During a career that spanned seven decades, Gordon Stoker and the Jordanaires backed legends like Patsy Cline and Conway Twitty and performed critical roles recording all-time great hits like 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' by George Jones and 'Lucille' by Kenny Rogers. Stoker died on March 27 in his home in Brentwood, Tenn. He was 88 years old.

The Country Music Hall of Famer had suffered from a long period of illness prior to his death. While not an original member of the Jordanaires, he was there during the time the group helped to create the Nashville Sound. Tammy Wynette and Elvis Presley are other superstars they worked closely with during a long career. Stoker grew up in a musical family and joined this group after a stint in the Air Force that began in 1943.

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