greatly legitimizing it as the top institution in country music. He made one rare appearance at Carlton Haney's Camp Spring Bluegrass Festival in 1971.
For his contribution to the recording industry, he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located on 1541 Vine St. He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 1991.
Political career
Acuff had a brief affair with politics, losing campaigns for the governor of Tennessee as a Republican in 1944 and 1948. In 1970, he campaigned for his friend Tex Ritter in his bid for the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate seat from Tennessee.
Trivia
A popular legend is that Japanese troops during World War II would enter battle yelling, "To hell with Roosevelt! To hell with Babe Ruth! To hell with Roy Acuff!"
Acuff was initiated as an Entered Apprentice at the East Nashville Freemasonry Lodge in 1943, and raised to Master Mason in 1944. He was made a 33rd Degree Mason on 21 October 1985.
Acuff is thought to be one inspiration for Henry Gibson's character Haven Hamilton in Robert Altman's film Nashville. The fictionalized character was reportedly a composite of several well-known musicians, including Acuff and Hank Snow.
Acuff on recording: "A little secret of my policy in the studio ... whenever you once decide that you are going to record a number, put everything you've got into it. Don't say, 'Oh, we'll take it over and do it again' because every time you go through it you lose just a little something ... [l]et's do it the first time and to hell with the rest of them" - on the classic album Will the Circle Be Unbroken.
U.S. Olympian high jumper Amy Acuff is his distant cousin. Some sources erroneously list her as his daughter.
Tennessee Waltz
Roy Acuff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When an old friend, I happened to see
I introduced him to my loved one and while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Only you know how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend, I happened to see
I introduced him to my loved one and while they were dancing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Only you know how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The song Tennessee Waltz is a heartbreaking tale of betrayal and lost love. The singer was dancing with his love to the Tennessee waltz when he sees an old friend. He introduces this friend to his girlfriend, and while they are dancing, the friend steals her away from him. The singer is left heartbroken as he remembers the night and the beautiful Tennessee waltz that played as he lost his love.
The song captures the singer's feelings of hurt and loss, which are emphasized by the waltz's slow, mournful melody. It is a universal theme that many people can relate to, as everyone has experienced heartbreak at some point in their lives. The use of the waltz, which is traditionally a romantic and celebratory dance, further underscores the sorrowful nature of the song.
Overall, Tennessee Waltz is considered a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It has been covered by numerous artists and is a staple of country music. The song's timeless theme and haunting melody continue to resonate with fans around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I was dancing with my darling to the Tennessee Waltz
I was enjoying a night out with my significant other, dancing to the harmonious tune of the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend, I happened to see
As chance would have it, I saw an old acquaintance of mine at the event
I introduced him to my loved one and while they were dancing
I introduced my friend to my significant other and they ended up dancing together
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
Unfortunately, my friend ended up stealing my significant other from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Even though it hurts, I have vivid memories of that night and the song that was playing
Only you know how much I have lost
Nobody else can truly understand the pain and loss that I feel
Yes, I lost my little darling the night they were playing
It's true, I lost the person I loved dearly on that very night when the Tennessee Waltz was playing
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
Despite the heartache it brings me, the Tennessee Waltz will forever remain a beautiful piece of music
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Redd Stewart, Pee Wee King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mack Dog
My God they were so talented back then. Who ever thought they would be long gone and here we are still listening and appreciating all their works.....
Claudia Heinowski
I grew up in the 50's listening to greats like Roy Acuff, and MANY more !
Richard L Ball
May country music last forever,there is no other kind of music that even comes close. I am 83 years young, and still enjoy country music today as much as I did growing up.I was raised up in the hills of KENTUCKY.I am up north now,but moving back to KY. as soon as I can. Thank GOD FOR COUNTRY MUSIC. R.L.BALL
Dano Man
better git home hillboy,,its never to late,,bill monroe still echoes through those hills along with jimmy rodgers and the carter family,,go home ,they need ya
Alexo1954
No other kind of music comes close? It's sad that you limited your musical experience.
Crucial Taunt
@Alexo1954 No music ever compares to the music of one's youth. It's not sad, it's a fact of life for most people. It's also not indicative of a limited musical experience.
Ichanger Snare
83 yrs old 5 yrs ago… I hope and pray that you are still alive and rocking… May God Bless You…
Claudia Heinowski
Richard L. Ball C., & W. 1950-1979 was Great! I listened on Radio, and now YouTube in Nebraska "The Good Life" .
BrianBinOR
That warble, and that pure fiddling. Roy Acuff is still the man even from beyond the grave.
dadsgirl0423
I lost my Dad and my best friend on 11-19-2008 he loved Roy Acuff. I dedicate this song to him and hope he's looking down from heaven with a smile. I love you Dad and can't wait to see you again someday. This one's for you.