Country Music Hall of Famer Ferlin Husky Dies

Country Music Hall of Famer Ferlin Husky passed away at his daughter's residence in Westmoreland today, reports The Tennessean. Husky was known for the 1957 hit 'Gone' -- which was a catalyst for the poppier, Nashville Sound era -- as well as the hit 'Wings of a Dove.'

Ferlin Husky was 85-years-old and was suffering from congestive heart failure. He had seven bypass surgeries as of 2009, to which Husky once said, "I just pray and keep going."

Husky wasn't just a country singer who nailed songs to the top of the charts. He helped erase some of the stigma of twangy music by proving that a country song could appeal to a mass audience and crossover to pop music fans. He also acted in films and entertained people as "Simon Crum," which was his comedic alter ego.

Country legend Merle Haggard spoke about Husky in The Tennessean last year, effectively summing up the entertainer. Haggard said, "There were a lot of years when nobody in the business could follow Ferlin Husky. He was the big live act of the day."

Husky was elected into the Country Music Hall of Fame in February 2010, which was a lifelong dream of his. He entered along with Jimmy Dean and Billy Sherrill during a ceremony in May 2010.

Even in the face of serious health problems, Husky never lost his sense of humor, which is very admirable to say the least. "Some of the people that vote [for the Hall members] are so young, I thought they'd never heard of me," he joked at the time. "I figured they thought Ferlin Husky was some kind of disease."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ferlin Husky's family members and friends on this day. Rest in peace, Ferlin. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of many.