IT'S with sadness that this week I have to report the death of yet another legend of country music.

Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker, aged 77, his wife Bettie, who also acted as his manager, and two band members were killed early on Sunday May 21 in a car crash in Montgomery.

Bass guitarist Charles Lilly Jr and guitarist Daniel Patton were also killed while returning from a show the previous night. Billy Walker, along with Slim Whitman, were partially responsible for Elvis Presley's first appearance on the popular KWKH radio show. and in 1955, Walker and Presley teamed up for a tour of West Texas.

Although his first hit in 1954, Thank You for Calling, gave him success it was not until 1962 that he gained acclaim with his only No 1 single Charlies Shoes. In 1963 he escaped death when he switched tickets with Hawkshaw Hawkins, who died along with Cowboy Copas and Patsy Cline in a private plane they'd hired.

Having interviewed Billy over the years in my radio days I found him to be a sincere caring person who believed in the validity of country music its traditions and its modern progression. He was a great balladeer and pioneer of Western songs. Thankfully his record companies will keep his music alive for many decades to come.