Bill Browning | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 16, 1931 Wayne County, West Virginia |
| Died | January 23, 1977 (aged 45) |
| Genres | Bluegrass |
Wilmer "Bill" Browning (May 16, 1931, in Wayne, West Virginia – January 23, 1977) was an American Rockabilly musician, recording studio and songwriter. He wrote the country music hit single "Dark Hollow", which was covered by both Jimmie Skinner and the Grateful Dead.[1]
While working as a truck driver in 1957, Browning convinced Frank J. Videmsek, a local restaurant owner, to set up the record label Island Records and become his manager. Browning's band, the Echo Valley Boys, consisted of eight musicians.[2] The echo Valley Boys released Browning's song "Dark Hollow" in 1958.[2] After releasing the song, the band joined the WWVA Jamboree, and Browning recruited Wayne Moss into the Echo Valley Boys. Browning left Island Records at the end of 1958 for Starday Records where he recorded four album sides.[2]
Browning returned to truck driving the early 1960s and eventually established the Midway Recording Studio, recording country music and gospel artists in West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. He continued driving trucks also.[2]
Browning had been diagnosed with colitis but in 1975 he discovered that it was actually cancer. He died January 23, 1977, at age 45. He was survived by his wife, Doris Jean, and children.[citation needed]