Porter Wagoner

Porter Wagoner (born August 12, 1927, in Howell County, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains) is an American country music singer. Famous for his flashy Nudie suits and blonde pompadour, Wagoner introduced a young

Porter Wagoner (born August 12, 1927, in Howell County, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains) is an American country music singer. Famous for his flashy Nudie suits and blonde pompadour, Wagoner introduced a young Dolly Parton to his long-running television show and together they were a very successful duet for a number of years.

His first band, The Blue Ridge Boys, performed on radio station KWPM from a butcher shop where Porter cut meat. Wagoner's big break came in 1951 when he was hired as a performer by station KWTO in Springfield, Missouri. This led to a contract with RCA Records. With lagging sales, Wagoner and his trio played schoolhouses for the gate proceeds.