Norro Wilson

Birth Name: Norris D. Wilson
Induction Year: 1996
Date of Birth: 4/4/1938
Place of Birth: Scottsville, KY

Education:
Grade School--Scottsville Grade School
High School--Scottsville High School
College--Western State Teachers College

Norro Wilson's fame as a record producer sometimes obscures the fact that he first made a name for himself as a singer and songwriter. Born in Scottsville, Kentucky, in 1938, Norris D. Wilson began his musical odyssey in 1957 as a member of the group Southlanders. In 1962, he began writing songs for Acuff-Rose. He recorded for several labels during the '60s and '70s, but only one of his singles-"Do It To Someone You Love"-reached the Top 20.

Wilson scored consistently as a songwriter, however, co-writing such hits as "The Most Beautiful Girl," a No. 1 for Charlie Rich on both the country and pop charts; "A Very Special Love Song," which won a Grammy as best country song; and "The Grand Tour," a No. 1 for George Jones in 1974 and a Top 40 for Aaron Neville in 1993. Other Wilson standards include "Soul Song," Joe Stampley's first No. 1, and "Another Lonely Song," a chart-topper for Tammy Wynette.

Among the country royalty for whom Wilson has produced records are Charley Pride, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Buck Owens, Janie Fricke, John Anderson, Sammy Kershaw, Mindy McCready and Shania Twain. He was elected to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996.

"I think the song is more important than anything else, because it becomes a catalyst for a person's career." "I am now writing one song a year. My last song, "Rockin' in the Arms of Your Memory Tonight," cowritten with Dean Dillon, was recorded by George Strait. My new song, "It Don't Get Any Better Than This," cowritten with Buddy Cannon and Max D. Barnes, was just recorded as a vocal event by George Jones with vocal appearances by Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Fats Domino." (from questionaire)

Career Milestones:

• 1957--performed in group Southlanders
• 1962--first publishing contract with Acuff-Rose
• 1960s--recording contract with Mercury
• 1968--first major cut, "Baby, Baby I Know You're a Lady" recorded by David Houston
• 1973--Charlie Rich's recording of "The Most Beautiful Girl" went to #1 on both the pop and country charts
• 1976--began work with Warner Brothers; became head of A&R
• 1980s--produced a number of artists including Charley Pride (had seven #1 cuts in a row), Reba McEntire, Mickey Gilley, George Jones, Buck owens, Gary Morris, Janie Fricke, John Anderson, Rex Allen Jr., Margo Smith, and Con Hunley
• 1982--began work with RCA
• 1983--began operation of first publishing company, Merit Music
• 1991--continued production of artists including Sammy Kershaw, Shania Twain, George Jones, Mindy McCready, Keith Gattis, and Chad Brock

Awards:

• 1973--BMI\Country Songwriter of the Year
• 1974--BMI\Country Songwriter of the Year
• 1974--Grammy\Best Country Song\A Very Special Love Song
• 1975--BMI\Country Songwriter of the Year

Catalog Highlights:

The Most Beautiful Girl
Co-writer: Rory Bourke, Billy Sherrill
Artists: Charlie Rich (1973)

A Very Special Love Song
Co-writer: Billy Sherrill
Artists: Charlie Rich (1974)

A Picture of Me Without You
Co-writer: George Richey
Artists: George Jones (1972), Lorrie Morgan (1991)

The Grand Tour
Co-writer: Carmol Taylor, George Richey
Artists: George Jones (1974), Aaron Neville (1993)

Surround Me With Love
Co-writer: Wayland Holyfield
Artists: Charley McClain

Another Lonely Song
Co-writer: Dennis Walker, Tammy Wynette

I Love My Friend
Artists: Charlie Rich (1974)

I'll See Him Through
Artists: Tammy Wynette (1970)

Baby, Baby (I Know You're A Lady)
Artists: David Houston (1970)

Soul Song
Artists: Joe Stampley (1973)

He Loves Me All the Year
Artists: Tammy Wynette (1970)

I Wish I Had a Mama Like You
Artists: Patti Page

Hold On to the Love I Got
Artists: Barbara Mandrell

If You Touch Me
Artists: Joe Sampley

July 12, 1939
Artists: Charlie Rich

Comments:

Recorded as a solo act for Monument Records

Managed the Nashville branch of Al Gallico Music Corp.

Has earned 39 BMI Awards

Has received BMI One Million performance awards for "Most Beautiful Girl," "My Man," "Never Been So Loved In My Life," "Picture of Me Without You," and "Very Special Love Song"