Merle Kilgore

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Muskogee, OK

2004 Inductees

Merle Kilgore, born in Chickasha, began his career at age 14 carrying Hank Williams Sr.’s guitar. At 18, Merle wrote his first number one hit, “More and More”, which became a million-seller for Webb Pierce in 1954. Not long after, young Merle wrote a 10 million seller, “Wolverton Mountain,” recorded by Claude King, and then co-wrote “Ring of Fire” with June Carter-Cash, as recorded by Johnny Cash. The song sold more than 16 million records. Merle continued to write hit after hit making his song catalog over 300 songs, and in his lifetime has sold close to 50 million records.

Merle’s first Top Ten record was the self-penned “Dear Mama,” followed by “Love Has Made You Beautiful,” "42 in Chicago," "Fast Talking Louisiana Man." His last chart record before turning music executive was titled, “Guilty,” but his favorite record was “Mr. Garfield” by Merle Kilgore and Friends on Elektra Records, recorded with long-time friends Hank Williams Jr. and Johnny Cash.

In 1969, Merle became the general manager of Hank Williams Jr.’s music publishing companies. Merle has been affiliated with Hank for more than 30 years, serving as his personal manager for nearly two decades.

Merle’s prominence in the country music community has grown in recent years through his involvement as Vice President of the Country Music Association and his service on the CMA Board of Directors since 1989. Also contributing to his success was his position as President of both the Nashville Songwriter’s Foundation as well as the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International.