Born Charles Eugene Patrick Boone in 1934 in Florida and raised in Nashville, Tenn., Boone sold more records during the late 50s than any other artist except Elvis Presley. From 1955 to date, only six artists (Presley, the Beatles, James Brown, Elton John, Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder) are ranked above him in terms of total singles sales and their relative chart positions. Boone had 60 hits in the US singles charts during his career, six of which reached number one. A bona fide “teen-idol,” Boone was proud of his image as a clean-cut, religious man who was recognized by his “white buck” shoes and ever-present smile. At age 17, Boone was starring on his own musical radio show, and before reaching voting age he had achieved nationwide stardom via his appearances on Arthur Godfrey’s various radio and TV programs. Although he had started recording gospel music as early as 1957, he turned his full attention to gospel music in the late 70s with his Lamb & Lion Records, recording more than a dozen Christian albums during that decade, several with his wife and children as the Boone Family Singers. In 2002, Boone is back on the Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales Chart with his single “Under God” which peaked at #15. He is currently the CEO/President/Founder of his own record label, Gold Label Records. In addition to recording, for almost 10 years, Boone hosted “Gospel America” on TBN and after more than 20 years, continues to host a syndicated one-hour gospel music radio show, “The Music Of Your Life,” syndicated on more than 180 stations nationwide. Boone is also an author, businessman and philanthropist. He and his wife Shirley have been married for over 50 years and have several children and grandchildren.
Similar Blog Posts
