Robert Karl Oermann is a Nashville-based music journalist and author who is recognized as an authority on country music. [1] Oermann is a long-time regular contributor to the trade publication MusicRow , for which he writes a weekly column. [2] [3]
Oermann was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, grew up there, and attended the University of Pittsburgh, receiving an undergraduate degree in fine arts. As a boy, he started a record collection with the records that he was given as compensation when he helped out in his grandmother's Pittsburgh record store. That childhood collection grew to become what was described in 1999 as "one of the largest private record archives" in Nashville. [4]
He began his professional career working as an artist and illustrator. In the 1970s he worked as advertising manager for a chain of record stores in St. Louis. After receiving a master's degree from Syracuse University in the field of information studies, in 1978 he moved to Nashville for a job with the Country Music Foundation (CMF), where he was in charge of technical services for the organization and its Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. [4]
While working at the CMF, Oermann began doing freelance writing on music and developed a reputation as a music historian. As a freelance contributor, he wrote thousands of articles for national publications such as Entertainment Weekly , Esquire , Billboard , The Hollywood Reporter , Musician , Us , TV Guide , and Country Song Roundup . In 1982 he became the first country music reporter and critic for USA Today , continuing in that position until 1986. Also in 1982, he became music reporter for Nashville's daily newspaper, The Tennessean , a position he held until 1993. [4] He was editor-at-large for Country Music magazine, which ceased publication in 2003. [2] He is credited for the liner notes for at least 75 albums, including the recording of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? movie soundtrack. [2]
He has written and co-authored several books on country music and its history. With his wife, Mary Agnes Bufwack, an anthropologist and social worker, he co-wrote Finding Her Voice: The Saga of Women in Country Music, which was awarded the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for music-book excellence. [4] [5]
Oermann also has worked in film, television, and radio, primarily as a writer for documentaries and sometimes also as a host. He was a judge on the USA Network reality TV show Nashville Star for the series' first season, which aired in 2003. [2]
Patsy Cline was an American singer. She is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century and was one of the first country music artists to cross over into pop music. Cline had several major hits during her eight-year recording career, including two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country and Western Sides chart.
Kay Toinette Oslin was an American country music singer-songwriter. She had several years of major commercial success in the late 1980s after signing a record deal at age 45. Oslin had four number one hits and placed additional singles on the Billboard country chart during that timespan; in addition, she won three Grammy Awards and is an inductee of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Marilyn Jeanne Seely is an American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She also has several acting credits and published a book. Seely found success with the Grammy Award-winning hit "Don't Touch Me" (1966). The song reached the No.2 position on the Billboard country songs chart and is her highest-charting single as a solo artist. Her soul-inspired vocal delivery was praised by music professionals, who gave her the nickname of "Miss Country Soul". Seely is also known for her membership and presence on the Grand Ole Opry, having appeared more times on the program than any other performer.
Margo Smith is an American country and Christian music singer–songwriter. She had several years of country success during the 1970s, which included two number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. In the 1990s, she transitioned towards the Christian market and issued two successful albums. She is also known for her yodeling vocal skills and is often referred to as "The Tennessee Yodeler".
"Don't Touch Me" is a song written by Hank Cochran. It was originally written for and recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. The song was released as a single on Monument Records in March 1966 and became a major Billboard country hit. "Don't Touch Me" became Seely's signature song and her biggest hit as a solo artist. It would later appear on her debut studio album and be re-recorded by Seely in later years.
"Rose Garden" is a song written in 1967 by American singer-songwriter Joe South. It was first recorded by Billy Joe Royal on his 1967 studio album Billy Joe Royal Featuring "Hush". Versions by South himself and Dobie Gray appeared shortly after the original. Gray's version became a minor hit in North America in 1969.
"My Son" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Jan Howard. It is among several songs recorded by country artists during this period that related to the Vietnam War. The song is based on a letter Howard wrote to her son, Jimmy, who was drafted into the war. After writing the letter, she was inspired by family and friends to put it to music. Recording the song in a single take, it was released as a single in 1968.
"Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine" is a song written by Leroy Coates and Dale Davis. It was recorded and released as a single by American country, rock, and Christian artist, Wanda Jackson.
"My Big Iron Skillet" is a song written by Bryan Creswell and Wilda Creswell. It was recorded and released as a single by American country, rock, and Christian artist, Wanda Jackson.
"Still a Woman" is a song co-written and released as a single by American country artist Margo Smith. It was one of several top ten country hits Smith would enjoy during the late 1970s. The song was the first single released from her 1979 album entitled A Woman. "Still a Woman" signified Smith's transition towards a sexually-charged persona. It has also been considered one of country music's first songs to characterize the point of view of a middle-aged woman.
The Best of the Tennessee Yodeler is a studio album by American country music artist Margo Smith. It was first released in 1985 via Moon Shine Records and contained 14 tracks. It was re-released in 1987 in conjunction with Bermuda Dunes Records and MCA Records. Dedicated to one of Smith's childhood performing idols, The Best of the Tennessee Yodeler was the tenth studio album in her recording career. The project was sold on television in addition to being sold in record stores.
Just the Beginning is a studio album by American country artist Margo Smith and her daughter, Holly. It was released in 1991 via Homeland Records and contained ten tracks. The album was a collection of duets between mother and daughter. It was also the duo's first album project together.
Wishes is a studio album by American country artist Margo Smith and her daughter, Holly. It was released via Homeland Records in 1992 and contained ten tracks. All of the songs were duets between the duo and were a collection of Christian country material. It was the duo's second album together.
Cristy Lane Salutes G.I.'s of Viet Nam is a studio album by American country and Christian artist Cristy Lane. It was released in 1969 via Lane Records and contained a total of 13 tracks. The album was Lane's debut studio album in her recording career and featured songs Lane performed during concert tour entertaining troops during the Vietnam War.
Love Me Forever is a studio album by American recording artist Wanda Jackson. It was released in May 1963 via Capitol Records and contained 12 tracks. It was Jackson's fifth studio album of her career and the second to included orchestrated production. Love Me Forever was a collection of country and pop music standards composed by other artists. The album received positive reviews from critics following its release.
Rockabilly Fever is a studio album by American recording artist Wanda Jackson. It was released in 1984 via Tab Records for the Scandinavian market in Europe. It was then re-released to other markets, including Jackson's home country in 1986 and was re-titled Rock and Roll Away Your Blues.
"The Midnight Oil" is a song written by Joe Allen, and recorded by American country music artist Barbara Mandrell. It was released in July 1973 as the fifth single and title track from the album The Midnight Oil. The song received positive critical reception and became one of Mandrell's first top ten hits on the North American country music charts.
"Standing Room Only" is a song written by Susan Manchester and Charles Silver, and recorded by American country music artist Barbara Mandrell. It was released in December 1975 as the first single from the album This Is Barbara Mandrell. It was one of her first top ten singles in her career.
"Midnight Angel" is a song written by Bill Anthony and Bob Morrison, recorded by American country music artist Barbara Mandrell. It was released in November 1976 as the first single and title track from the album Midnight Angel. It reached the top 20 of the American country songs chart.
"Marty Gray" is a song written by Walter Woodward that was recorded by American country artist, Billie Jo Spears. Released as a single in 1970, the song reached the top 20 of the American country chart. The song's theme centered around teen pregnancy and was among several recordings Spears recorded about social challenges. The track appeared on Spears's studio album, Country Girl.