Porter Wagoner

October 29, 2007 — He was one of the most colorful performers in the history of the Grand Ole Opry, a man with a proclivity for rhinestone suits, dark lyrical themes and risky career moves. Porter Wagoner, one of the Opry's greatest ambassadors, died October 28 at Nashville's Alive Hospice Sunday from lung cancer. A no-frills vocalist, he combined a conversational approach to phrasing with an eye for the outrageous.

Many of his recordings, including "The Rubber Room" and "Skid Row Joe," dealt with insanity, murder and the proverbial fall from grace. Through his syndicated television series, "The Porter Wagoner Show," he introduced the world to former duet partner Dolly Parton, who used an outlandish public persona to gain attention for her very serious songwriting talents.

Porter also caused the occasional controversy, inviting R&B showman James Brown to appear on the Grand Ole Opry and pursuing a faddish venture into disco during the late 1970s. Following his 2002 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Porter enjoyed a career resurgence this year with the release of his final album, Wagonmaster, at the prodding of producer Marty Stuart. Here's a quick timeline of "The Thin Man From West Plains":

• Aug. 12, 1927 – Porter is born in West Plains, Missouri.

• June 11, 1949 – Porter attends the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. Talk about timing: The performance marks the now-storied Opry debut of Hank Williams.

• Sept. 30, 1951 – Porter makes his debut on Springfield radio station KWTO, where he becomes an instant local star.

• June 5, 1952 – Porter signs his first recording contract, with RCA Records.

• Sept. 11, 1954 – He records his first No. 1 hit, the gospel-themed "A Satisfied Mind."

• Jan. 22, 1955 – Porter makes his Opry debut.

• Feb. 23, 1957 – He officially joins the Opry.