Carl Belew
Carl Robert Belew (April 21, 1931 – October 31, 1990) was an influential American country music singer and songwriter. Born in Salina, Oklahoma, Belew began his music career in the 1950s and became known for his performances on the Louisiana Hayride. He was signed to major labels such as Decca, RCA Victor, and MCA, and was active in the music industry from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Belew's songwriting prowess was widely recognized, with his compositions being recorded by a diverse array of artists, including Patsy Cline, Andy Williams, and Gene Vincent. His song "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)" became a hit for Johnnie & Jack in 1958 and was later covered by artists like Waylon Jennings and Susan Raye. Another notable composition, "Lonely Street," was a Top Five hit for Andy Williams and was covered by various artists, solidifying its status as Belew's trademark tune.
In addition to his success as a songwriter, Belew charted 11 times on the Hot Country Songs chart. His own recordings included hits like "Am I That Easy to Forget" and "Hello Out There." Despite his success as a performer, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to other artists' repertoires, with songs like "What's He Doing in My World" becoming a number one hit for Eddy Arnold.
Belew released several albums throughout his career, including "Carl Belew" (1960), "Hello Out There" (1964), and "Twelve Shades of Belew" (1968). His last studio album, "When My Baby Sings His Song," was released in 1972.
Carl Belew passed away from cancer on October 31, 1990, in his hometown of Salina, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy of influential country music that continues to resonate with artists and fans alike.