Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature Bobby Helms

Bobby Helms born in Bloomington, Indiana on August 15, 1933.  Helms grew up with country music, his dad hosted a local TV show, "Monroe Country Jamboree" in Bloomington.  Bobby appeared on his father's show for six years.

Helms made his first recordings for the Nashville based Speed Records in 1955. Ernest Jubb brought Helms to Nashville in 1956. He signed on with Decca Records. Helms recorded "Fraulein," a song written by Lawton Williams for Ernest Jubb eight years earlier. "Fraulein" was a number one country hit in September 1957. That song was at number one for four weeks.

He finished off 1957 with "Jingle Bell Rock."  It became a pop and country seasonal classic. The song went to number thirteen on the country charts in December of 1957.  The year of 1957 was Helms golden year.

After leaving Decca Records in 1962, he continued to record for various labels but with diminishing chart impact. Helms lived around Martinville, Indiana until his death from emphysema and asthma at age 63 June 19, 1997.

Join me Sunday February 17th at 11 a.m. for the Country Classic Spotlight, the spotlight shines on Bobby Helms.  It's a part of the 98 Country Classic Show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 98.1 FM 98 Country.