R.I.P. Porter Wagoner

Country music, and music in general, lost a legend over the weekend as the venerable Porter Wagoner succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 80.

This one is for you Porter, courtesy of the late Townes Van Zandt: Lungs (mp3)

Porter's remarkable career spanned more than 50 years. Best known for his flamboyant suits, his long running variety show, The Porter Wagoner Show, and often credited for launching the career of Dolly Parton, Porter was a fixture of the Grand Ole Opry and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Like Johnny Cash, Porter had become a relic tossed aside by the industry until earlier this year when he released the stunning, Wagonmaster, with friend Marty Stuart at the helm. Not only was he again relative, but he was introduced to a new generation of music fans. The following three tracks are taken from Wagonmaster, and are offered up with the utmost respect.

Harold Dee (mp3)

Committed To Parkview (mp3)

The Late Love of Mine (mp3)

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