Hillbilly-Music.comThe People. The Music. The History.
Goldie Hill
Born: January 11, 1933
Died: February 24, 2005
KWKH Louisiana Hayride
WSM Grand Ole Opry
KWKH
Shreveport, LA
WSM
Nashville, TN
About The Artist
Argolda Voncile "Goldie" Hill was the principal rival to Kitty Wells as the leading girl country
singer of the early 1950s.
As a solo vocalist she recorded numerous "answer" songs, most
notably "I Let the Stars Get in My Eyes." Along the way, she was nicknamed the "Golden Hillbilly."
Later, she also had hit duets with Justin Tubb.
She married country star Carl Smith in September 1957. She virtually stopped touring at that point
in her career. She continued recording for another decade.
Goldie hailed from Karnes County, Texas, and had brothers who played country music.
She became
the female vocalist with Webb Pierce's band where her brother Tommy was part of Webb's Wondering Boys.
Her own venture into country music came as a vocalist joining the Louisiana Hayride
in 1952 and soon afterward signing with Decca.
The Early Years
Perhaps she picked the right time to visit Nashville. In July of 1952, Goldie and her mother
traveled to Nashville to watch her brother, Tommy, do a recording session with Decca. During
a break in the session, Goldie picked up a guitar and started singing a song. Paul Cohen of
Decca happened to hear her and before you know it, contracts created, conferences held,
phone calls made. Decca signed her.
She learned the guitar and started singing at an early age. She did occasional personal
appearances with her brother. Then Webb Pierce made an appearance in San Antonio and
she made the decision to make a go of music. She became known as the "Golden Hillbilly."
At the age of 20, she had a release on Decca and was a regular on the KWKH Louisiana Hayride
in Shreveport, LA.
Early on folks seemed to notice her in Music City. She was doing a photo session at a Nashville
hotel suite. The photographer was moving around the room trying to find the angle he wanted
of Goldie strumming her guitar and singing. The story goes that a voice in the background
said, tired of waiting, "Go ahead and take it; she looks good from ANY angle."
Hoedown Magazine published the result of a poll taken of 500 country and western disc jockeys
in various categories. Goldie Hill finished in the No. 3 spot, behind Kitty Wells and Jean Shepard.
In January of 1955, Country Song Roundup listed her as the No. 2 Female Singer behind Kitty Wells.
In 1956, Country Song Roundup listed the winners in its "Jimmie Rodgers Achivement Award" poll. She
was No. 3; again behind Kitty Wells and Jean Shepard.
Her first release "Don't Send Me No More Roses" b/w "I Talk to My Heart"
was an answer to Ray Price's song. The first hit attracted little attention but warranted
more releases. But give her time; she was only 19 years old then. Her next release "I Let The Stars Get in My Eyes" b/w "Waiting for a Letter"
became a number one hit.
Goldie also had duet hits with Justin Tubb with "Looking Back to See" and "Sure Fire Kisses."
She also did well in "Are You Mine," a duet with Red Sovine. After that, the hits
stopped, but she continued recording for Decca until 1964. She remained a popular figure
on the Opry. Goldie's songs from the early sixties tended to be oriented toward
the LP market.
In June of 1953, Billboard was grouping Goldie with Kitty Wells as the "Gals from the Hills" due
to the success of their records - Kitty had "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and Goldie
had "I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes." Industry execs thought their break out would lead
to a comeback of sorts for female singers.
The Billboard ran an article that featured Jerry Lee Lewis, written by Bill Williams in 1973.
Earlier in the year, Jerry Lee had made his first appearance ever on the WSM Grand Ole Opry.
He had visited the show once before and was even able to go back stage during the program. But at the
time he was strictly known as a rock and roll performer.
In spite of the negatives he had, there were two female Opry performers that befriended him back
then. One was Goldie Hill. The other was pianist Del Wood. During his Opry segment, he made a point
to have Del Wood come onstage with him and thanked her publicly for the support she showed him
some 15 years earlier. In fact, he displayed a bit of the sentimental side of his personality. He
invited Del to do a duet with her.
Bill Sachs of The Billboard passed along a story from Al Turner (then on KPCN Dallas, TX) who
used to do the bookings for the "Big D Jamboree." On one show, Al was in
strong need of a guest artist. He contacted a competing show - the KWKH Louisiana Hayride in
Shreveport, LA. They offered Al a fellow by the name of Webb Pierce and his band for $200.
Mr. Turner was said to have barely heard of Webb at the time; Webb was recording on a small label
out of Shreveport. Faced with a deadline and need, Al booked Webb for that Saturday night
show in 1949. Webb showed up with his band. It included a singer named Faron Young on guitar;
a female vocalist named Goldie Hill; a guitar player named Tommy Hill and on bass, Tillman Franks.
It was said the group split the $200.
Goldie Hill — Record Reviews From The Billboard and Cash Box
Date
Label
Rec No.
Review
5/9/1953 (CB)
Decca
28685
I'm Yvonne —
Goldie Hill boasts of Yvonne's qualities to the tune of "Jambalaya." An engaging side.
Say Big Boy — Thrush sounds in good voice as she delivers a slow
blues with feeling. Deck could make noise for Goldie.
8/1/1953 (BB)
Decca
28769
I'm The Loneliest Girl In Town —
The country thrush has two fine sides here. The top side is a strong weeper, sung with heart by
the chantress.
My Love Is Aflame — The flip receives a bright reading from Goldie Hill.
Both of them should move up in the field. (Billboard listed the record under "New Records To Watch")
8/8/1953 (BB)
Decca
28769
I'm The Loneliest Girl In Town —
Here's a strong new country ballad which Miss Hill handles with the proper warmth and feeling.
The message is tried and true material. Could be another big side for the gal. (Rating: 81)
My Love Is Aflame — The fem thrush has what sounds like another winner in this one.
It's an up-tempo item with some of the feeling of "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes." Should
keep her moving as a strong and consistent c&w artist. (Rating: 81)
10/24/1953 (BB)
Decca
28898
I'm Yesterday's Girl —
Goldie Hill makes her bid for a place in the best sellers in the country field with a pair of sentimental
tunes that she waxes with telling effect. “I’m Yesterday’s Girl” is Goldie’s
answer to “Yesterday’s Girl” waxed by Hank Thompson and stirring up a good deal of excitement
in the jukes. The chirp vocals with freshness and appeal as she tells how she was promised
everything but now it’s all a memory.(Cashbox "Bullseye of the Week")
Let Me Be The One — The lower portion, “Let Me Be The One,” is already
a hit country tune but the “Golden Hillbilly’s” version could earn her equal billing
on the charts. Tune is a lovely one and Goldie’s smooth, easy manner makes this another
top notch etching. Ops oughta get with this two sided winner.
3/20/1954 (BB)
Decca
29069
Make Love To Me —
Goldie Hill crashes through with her strongest sales gatherer in many releases. The thrush applies
her soft and polished chords to a pair of Irgh flying pop tunes and the results are two potent
sides. “Make Love To Me”, on the top deck, is a lovely, quick beat romantic piece that Goldie treats
to a spirited reading. (The Cash Box - "Bullseye of the Week")
Young At Heart — Flip, a pretty,
moderate beat tune titled “Young At Heart”, receives another winning performance from the chirp.
Both ends should make the jukes jump with joy.
5/15/1954 (CB)
Decca
29045
Liquor and Women —
Goldie Hill could break into the best selling charts with an emotion packed item that she performs
in top drawer fashion.
Am I Still Your Baby? — Under lid is a quick beat ditty that
the thrush vocals in spirited style. Charming lyrics and zestful arrangement on another fine side.
6/5/1954 (BB)
Decca
29145
Looking Back To See (w/Justin Tubb) —
This attractive material is reported to be selling strongly now in the following territories:
Richmond, Atlanta, Nashville, Durham, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Eastern Pennsylvania. The version
by Jim Edward and Maxine Brown, who originally waxed the tune for the Fabor label, is still selling
nicely in certain areas.
I Miss You So — The record was listed as "This Week's Best Buys."
6/12/1954 (CB)
Decca
29161
Cry Cry Darling —
Goldie Hill once again displavs her hit making qualities as she dishes up a wonderful performance
on a middle tempo sentimental piece. Should make the grade.
Call Off The Wedding — Lower
deck is a touching middle beat item that the “Golden Hillbilly” waxes in top drawer style.
9/11/1954 (BB)
Decca
29224
Treat Me Kind —
Goldie Hill could very likely notch a spot on the best selling charts as she vocals a
charming, middle tempo romantic piece in winning style. Deck has the fullest potential.
Please Don't Betray Me — The general effect is stirring
and rich as Goldie waxes this slow tempo, emotional item. Two musts for ops and dealers.
9/27/1954 (BB)
Decca
29349
Sure Fire Kisses (w/Justin Tubb) —
A Billboard Spotlight - 11/13/1954; (Rating: 83)
Fickle Heart — On the side the pair sing of the vagaries
of love. They handle the tune neatly and it, too will get some coins, tho the flip is the big one.
(Rating: 75)
11/13/1954 (CB)
Decca
29349
Sure Fire Kisses (w/Justin Tubb) —
The teaming up of Goldie Hill and Justin Tubb on “Looking Back To See” proved to be such a prosperous merger that ops and dealers
were able to cash in on one of the year’s big tunes. Their follow-up platter
of “Sure Fire Kisses” has all the potential to equal and surpass the success of the previous
waxing. It’s a captivating, quick beat, romantic ditty with grade “A” vocal efforts, lyrics and instrumentation.
(The Cash Box - "Bullseye of the Week")
Fickle Heart (w/Justin Tubb) — Flip features another
strong showing by the pair on a sentimental, middle beat shuffle item tagged “Fickle Heart.” Top half
should be a “sure-fire” moneymaker.
8/6/1955 (BB)
Decca
29602
AIn't Gonna Wash My Face —
The captivating tones of Goldie Hill come over in solid money-making fashion on this delightful
romantic bouncer that has the fullest potential to break for a smash hit.
Why Don't You Let Me Go — Flip is an up-tempo heartfelt
piece that the thrush waxes with the utmost of feeling. Potent pairing.
12/31/1955 (BB)
Decca
29771
Second Chance —
Miss Hill has a strong weeper here. She chants the tearful lyric with gusto and heart. (Rating: 76)
Steel Guitar — This side is a lively version of this ditty.
The thrush's excellent vocal is backed by solid instrumentation. (Rating: 75)
(Rating: 75)
7/7/1956 (CB)
Decca
29955
I'm Beginning To Feel Mistreated —
It looks as tho ‘The Golden Hillbilly’, Goldie Hill has come up
with a platter that’s gonna do big things in the near future. The
lark’s refreshing tones lend themselves perfectly to a quick paced,
Latin-flavored sentimental piece labeled “I’m Beginning To Feel
Mistreated”. Engaging instrumental support on a deck that could
prove to be one of the gal’s best sellers in a long while. (The Cash Box Bulls Eye of the Week)
Sample My Kissin' — On the
other half Goldie pleasantly spins a charming, up tempo romantic cutie tabbed “Sample My Kissin’ ”.
An enticing coupler.
8/12/1956 (CB)
Decca
30142
Footsteps —
Goldie Hill has a twin-threat on her latest Decca single as she
offers a potent pair of tunes both of which should do well in attracting
the sales and spins. The “Golden Hillbilly’s” golden tones stand
out on the top end, a rhythmic blues item labeled “Footsteps”. It’s
a most persuasive entry that grows on you. (The Cash Box Bulls Eye)
New Names, New Faces — The chirp continues in top
form on the under lid as she effectively etches a slightly up tempo
weeper ballad titled “New Names, New Faces”. Either end can take off. They both have the goods.
4/20/1957 (BB)
Decca
30290
Cleanin' House —
Star country songstress Goldie Hill comes up with a solid side for the pop market. Good
rhythm ditty with a catchy arrangement and a swinging beat. Side could establish Goldie
as a pop star. (Rating: B+)
A Wasted Love Affair — Another contagious bounce beat item
with a sorrowful story to tell. This half has more of a country flavoring. Good coupling.
(Rating: B)
1/31/1959 (CB)
Decca
30826
Yankee Go Home (w/Red Sovine) —
Chances are Goldie Hill’s name’ll be back up in the hit listings before long. The chirp is supported by
Red Sovine as she hops on a potent piece of material, tagged “Yankee, Go Home”, that Jan Howard and
Wynn Stewart introduced on Jackpot recently. Goldie’s persuasive warbling coupled with Red’s effective recitation
should help push this tear-jerker over the top.(The Cash Box Bulls Eye of the Week)
What's Happened To Us — Goldie turns in a fine solo effort on the flip, a moderate
paced romantic heartbreaker tabbed “What’s Happened To Us”.
10/19/1957 (BB)
Columbia
30460
It's Only A Matter Of Time —
It shouldn’t be too long before Goldie Hill’s name starts appearing
at the top of the country charts. The splendid manner of song delivery
that the lark has to offer is evident, once again, on two powerful contenders
labeled “It’s Only A Matter Of Time” and “Till I Said It To You”.
Topside is a heartbreaking romantic lilter, in the “Tennessee Waltz” vein,
with a superb choral and instrumental assist adding to Goldie’s dramatically
effective rendition.
Till I Said It To You — Under half is a delightful,
change of pace, uptempo romantic ditty that the songstress grooves in mighty pleasing style.
7/18/1959 (CB)
Decca
30918
Honky Tonk Music —
Goldie Hill, who recently shared part of the “Yankee Go Home” honors dueting with Red Sovine,
can return to a high country sales position with her fine solo job on
“Honky Tonk Music,” a plaintive weeper waxed in true country ballad
fashion. The easy paced, multi-tracker has Goldie turning in one of the best performances of
her career.(The Cash Box Bulls Eye of the Week)
It's Here To Stay — Not to be neglected is
the flip “It’s Here To Stay,” a happy romantic romper.
4/18/1960 (BB)
Decca
31083
Twice As Nice —
A neat rocker is sung in bright style by the thrush. Could rack up some coins if
exposed. (Rating: 3 stars)
Living Alone — A tear jerker. Chick tells how lonely a person
living alone can be, no matter how wealthy. Good wax. (Rating: 3 stars)
3/4/1961 (CB)
Decca
31221
Loved And Lost —
Goldie’s about due for a big one and the gripping, tear-filled “Loved And
Lost” should be tagged for the ride. Song’s a beautiful ballad essayed
with touching tenderness and the thrush’s usual deep warmth. Sprightly
tune with a sunny outlook, (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)
It's A Lovely Lovely World — “It’s A Lovely, Lovely World,”
offers delightful change-of-pace listening.
5/27/1961 (CB)
Decca
31261
Remember Me, I'm The One Who Loves You —
Thrush could get back in her winning ways with the fine performance
she turns in on “I’m the One Who Loves You.” It’s a heartwarming
display of romantic affection on a slow, deliberate ballad from the veteran
pen of Stuart Hamblen. Could go. (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)
Lonely Heartaches — Coupler is an easy-going upbeat slice.
11/5/1960 (BB)
Decca
31172
Your Love Came Into My Heart —
Fascinating beatfilled romantic is delightfully caressed by Goldie. She gets lots of chorus assistance
and the combo spurs her along at a pop-angled pace. Worth a good listen; the thrush is always a
serious threat. (Rating: B+)
Baby Blue — This beautiful Harlan Howard tune of lost love
is gently expressed by Goldie here. Also a side to watch. (Rating: B+)
11/7/1960 (BB)
Decca
31172
Your Love Came Into My Heart —
A spritely ditty with a gospelish flavor is sung with style by the lass over snappy support.
A bright side by the chantress. (Rating: 3 stars)
Baby Blue — Goldie Hill sells this melodic weeper with much heart over a warm,
almost pop-styled backing. The thrush hands it the kind of performance that can help it sell to her fans. (Rating: 3 stars)
(Rating: 75)
12/9/1961 (CB)
Decca
31242
Love For Tomorrow —
Here’s an upbeat tune that has the thrush weeping with count authority.
(Rating: B+)
Many Lies Ago — Another good standard ballad
rendered in top notch style. (Rating: B+)
5/5/1962 (BB)
Decca
3139
Doorsetep To Heaven —
This is perhaps Goldie's best side in a long time, and it could easily go pop as well as country.
She sings the sad tale with heartfelt intensity and the backing on the waltz
item is in the proper country groove. (Rating: "Spotlight On Singles Of The Week")
I'm Afraid — Flip is "I'm Afraid" (not reviewed).
11/10/1962 (CB)
Decca
31434
Come Back To Me —
The lark has a good chance of grabbing chart honors with either end of
this impressive new Decca outing. One half's an enticing, chorus-backed
rythmic lament labeled "Come Back To Me."
(Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)
Little Boy Blue — The other side, "Little Boy Blue,"
is a feelingful, tradition-oriented affair that the artist renders
with touching sincerity. Spinners should flock to both sides here in droves.
2/23/1963 (BB)
Decca
31466
Baby Go Slow —
(Rating: 4 stars).
Pretending I'm A Fool — (Rating: 4 stars).
5/18/1963 (BB)
Decca
31496
I'm Gonna Bring You Down —
Goldie Hill has a real winner for the country market. This side is bound to be big with
juke boxes and c.&w. jocks. It has a sing-along type chorus with Miss Hill wailing out the lead
in righteous fashion.(Rating: C. & W. Spotlight).
Pretending If I Could Hold Back The Dawn — The flip is "If I could Hold Back the Dawn."
5/18/1963 (CB)
Decca
31496
I'm Gonna Bring You Down —
Goldie Hill could grab some quick spins with this first-rate, uptempo, chorus-backed ditty
with a high-spirited, contagious melody. Plenty of potential here.(Rating: B+).
If I Could Hold Back The Dawn — Slow-paced, lyrical
moving country traditional. (Rating: B+)
9/7/1963 (BB)
Decca
31535
Closer —
(Rating: 4 stars).
Still Wanting You — (Rating: 4 stars).
9/7/1963 (CB)
Decca
31535
Still Wanting You —
The lark could spark potent sales reaction with this topflight,
easy-going, chorus-backed popstyled lament. Loads of potential here. (Rating: B+)
Closer — Quick-paced, folkish ditty with
a warm, infectious beat. (Rating: B+).
11/4/1967 (CB)
Epic
10245
There's Got To Be More To Life (Than Loving
A Man) —
As Goldie Hill Smith. Goldie Hill (Mrs. Carl) Smith’s Epic debut may prove to be worth its
weight in gold for her. Plug side, called “There’s Gotta Be More To Life
(Than Loving A Man),” is a lively ode that should be appreciated by many a femme fan. (Rating: Picks of the Week)
Almost Enough — Flip: "Almost Enough."
3/16/1968 (CB)
Epic
10296
Loveable Fool —
As Goldie Hill Smith. Goldie Hill Smith makes for some nice listening with her second
Epic single. Side could turn on lots of deejays and score points for Goldie.
Making Plans — Flip: "Making Plans"
12/21/1968 (CB)
Epic
10423
Tell It To Your Lonely Walls —
As Goldie Hill Smith. Nice job on a mid -tempo woeser.
Got Me Sumpin' Goin' — Flip: "Got Me Sumpin' Goin' "
Her popularity was such that she was being considered for a part in the Hank Williams bio film
that was under discusstion at the end of 1958.
Philip Morris Country Show
In January 1957, the Phillip Morris company kicked off an event they sponsored for over a year.
It featured several country music acts which would tour throughout the United States doing "free"
concerts along the way. In some cases, attendees had to show "proof" of having a pack of Phillip
Morris cigarette product (only adults). Carl Smith and Goldie Hill were one of the two main
stars at the start of this effort. The Phillip Morris company did heavy promotion of the show
in advance of the tour to each city, running promotional ads in the local newspapers which were
all very similar in look and would list the main stars, but not all those who appeared.
O. Parker McComas, president of Philip Morris, Inc., was quoted:
"We consider it a perfectly natural thing for Philip Morris to sponsor a
traveling festival of country music. Our aim is to make goodlive entertainment available
to the people. We hope, in the process, to further the careersof some fine artists who are
already stars and help to introduce promising new talent. We hope to meet lots of find people.
And people are responsible for the success of our business."
This was not the first time the company had promoted entertainment. Around 1956 or so,
the company spotlighted a young singer named Elvis Presley (as a 'folk singer') for special
shows for Philip Morris employees in Richmond, Virginia and Louisville, Kentucky, where the company
operated modern cigarette factories.
The tour was discussed in the various country music publications of the day. The cast of the earliest
shows was Biff Collie (a Houston DJ as emcee), Carl Smith (considered the headline act), Red Sovine,
Ronnie Self, Gordon Terry; Mimi Roman, Goldie Hill and the Tunesmiths (Bun Wilson; Sammy Pruett; Johnny Sibert
and Tom Pritchard). The show's performers were contracted by the Jim Denny
Artist Bureau of Nashville. Most of the shows were broadcast over the Mutual Network.
The premier performance of this show was given to the Philip Morris employees in Richmond, VA.
The first free performance for the public was in Louisville, KY on January 13, 1957.
The traveling show went from January 1957 to about the end of May 1958. However, the 'free show'
was not without its critics in the country music industry. Some felt it was harming those who
gain a significant portion of their income from personal appearance. A large argument againts
these shows was that it provided unfair competition. It was making it difficult for other
country and western acts to secure bookings with paid admissions on a regular basis. But Biff Collie
told Bill Sachs of Billboard that the shows were opening new territory for country and western
music, picking up new fans who had not seen a country music show before. He claimed they free
admission allowed those who were curious to see a country show, and take in the music and see
and hear for themselves - a chance to gain new fans.
Tom Parkinson told The Billboard readers some details of the operations behind the booking
of the Philip Morris shows. Jim Bowling was leading the public relations effort, the talent
was booked by the HIm Denny Artist Bureau in Nashville. Wilma Dobie, part of the Philip Morris
advertising agency created the printed material in the form of cards and posters which salesmen
for Philip Morris distributed in the towns the tour visited. Newspaper ads were used. The artists
would also visit local radio stations as well. The admission was free, but pains were made
to explain that all seating was on a first-come, first-serve basis. On some occasions (such as the
first show), impromptu second concerts were held to accommodate the over-flow crowds waiting in line.
The Philip Morris Pageboy, Johnny, would open the shows. The company did little advertising
during the actual shows.
Below is a listing of the shows sponsored by Phillip Morris as evidenced by the newspaper
ads that were uncovered during research. While Goldie and Carl did not appear on all of these
show, this list provides a historical reference of these shows and will be found on other pages
on the site for those who were on the show.
Philip Morris Country Music Tour 1957 ‐ 1958 Tour Stops
Date
Venue
City
ST
Time(s)
1/6/1957
Mosque Theater
Richmond
VA
2:30pm
1/11/1957
Woodland Auditorium
Lexington
KY
7 & 9pm
1/6/1957
Mosque Theater
Richmond
VA
2:30pm
1/9/1957
Midelburg Auditorium
Charleston
WV
2 / 8pm
1/11/1957
Woodland Auditorium
Lexington
KY
7 / 9pm
1/13/1957
Memorial Auditorium
Louisville
KY
7 / 9pm
1/14/1957
Eastern State College Auditorium
Richmond
KY
8pm
1/15/1957
Centre College Gym
Danville
KY
8pm
1/16/1957
High School Gym
Frankfort
KY
8pm
1/17/1957
High School Gym
Somerset
KY
8pm
1/20/1957
Bowling Green High School Gym
Bowling Green
KY
2:30pm
1/22/1957
Memorial Recreation Gym
Owensboro
KY
8pm
1/23/1957
High School Auditorium
Madisonville
KY
8pm
1/25/1957
Jetton Junior High School Auditorium
Paducah
KY
7 / 9pm
2/1/1957
Armory
Jackson
TN
8pm
2/3/1957
Ellis Auditorium
Memphis
TN
2 / 8pm
2/10/1957
Robinson Memorial Auditorium
Little Rock
AR
2 / 8pm
2/13/1957
High School Auditorium
Greenville
MS
8pm
2/17/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Shreveport
LA
2 / 8pm
2/19/1957
Ruston High School Auditorium
Ruston
LA
8pm
2/20/1957
Neville High School Auditorium
Monroe
LA
8pm
3/3/1957
National Guard Armory
Huntsville
AL
2 / 8pm
3/4/1957
City Auditorium
Jasper
MS
8pm
3/6/1957
High School Auditorium
McComb
MS
8pm
3/7/1957
City Auditorium
Jackson
MS
8pm
3/8/1957
Community Center
Hattiesburg
MS
8pm
3/15/1957
High School
Baton Rouge
LA
8pm
3/16/1957
Bolton High School
Alexandria
LA
8pm
3/20/1957
Grammar School Audiorium
Oakdale
LA
8pm
3/22/1957
Eunice High School Auditorium
Eunice
LA
8pm
3/27/1957
Elementary School
Franklin
LA
8pm
3/28/1957
Isenburg Hall
Lafayette
LA
8pm
3/31/1957
USO Building
Biloxi
MS
3 / 8pm
4/5/1957
Civic Center
Laurel
MS
3 / 8pm
4/14/1957
Memorial Auditorium
Chattanooga
TN
3 / 8pm
4/17/1957
Oak Ridge High School
Oak Ridge
TN
8pm
4/18/1957
Chilhowee Park
Knoxville
TN
8pm
4/19/1957
Isenberg-Siler Gym
Morristown
TN
8pm
4/21/1957
City Auditorium
Asheville
NC
3 / 8pm
4/22/1957
High School
Elizabethton
TN
8pm
4/24/1957
Y.M.C.A. Building
Lexington
NC
8pm
4/27/1957
Twin States Warehouse
Fairmont
NC
8pm
4/29/1957
Auditorium
Bluefield
WV
8pm
5/1/1957
Fairgrounds Coliseum
Louisville
KY
8pm
5/3/1957
Ryman Auditorium
Nashville
TN
8pm
5/6/1957
High School
Decatur
AL
8pm
5/8/1957
National Guard Armory
Talladega
AL
8pm
5/7/1957
Fort McClellan Amphitheater
Anniston
AL
8pm
5/21/1957
Cattle Coliseum
Demopolis
AL
8pm
5/23/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Pensacola
FL
8pm
5/25/1957
Memorial Stadium
Selma
AL
8pm
5/26/1957
City Auditorium
Montgomery
AL
3 / 8pm
5/28/1957
Memorial Stadium
Troy
AL
7:30pm
5/29/1957
Wiregrass Stadium
Dothan
AL
7:30pm
6/1/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Macon
GA
8pm
6/3/1957
County Hall
Charleston
SC
8pm
6/14/1957
City Auditorium
Danville
VA
8pm
6/19/1957
Fairgrounds
Staunton
VA
8pm
6/22/1957
American Legion Auditorium
Roanoke
VA
8pm
7/1/1957
Centennial Park
Tallahassee
FL
8pm
7/7/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Tampa
FL
4 / 7pm
7/14/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Miami
FL
4 / 7pm
7/16/1957
War Memorial Auditorium
Fort Lauderdale
FL
8pm
7/13/1957
Exhibition Hall
Fort Myers
FL
8pm
7/19/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Orlando
FL
8pm
8/3/1957
Lakewood Park
Atlanta
GA
8pm
8/15/1957
Columbia Township Auditorium
Columbia
SC
8pm
8/16/1957
Textile Hall
Greenville
SC
8pm
8/17/1957
High School Auditorium
Greenwood
SC
8pm
8/21/1957
Edmunds High School Auditorium
Sumter
SC
8pm
8/22/1957
Shaw Air Force Base
Sumter
SC
8pm
8/25/1957
Ovens Auditorium
Charlotte
NC
4pm
8/31/1957
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
Raleigh
NC
8pm
8/20/1957
Mirmow Field
Orangeburg
SC
8pm
9/8/1957
City Auditorium
Asheville
NC
3pm
9/23/1957
Coosa Valley Fair
Rome
AL
5pm
9/14/1957
Johnson City Armory
Johnson City
TN
8pm
9/15/1957
Civic Auditorium
Kingsport
TN
4pm
9/26/1957
Gastonia Armory
Gastonia
NC
8pm
9/28/1957
Durham Armor
y Durham
NC
8pm
10/10/1957
Mac Gray Auditorium
Statesville
NC
8pm
10/16/1957
City Stadium (weather permitting)
Richmond
VA
8pm
10/16/1957
Mosque Theatre (adverse weather)
Richmond
VA
8pm
10/24/1957
Recreation Building
Beckley
WV
8pm
10/26/1657
VFW Rebel's Retreat
Bristol
VA
8pm
10/28/1957
Akron Armory
Akron
OH
8pm
10/29/1957
Memorial Hall
Dayton
OH
8pm
10/30/1957
Memorial Hall
Dayton
OH
8pm
10/31/1957
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Columbus
OH
8pm
11/2/1957
Memorial Hall
Springfield
OH
8pm
11/13/1957
Memorial Coliseum
Marion
OH
8pm
11/14/1657
Memorial Hall
Lima
OH
8pm
11/16/1957
Municipal Auditorium
Zanesville
OH
8pm
11/21/1957
Lancaster High School Auditorium
Lancaster
OH
8pm
11/26/1957
Cathedral Auditorium
New Castle
PA
8pm
11/27/1957
East Liverpool High School Auditorium
East Liverpool
OH
8pm
12/4/1957
Quaker Theatre
New Philadelphia
OH
8pm
12/5/1957
Auditorium Theater
Newark
OH
8pm
12/10/1957
C.I.O. Building
Anderson
IN
8pm
12/12/1957
Masonic Temple Auditorium
Muncie
IN
8pm
12/13/1957
Masonic Temple Auditorium
Muncie
IN
8pm
12/17/1957
Murat Temple
Indianapolis
IN
8pm
12/18/1957
Murat Temple
Indianapolis
IN
8pm
12/19/1957
Student Union Building Indiana State Teachers College
Terre Haute
IN
8pm
12/20/1957
Municipal Stadium
Evansville
IN
8pm
12/21/1657
Kessler Air Base Hangar No. 5
Biloxi
MS
8pm
12/22/1957
Kessler Air Base Hangar No. 5
Biloxi
MS
8pm
1/1/1958
City Auditorium
Muskogee
OK
8pm
1/3/1958
Civic Center
Bartlesville
OK
8pm
1/4/1958
Municipal Theater
Tulsa
OK
8pm
1/7/1958
Memorial Hall
Joplin
MO
8pm
1/10/1958
McMahon Auditorium
Lawton
OK
8pm
1/13/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Oklahoma City
OK
8pm
1/16/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Wichita Falls
TX
8pm
1/19/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Temple
TX
8pm
1/23/1958
Heart O'Texas Fairgrounds Coliseum
Waco
TX
8pm
1/25/1958
Memorial Hall
Brownwood
TX
8pm
1/29/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Big Spring
TX
8pm
1/30/1958
County Auditorium
Odessa
TX
8pm
1/31/1958
Municipal Auditorium
San Angelo
TX
8pm
2/1/1958
Exposition Hall
Corpus Christi
TX
8pm
2/2/1958
Municipal Auditorium
San Antonio
TX
8pm
2/6/1958
City Auditorium
Beaumont
TX
8pm
2/7/1958
City Auditorium
Galveston
TX
8pm
2/17/1958
Kiel Auditorium
St. Louis
MO
8pm
2/19/1958
Selinger Center Auditorium
Jefferson City
MO
8pm
2/20/1958
Jewell Theatre
Springfield
MO
7:30pm
2/21/1958
Memorial Auditorium
Chanute
KS
7:30pm
2/22/1958
Community Building
Lawrence
KS
7:30pm
2/23/1958
KMBC Theater
Kansas City
MO
3 / 8pm
2/26/1958
Municipal Auditorium
St. Joseph
MO
8pm
2/27/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Lincoln
NE
8pm
2/28/1958
Civic Auditorium
Omaha
NE
8pm
3/1/1958
KRNT Theatre
Des Moines
IA
8pm
3/3/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Sioux City
IA
8pm
3/5/1958
Hippodrome Auditorium
Waterloo
IA
8pm
3/6/1958
Shrine Temple
Rockford
IL
8pm
3/7/1958
Masonic Temple
Freeport
IL
8pm
3/10/1958
Memorial Hall
Racine
WI
8pm
3/13/1958
Civic Opera House
Chicago
IL
8pm
3/15/1958
Wharton Field House
Moline
IL
8pm
3/16/1958
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Cedar Rapids
IA
8pm
3/18/1958
Field House
Iowa City
IA
8pm
3/19/1958
Coliseum
Ottumwa
IA
8pm
3/20/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Moberly
MO
8pm
4/1/1958
Liberty Hall
El Paso
TX
8pm
4/2/1958
American Legion Building
Seiminole
OK
8pm
4/3/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Amarillo
TX
9pm
4/8/1958
Liberty Hall
El Paso
TX
8pm
4/9/1958
Temple of Music
Tucson
AZ
8pm
4/10/1958
Rialto Theatre
Phoenix
AZ
8pm
4/13/1958
Joe Hunt's Sports Arena
Yuma
AZ
8pm
4/17/1958
Civic Auditorium
Pasadena
CA
8pm
4/15/1958
Municipal Auditorium
Long Beach
CA
8pm
4/20/1958
Palma High School
Salinas
CA
9pm
4/21/1958
Fresno Memorial Auditorium
Fresno
CA
8pm
4/22/1958
California Ballroom
Modesto
CA
8pm
4/24/1958
Oakland Auditorium
Oakland
CA
8pm
Television
Goldie did variety of television appearances, some on a regular basis.
In 1954, she was making an appearance once a month on Pee Wee King's show that originated in
Cleveland, Ohio. At the same time, she was also featured on Ernest Tubb's NBC radio program "Country Song Hit
Parade" that aired on Saturday nights at 8:30pm. Tubb's show replaced the spot that Eddy Arnold's program
used to air.
On Saturday night, October 15, 1955 the Grand Ole Opry made its television debut over the ABC network.
The show was to be seen every fourth Saturday of the month. Goldie was on that premier show along
with Les Paul and Mary Ford, Judy Lynn, Carl Smith, Ernest Tubb, Justin Tubb, Hank Snow, Minnie
Pearl, Rod Brasfield, the Louvin Brothers, Martha Carson, Jimmy Dickens and Chet Atkins.
WOR-TV in New York City came out with an hour long televsion series called "Country A Go-Go" that
was headlined by a "raucaus pop instrumental group, the Standells and Delaney Bramlett from the
West Coast." The first show however was basically all country music. Opry veterans such as
Ernest Tubb, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Goldie Hill, Little Jimmy DIckens and Stu Phillips were
all on the show. It was thought that the concept of "...blending country and pop music
through tasteful singing and dancing..." could turn into a television hit.
Movies
Goldie also appeared in several country music movies. In 1964, she was part of 27 performers
in "Country Music Caravan." Also in 1964, she was part of the movie, "Tennessee Jamboree" that
was directed by Albert C. Gannaway.
Marriage - Carl Smith
During the Phillip Morris Country Show touring, she married Carl Smith on September 19, 1957.
They had a daughter, Lori Lynn and two sons, Carl, Jr. and Larry Dean.
In 1965, Jimmy Dean brought his television show to the Smith Family Ranch. Carl was to
be the guest star. A photo showing Goldie with their children, Lori Lynn and Carl Jr.
along with Jimmy Dean's son, Gary showed them taking in the filming on a ranch fence.
As Goldie Hill Smith, she switched to Epic in 1966, turning out two albums and
three singles through 1968. After that, Mrs. Smith seemed content as a farm wife
on the large horse and livestock farm she and Carl owned. When it was announced she had
signed with Epic to resume her recording career, she restricted her efforts to
just studio work and she would do no personal appearances.
The "Golden Hillbilly" thereafter remained retired until her death, but a two CD set on
Acrobat of recent vintage contains her most memorable recordings for a
decade from 1952.
Country Song Roundup did a feature on her in their August 1969 issue. It focused on Goldie
the person and the Smith family. During that interview, their 10-year old daughter Lorie Lynn told her mom
"Tell her how you started a stampede."
"On New Year's Eve night, the kids wanted to stay up until twelve o'clock.
Their daddy was tired and went to bed so I stayed up witn them. At midnight, I went outside
with a whole string of firecrackers. We have nine cats and everytime I go out they
think I'm going to feed them, so they all crowded around me. When I lit the firecrackers,
they all took off except one little cat. His legs were moving but he wasn't going anywhere,
he couldn't get a foothold. It was so funny I really got tickled. When he finally got
going he took off and I bet he didn't stop running all night.
Then I heard this noise
like thunder and wind moving through the trees (and all the time these firecrackers
were going off pretty loudly.) I thought then that it sounded like a stampede, but
I didn't know if it was the horses or the cows. I heard somewhere that you yell
to stop a stampede. I was already laughing because of Ihe cat, he was so funny,
but I started yelling, "whoa" for the horses, and "whoo" for the cows. There 1 was,
standing out on the patio laughing and yelling.
Then still laughing I went and woke
Carl. I told him I had started a stampede. He said 'You started what?' .... I said 'You
know, cows, stampede', but he just turned over and went back to sleep. I went out
again but I couldn't hear anything. It was quiet again.
The next morning my brother Ken came over. Kenny runs the ranch for
us. He had a real funny look on his face. I told him what happened. He said that he
wasn't going to mention it but he knew something had happened because there
was about 200 yards of fence down. The cows were where the horses were supposed
to be, and vice versa. Cows from across the road were on this side and vice versa, and
everything was just all messed up. Fortunately, none of the stock was injured, but that's
the story of how I started a stampede."
When she was asked about how many animals they had on the ranch, she responded, "We have
two dogs, nine cats, Carl and a bunch of horses and cows."
Goldie Hill passed away in February 2005 after battling cancer.
Her obituary spoke to her decision to retire from the road in 1957.
"...There was never any question (raising a family) was what I wanted to do.
I'm fortunate I didn't have to leave the business. I still had the same friends because
Carl was still in the business. ... But Carl noted, "When I married her, I thought she
was going to support me."
WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer, Eddie Stubbs, noted her place in history. He stated,
"In the first half of the 1950's you could just about count on one hand the number
of professional full-time female artists in country music. Goldie Hill was one of those people. Every
female artists in the business to this day owes a debt of gratitude to Goldie Hill."
Credits & Sources
Hillbilly-Music.com would like to express its thanks to Ivan M. Tribe,
author of Mountaineer Jamboree —
Country Music in West Virginia and other
books that can be found on Amazon.com
and numerous articles in other publications for providing us with information about this artist.
Margie Sings Her Heart Out; Al Freeders; September 24, 1967; Dayton Daily News; Dayton, OH
Down To Earth; Elmer Hinton; February 24, 1965; The Tennesseean; Nashville, TN
A Visit With Goldie Hill; August 1969; No. 121; Country Song Roundup; Charlton Publications; Derby, CT
Golden Hillbilly; August 1953; No. 25; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications; Derby, CT
Good From Any Angle; December 14, 1953; Pickin' and Singin' News; Chas. G. Neese, Inc.; Nashville, TN
500 Country D.J.'s Polled By Down Beat Magazine; December 1953; Hoedown Magazine; Thurston Moore, Editor; Hoedown, Inc. ; Cincinnati, OH
Outstanding Female Artists; January 1955; No. 36; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
Goldie Hill Brings Youth And Beauty To WSM Opry; Martha Fergerson; January 1955; Pickin' and Singin' News; Fountain Publications, Inc.; Nashville, TN
Jimmie Rodgers Poll Winners; August 1956; No. 45; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
The Philip Morris Country Music Show; March 1957; Dan Campbell; Country & Western Jamboree; Maher Publications, Inc.; Chicago, IL
Big News In Country Music; May 1957; Vol. 2 No. 3; Folk and Country Songs; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
Country Music On Tour - Philip Morris Country Music Show Brings Top Stars To Town...; Wilma Dobie; October 1957; No. 52; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
Gals from the Hills - Kitty & Goldie Start Country-Girl Search; June 20, 1953; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
M-G-M Mulling Williams Pic; November 28, 1953; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
Jerry Lee Lewis: Super Showman / Paradox; Bill Williams; March 31, 1973; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
Country Music Corner; Bill Sachs; February 29, 1964; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
Answers Critics - PM Unit Asset to C&W Field: Collie; Bill Sachs; July 22, 1957; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
Free Country Music Show Books Many Auditoriums; Tom Parkinson; April 13, 1957; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
The Cash Box Folk and Western Roundup; April 24, 1954; The Cash Box; New York, NY
Tubb Set For NBC Radio Show; February 6, 1954; The Cash Box; New York, NY
TV Wax Wise; October 15, 1955; The Cash Box; New York, NY
C & W Program Launched by WOR-TV; February 27, 1965; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
'50's Country Singer Goldie Hill Dies; Tim Ghianni; February 26, 2005; The Tennessean; Nashville, TN