As a teenager at Byrd High School, Merle Kilgore decided he wanted to work in show business. It didn’t take him long to establish himself in his chosen career field. After graduating in 1952, Kilgore wrote his first number one hit More and More, which became a million seller for Webb Pierce in 1954. Other hits followed including Wolverton Mountain and Ring of Fire, which was recorded by Johnny Cash.
Kilgore first got a taste of the music industry by carrying Hank Wiliams' guitar, eventually becoming an entertainer in his own right as well as maintaining a lifelong relationship with the WIilliams family as Hank's manager and close family friend.
Kilgore also had chart-topping records as a singer. His self-penned Dear Mama hit the top ten and was followed by Love Has Made You Beautiful, 42 in Chicago and Fast Talking Louisiana Man. Kilgore's resume also includes work as an actor. He has appeared in films such as Coal Miner's Daughter, and Nashville and he played himself in the tv movie Living Proof, the life story of Hank Williams, Jr.
Kilgore’s many awards and honors include the Country Music Association’s Manager of the Year and induction into the Byrd High School Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Hall of Fame. In addition to serving in numerous organizations, Kilgore directs the operations of Hank Williams, Jr. Enterprises and Merle Kilgore Management in Tennessee.
Kilgore first got a taste of the music industry by carrying Hank Wiliams' guitar, eventually becoming an entertainer in his own right as well as maintaining a lifelong relationship with the WIilliams family as Hank's manager and close family friend.
Kilgore also had chart-topping records as a singer. His self-penned Dear Mama hit the top ten and was followed by Love Has Made You Beautiful, 42 in Chicago and Fast Talking Louisiana Man. Kilgore's resume also includes work as an actor. He has appeared in films such as Coal Miner's Daughter, and Nashville and he played himself in the tv movie Living Proof, the life story of Hank Williams, Jr.
Kilgore’s many awards and honors include the Country Music Association’s Manager of the Year and induction into the Byrd High School Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Hall of Fame. In addition to serving in numerous organizations, Kilgore directs the operations of Hank Williams, Jr. Enterprises and Merle Kilgore Management in Tennessee.
