Dallas Frazier, born on October 27, 1939, in Spiro, OK, is one of country’s most enduring songwriters. Raised in Bakersfield, California and efficient on a number of musical instruments by the age of 12, Frazier became a featured member of Ferlin Husky’s band while still in his teens. By 1954, he cut his first solo single, “Space Command.” Shortly thereafter, he was named a regular on the “Hometown Jamboree” program. Frazier was often paired with fellow teen star Molly Bee.

With a cover of the Hollywood Argyles’ “Alley Oop,” Frazier scored a 1957 hit and moved to Nashville after “Hometown Jamboree” was canceled to work as a songwriter. It was there that he composed Husky’s 1964 hit, “Timber I’m Falling.”

His career began to take off two years later when, in addition to releasing his own debut album, Elvira, he penned three huge hits: Jack Greene’s “There Goes My Everything,” Connie Smith’s “Ain’t Had No Lovin’,” and George Jones’ “I’m a People.” Frazier released Tell It Like It Is, in 1967. His biggest success came on the pop charts with Englebert Humperdinck’s rendition of “There Goes My Everything.”

In addition to supplying more hits for Jones, Greene, and Smith, his compositions were also recorded by Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Charley Pride, and Merle Haggard. Haggard even included three of Frazier’s song’s on his 1968 LP, The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde. His success increased in the 70s as he became one of Nashville’s most sought-after writers.

He is also credited for composing hits for Elvis Presley, Moe Bandy, Roy Head, Rodney Crowell, and Ronnie Hawkins along with his frequent collaborations with Husky, Pride, and Green. He joined Connie Smith for three cuts on her LP, If it Ain’t Love (& Other Great Dallas Frazier Songs).

Dallas Frazier’s music continued to land charts well into the ‘80s. ”Elivira” turned out to be a tremendous crossover smash for the Oak Ridge Boys, while Emmylou Harris topped the charts with “Beneath Still Waters.” Younger artists like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Patty Loveless found success with his compositions as well.

In 1988, Frazier felt a different calling. He retired from songwriting and left Nashville to pursue a career in the ministry. He was a pastor at Grace Community Fellowship in While House, TN, from 1999-2006.

After retiring as a pastor, Frazier returned to his recording career. In 2011, he released the album Writing & Singing Again. More information on Dallas Fraizer can be found on his website, http://dallasfraziermusic.com/bio.html.