Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight to feature Skeeter Davis

Very few artist have gone from the perilous line between country and pop, like Frances Penice. Read more.

We know her as Skeeter Davis from Dry Ridge, Kentucky, born December 30, 1931.  Under Chet Atkins, she amassed a sizable following in both country and pop during her sixties heyday.  Born at the onset of the depression, Skeeter, a nickname bestowed by her grandfather, learned at an early age to harmonize with the singers she heard on the grand Ole Opry.

In high school, Skeeter and her best friend, Betty Jack Davis, formed a vocal duo called the Davis Sisters, they were not related.  Radio and TV exposure eventually landed them a recording opportunity on RCA in 1952.

Skeeter and Betty Jack were involved in a car accident that took the life of Betty Jack, August 1, 1953.  Devastated by the loss, Skeeter nonetheless persevered in her career.  Skeeter had a string of crossover hits highlighted by the million selling record, "The End of the World" and "I Can't Stay Mad at You," both songs in 1963.  Skeeter became a member of the Opry in 1959 and married Nashville media celebrity Ralph Emery one year later.

It was a stormy relationship that lasted until 1964.  Davis was married three times, first to Ken Depeu, then Ralph Emery.  In 1987 she married bassist Joey Spamphinato.  They were divorced in 1996.  In 2001 she became incapacitated by breast cancer that would claim her life.  She died of breast cancer  in a Nashville, Tennessee hospice at age 72 on September 19, 2004.

Join me Sunday morning August 12th at 11 AM for the life and music of Skeeter Davis on the Sunday Morning Country Classic Spotlight, it's a part of the 98 Country Classic Show from 9 AM to 1 PM on 98.1 FM 98 Country.