Sherwin
Sherwin Linton, born in 1939, is a celebrated American country music artist known for his versatility and enduring presence in the music industry. A native of Watertown, South Dakota, Linton began his musical journey as a child, learning to play the piano and guitar. By the age of sixteen, he hosted his own radio show on KWAT Radio in Watertown. He formed his first band, "The Rocketeers," which gained popularity in eastern South Dakota, and later moved to Minneapolis in 1957, where he established "The Fender Benders," a successful rock and roll band.
In 1966, Linton moved to Nashville, where he recorded "Cotton King," a hit that topped the country music charts. His talents were recognized by country music legend Roy Acuff, leading to a management contract with the Acuff-Rose Company. Linton's career flourished as he performed on numerous TV shows and toured extensively, earning nominations for Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association in the early 1970s. His 1975 single "When She Cries" won Single of the Year, and he continued to perform at prestigious venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Las Vegas Strip.
In 1986, Linton released "Santa Got A DWI," a Christmas novelty song that became a perennial favorite. His contributions to music have been recognized with inductions into the South Dakota Musicians Hall of Fame, the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. In addition to his music career, Linton authored a children's book titled "Mildred’s A Mommy."
Sherwin Linton continues to perform and record, maintaining a repertoire of over 5000 songs, and has been featured in various media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Rolling Stone. His legacy as a country music legend endures, with a dedicated fan base spanning generations.