A NARRATIVE POEM TO HONOR EDDY ARNOLD ON HIS BIRTHDAY

By Bill Winstead

Richard Edward Arnold was born May 15, 1918
That is when he arrived on the Tennessee scene

As a little boy, he learned to bang a guitar
No one could've guessed he'd  become a big star

His eleventh birthday became a very sad day
For that was when his father passed away

At the age of eighteen, he left his home
Musically, he was determined to make it on his own

He played here and there, did this and that
He formed a duo with fiddler, Speedy McNatt

Sometimes their musical fortunes went quite slow
Eddy and Speedy performed all hours on the radio

Eddy’s dream was just to sing and sing
Soon he became a soloist with Pee Wee King

Then Sally, the girl of his dreams, came along
Fifty-eight years later, they are still going strong

He sang on the Grand Ole Opry radio show
In nineteen forty-three Eddy went solo

He had trouble landing a recording contract
Some said he was just too smooth an act

In December, 1944 he made recording history
With a tearful tune, Mommy, Please Stay Home With Me

In 1946 the first big hit finally came
That’s How Much I Love You was its name

He sang country songs without the hint of a twang
From his heart all kinds of songs he sang

By 1947 he dominated the country charts
As he just got better and better at his art

Love songs he particularly liked to sing
Backed by little Roy Wiggins’ ting-a-ling

For Eddy Anytime was a perfect fit
As it became his first crossover hit

In 1948 Bouquet of Roses stayed at the top
It seemed its popularity would never stop

When Joann came, Eddy was a proud dad
A son, Dick, the Arnold’s also had

Col. Parker arranged movies for Eddy to do
Hoedown and Feudin’ Rhythm were the two

Eddy appeared on television more and more
He subbed for Perry Como and Dinah Shore

In 1955 Eddy upset some people at the CMA
He recorded with Hugo Winterhalter’s Orchestra for RCA

And Cattle Call became a big hit
Orchestral arrangements Eddy’s voice did fit

Then folk songs became a musical rage
Tennessee Stud was added to Eddy’s hit page

In the early sixties, Eddy’s voice mellowed even more
He sang even better than ever before

His musical background became a different blend
As more and more violins were put in

Eddy considered retiring, singing his last song
But that all changed when Jerry Purcell came along

Jerry guided Eddy to a second great career
On the best-selling charts Eddy reappeared

To country music Eddy and Jerry brought class
Reaching for new, larger audiences became their task

Eddy sang in front of a new, lush background
Bill Walker’s arrangements brought a symphonic sound

From New York to LA Eddy packed them in
With symphony orchestras Eddy’s voice did blend

For television Eddy answered so many calls
He became a frequent host of the Kraft Music Hall

The man was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
The image of this American music he changed

In 1971 Eddy forgot all about his fame and wealth
As he helped to nurse his injured son back to health

Eddy has entertained millions of people over the years
His ultra-smooth baritone could bring a smile or a tear

He became a big draw on the concert stage
Without a doubt he’s a living legend of this age

His style is all his on and can never be replaced
And his great impact on music will never be erased

But Eddy is more than a great singer; he’s a wonderful man
As anyone who has ever met him clearly understands

So, may many more birthdays continue to come
Remember, Eddy, to your fans you’ll always be No. 1

On May 15, 2000 that special birthday eighty-two
Don’t forget, Mr. Arnold, how many millions love you

The Last of the Love Song Singers is an appropriate title for him
For he has touched our hearts with love songs again and again

So, for his 82nd birthday, here comes the 82nd line
Happy Birthday and thank you for all our Eddy Arnold times

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