Texas Country Legend Curtis Potter Has Passed Away

Tracy Pitcox · Post by **Tracy Pitcox** » 23 Jan 2016 9:56 pm

Texas Country Music Entertainer Curtis Potter has died. Potter passed away surrounded by his family at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas on Saturday night, after a short illness. He was 75.

“Curtis had been battling congestive heart failure and pneumonia during the last week,” Heart of Texas Records president Tracy Pitcox said. “Before becoming ill, he was actively performing, booking dates and getting ready to return to the recording studio.”

At the age of 16, Potter was given his own radio television show on KRBC in Abilene and was part of the Bill Fox and Slim Willet shows.

In 1959, Potter joined the Hank Thompson organization. Thompson was impressed with the young vocalist and invited him to front the Brazos Valley Band and play bass guitar for him. In the thirteen years that Potter was with Hank, he traveled all over the United States, Europe, the Far East and even a much sought after Carnegie Hall appearance.

Potter’s first major hit was “You Comb Her Hair Every Morning” recorded on Dot Records and released May of 1969. That song would gather enough attention to become the catalyst of a forty five year recording career.

In 1973, Capitol Records released Potter’s shuffle “Walkin’ Talkin’ Breathin’ Case of Sorrow“. It was followed by a Texas Dance Hall album with Darrell McCall and Ray Sanders. In 1978, Dave Franer signed Curtis to Hillside Records releasing two very successful projects.

In 1984, Potter helped to form Step One Records in Nashville. Step One would become the largest independent label in the world releasing projects on Gene Watson, Ray Price, Kitty Wells, Hank Thompson and Clinton Gregory.

Potter and Willie Nelson had a number one video on Step One Records in 1995. “Turn Me Loose And Let Me Swing” was taken from the album “Six Hours At The Pedernales” and teamed Potter and Nelson recording twelve songs in a six hour session at Nelson‘s studio.

In 2005, Potter signed with Heart of Texas Records. Potter released “Them Old Honky Tonks” “Chicago Dancing Girls” “Down In Texas Today” and “The Potter’s Touch.” He also recorded two projects with Tony Booth and Darrell McCall under the name “The Survivors.”

His last album “Songs Of The Cherokee Cowboy” was a tribute to his hero Ray Price. Nelson joined Potter once again in the studio to record the title track for the album.

Potter’s last professional appearance was on December 31, with McCall at the Heart of Texas Events Center in Brady, Texas.

He is survived by his wife Pat and children Shane Potter, Sharlotte Smith, Rozlyn Froid and James Potter.

Funeral services are pending.

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 23 Jan 2016 10:08 pm

I just heard the he passed at about 10:00 this evening.
So sorry about his passing Tracy, I know you were close. condolences to the family. R.I.P. Curtis.

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 23 Jan 2016 10:24 pm

I get postings from Bill Mack on Face Book. Curtis passed around 10 PM CST, in Abeline. Wasn't he scheduled to sing at the Dallas show in March? I am truly saddened by this loss. I loved his music. I pray God sends His Angels to comfort him and his family at this time of sorrow.
Tommy Shown

Raymond Keller · Post by **Raymond Keller** » 23 Jan 2016 10:25 pm

What a loss ,one of the best,our prayers go out to Pat and family.

john buffington · Post by **john buffington** » 23 Jan 2016 10:44 pm

This is a real heartbreaker, I had the honor of getting to play behind him at the OSGA Show and he done "You Comb Her Had" on my set . . . an absolute one of a kind thrill for me. I'll never forget him and his kindness, a true Texas gentlemen. Love and prayers to Pat and family.

John Buffington & Family

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 24 Jan 2016 12:11 am

My deepest sympathies to all the family and friends. Rest in Peace, Curtis...

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One of Buddy's favorites. (He wouldn't leave the house to go see many people, but Curtis was one of them.)

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Tommy Alexander · Post by **Tommy Alexander** » 24 Jan 2016 3:49 am

Another great singer and player has gone home! Curtis will be missed in Dallas this year.
What a great bunch of singers and players on God's great stage.
Blessed is those that come to God that are God's
Sheep! Rest in Peace, Curtis...............

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 24 Jan 2016 4:34 am

One of the best singers gone too soon.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 24 Jan 2016 4:39 am

I am saddened to hear this. Another GREAT is gone.

For the past few years I had come to know Curtis pretty well. We had some great conversations on the stage at the Dallas Show.

I remember Herby telling me, "Curtis is the greatest singer to ever stand behind a microphone"

RIP friend.

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 24 Jan 2016 5:04 am

Another great one gone to heaven. R.I.P. Curtis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xADWiZzJcYs

Ron Whitworth · Post by **Ron Whitworth** » 24 Jan 2016 7:09 am

So sad to hear of this.
Curtis was a GREAT singer & always did a superb job while on stage.
He will be missed by many.
R.I.P. Curtis

Fred Justice · Post by **Fred Justice** » 24 Jan 2016 7:19 am

I talked to Bob Rains this morning, Bob is without internet service, he ask me to express his and Juanita's condolences here on the Forum.
Bob Rains and Curtis Potter have been good friends for many many years.
RIP Curtis Potter

LJ Eiffert · Post by **LJ Eiffert** » 24 Jan 2016 10:31 am

RIP Curtis Potter. You will be missed but not forgotten. Thanks for your friendship and Talent you gave us all in Traditional Country Music's History as you are one of them who made it that way. Uncle Leo J Eiffert Jr. & Family.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 24 Jan 2016 11:11 am

Truly a sad loss. RIP brother. My thoughts go out to all his family and friends.

This trend of artists passing lately, has got too stop.

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 24 Jan 2016 1:03 pm

RIP Curtis, truly one of the great voices of real country music. You will be sorely missed.

J R Rose · Post by **J R Rose** » 24 Jan 2016 4:56 pm

So sad to hear this news. Met Curtis years ago in Abilene at the old Ponderosa Ballroom. What a great singer and bass man. RIP Curtis. Prayers go out to your family. J.R. Rose

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 24 Jan 2016 7:47 pm

This is certainly sad news. Curtis was one of mine and Barbara's dear friends along with his dear wife Pat. Our prayers go out to Pat and all the family. The music world has lost a tremendous talent and a super person. Rest in Peace in Our Lords House dear friend.
...Roy and Barbara

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 25 Jan 2016 7:51 am

My condolences to all his family, friends, and fans. Curtis was one of my favorite country singers, and this is the song that introduced me to him...almost 50 years ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xADWiZzJcYs

Duane Brown · Post by **Duane Brown** » 25 Jan 2016 11:27 am

Cyndy and I are sad beyond belief. We met Curtis and Pat at the TSGA and quickly became friends. It was a thrill to call one of my heroes "friend". We were looking forward to seeing them and listening to Curtis sing again this March. We are praying for Pat and her family.

All the other singers just moved up a notch as we just lost the greatest living country singer. Rest in peace my friend. Duane and Cyndy

Buddie Hrabal · Post by **Buddie Hrabal** » 25 Jan 2016 3:53 pm

I had the opportunity to play steel with Curtis many more time than I can count. He was truly a super nice guy and made no bones about playing REAL country music.
A great guy with a great voice, he will be missed by all that knew him! RIP brother

Tommy Young · Post by **Tommy Young** » 25 Jan 2016 5:38 pm

Another Great loss to our music world may he rest in PEACE...

Johnny Case · Post by **Johnny Case** » 25 Jan 2016 8:37 pm

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Curtis Potter. I first met him in Abilene when Curtis was 16 years old. Shortly after that, he traveled to Paris, Texas to appear on the Red River Jamboree and stayed overnight with our family. Our paths crossed again when he was with Billy Gray's band, Hank Thompson's Brazos Valley Boys, and for the past several years he has fronted the Midnight Dance at the Texas Steel Guitar Show. It was an honor to work with this fantastic singer. Having known him since I was only 10 years old, I feel a very deep loss and the music world has lost one of the greats. I send my condolences to his family and many friends.

Dee Polish · Post by **Dee Polish** » 26 Jan 2016 8:38 pm

Paul and I are saddened learning of Curtis's passing. Curtis and Pat were good friends and we are all losing a great talent. Our sincere sympathy to Pat, Curtis's sweet and dear wife as well as to the family. We will meet again some day in our Heavenly home. Rest in peace, Curtis. You gave us much pleasure with your wonderful voice.

Pat, our prayers and love are certainly with you.

Paul and Dee Polish

Tiny Olson · Post by **Tiny Olson** » 27 Jan 2016 2:48 pm

I'm saddened to hear of Curtis' passing. Like others have said, Curtis is one of my favorite singers.

My deepest sympathies and prayers go out for he and his friends and family.

Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" Olson

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 28 Jan 2016 5:46 am

Like so many I am truly saddened to hear this. I have always been a big Fan of Curtis ,his music and for
the genuine person that he was.