Faron Young

Country Music Singer. A star of the Grand Ole Opry from 1952 to 1964), he was also known as “The Singing Sheriff” after appearing in a 1956 western “Hired Guns.” He helped Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson get their music careers started. One of his #1 hits was a 1961 Nelson-penned tune “Hello Walls.” He was very opinionated concerning the state of the Nashville music business and was alienated as a result. He became depressed over health problems (emphysema and prostate problems), his career slump, and a divorce from his wife of 40 years, Hilda. On December 9, 1996, he shot himself in the head with a .38 caliber handgun. He was found unconscious on a bed in his home by a former band member, Ray Emmett, and died one day later. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame June, 2000.