Jack Barlow Dies at 87

It with a heavy heart that Taste of County reports that country singer Jack Barlow has died at the age of 87. Music Row reports that Barlow passed on Friday, July 29, after a battle with a lengthy illness. You shouldn't need any proof of Barlow's country pedigree, since he enjoyed success in the 1960s with the celebratory hit song 'I Love Country Music.'

Barlow's other hits included 'Catch the Wind.' He released four albums and often performed at the Grand Ole Opry. His start in the music business came from behind the mic, but not onstage; Barlow actually got his start in entertainment as a radio DJ after serving in the Navy during WWII.

In the 1970s, Barlow switched creative gears a bit, penning jingles for the Big Red brand of chewing gum. He also continued to traffic in the food and beverage world, taking on voiceover work for a panoply of corporations like Budweiser, Kraft and Kellogg's. He also did voiceovers for car companies like Chrysler and Dodge at this time, and reportedly wrote novelty songs under the name Zoot Fenster.

Barlow is survived by Dianne, his wife of 24 years, along with several children and grandchildren.

A public memorial for Barlow is scheduled for August 13, from 5-9PM CT. It will be held at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden Funeral Home, which is located at 9090 Hwy. 100, Nashville, TN, 37221.

Listen to Jack Barlow's 'I Love Country Music'