Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to Feature John Conlee

Join us this Sunday morning as we look back at the life and times and music of the legendary John Conlee.

John Wayne Conlee came by his country credentials honestly growing up on a farm near Versailles, Kentucky, just a short distance from Lexington.  After high school,  he earned a mortician’s license. He worked in that industry for six years before putting his gift for gab to good use as a radio announcer.

Radio took him to Nashville in 1971, where he worked as an announcer at WLAC FM.

By 1976, Conlee had a recording contract.  An early release of “Backside of Thirty” failed to chart, he next recorded “Rose Colored Glasses.”  Conlee co-wrote the song and it gave him a number five hit in 1978.  His first number one hit was “Lady Lay Down,” that topped the charts in early 1979.  Conlee’s hottest streak came during 1983 and 1984, when he scored four consecutive number one hits;  “Common Man,” “I’m Only in it for the Love,” “In My Eyes” and “As Long as I’m Rockin’ With You.”  A Grand Ole Opry cast member since 1981, Conlee continues to make appearances on the show.

Conlee lives a domestic life with his wife Gale and three children.  He is a gifted entertainer, but not into the hype of the entertainment world.  He’d rather spend his off time working on his 32 acre farm outside of Nashville.

Hear about the life and music of John Conlee Sunday July 22^nd at 11 AM on the Country Classic Spotlight extra.  It’s part of the Country Classic Show 9 AM to 1 PM Sundays on 98.1 FM 98 Country.