Shelby Singleton Passes Away At Age 77 In Nashville

Shelby Singleton

SHELBY SINGLETON, a well-known producer, record executive, and promoter passed away TODAY (10/7) in NASHVILLE at age 77. SINGLETON was battling with brain cancer.

SINGLETON worked with the careers of artists such as RAY STEVENS, JERRY REED and JEANNIE C. RILEY. He may be the only producer to record three #1 Country records in one day on three different artists; STEVENS, LEROY VAN DYKE, and JOE DOWELL.

During the early 1960s, SINGLETON headed MERCURY RECORDS' SMASH imprint. With SMASH, SINGLETON presided over a roster that included ROGER MILLER, JERRY LEE LEWIS, BOBBY HEBB and JAMES BROWN.

In 1966, SINGLETON left MERCURY to form the SHELBY SINGLETON CORP., with a starting investment of $1000. Twenty months later, his corporation value was estimated at more than $2 million. As a part of the corporation, he opened PLANTATION RECORDS, which sold millions of copies of RILEY's "Harper Valley P.T.A.," produced by SINGLETON.

SINGLETON purchased the SUN RECORDS masters in 1969. He re-released much of its product by JOHNNY CASH, CARL PERKINS, ELVIS and JERRY LEE LEWIS and oversaw marketing of popular SUN RECORDS merchandise.

RAY STEVENS said: “He was the all-around record guy. Just a great merchandising guy, promoter and producer. He did it all, and he seemed to get along with everybody. SHELBY was one of the biggest-hearted people around. SHELBY SINGLETON was absolutely one of a kind.”

ALL ACCESS sends condolences to the friends and family of SHELBY SINGLETON. Funeral services will be held at 1p Saturday (10/10) at FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in NASHVILLE. Memorial contributions may be made to MUSIC CARES, 1904 WEDGEWOOD AVENUE, NASHVILLE, TN 37212.

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