By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — Margie Singleton has had such an illustrious career even if she never issued another song she’d have numerous impressive achievements. But Singleton never lost her love for music, and says it was her family who insisted she get back in business. “My son kept after me to go back and make something new, so we put the studio equipment in the home and went to work,” she told the Tribune during a recent interview.
The results are the outstanding five-track new EP “Never Mind,” which debuted last month. The title track was the first single. The disc is co-produced by her son Stephen Shelby Singleton and godson Derrick Dexter Mathis. Margie Singleton wrote four of the five tunes, which range from autobiographical reflection to humorous asides, and includes an updated version of a hit she had in the ‘60s that crossed over into another the pop and R&B fields.
“Brook Benton came down here and cut “Lie To Me” in the early ‘60s (1962). Because of certain conditions (Jim Crow segregation) he ended up staying with us, and he did such a wonderful version of the song and added some touches to it. He made it a Top 20 hit. But I’ve never done it myself, and folks kept asking me why for years, but the timing just never seemed right, until now.”
Singleton’s enjoyed a seven decade run in the music business. She’s been especially successful in the country world, particularly with duets. Her partners have included George Jones (“Did I Ever Tell You,” “Waltz of the Angels”), Faron Young (“Keeping Up With The Joneses,” “Another Woman’s Man, Another Man’s Woman”), Leon Ashley (“Laura (What’s He Got That I Ain’t Got”) and others on her way to nine Top 40 country hits. In addition, some other country artist who’ve cut her songs include Tammy Wynette, Claude King, and Lynn Anderson.
Benton’s success wasn’t her only pop venture. Singleton also wrote Johnny Tillotson’s “She Understands Me,” and had recorded by Trini Lopez, Tom Jones and Jerry Lee Lewis. She also enjoyed a lengthy tenure as a backup vocalist, appearing on hundreds of recording sessions. Singleton also appeared in the film “Road To Nashville,” and has sung on the Grand Ole Opry.
The list of industry honors she’s earned include induction into the Atlanta Country Music, North American Country Music and Independent Country Music Halls of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Academy of Local Musicians. She’s also earned four BMI airplay achievement honors (1962, 1967, 1968, 1969).
But Singleton’s not done yet, though COVID-19 has temporarily stilled plans for concert appearances. “But as soon as it’s safe and we can get it set up, I will get back out there,” Singleton concludes. “I still enjoy performing and really want do these songs in front of live audiences whenever we can.”
