Jerry Wallace

by Bill DahlConsidered a pop act during the late 50s with a pair of huge hits, Jerry Wallace successfully migrated to the country field during the 60s and 70s. Wallace began recording in 1951 and burst onto the pop charts in 1958 on the Challenge label with How the Time Flies and the even bigger Primrose Lane a year later. His focus became more country-oriented with Shutters and Boards and In the Misty Moonlight in 1963-64, and he made a full-fledged switch in 1965 after switching to the Mercury label. A move to Liberty in 1968 didnt pay off, but in 1972, soon after he began recording for Decca, If You Leave Me Tonight Ill Cry topped the country charts (as did the LP To Get to You). During the next year, Do You Know What Its Like to Be Lonesome and Dont Give Up on Me both reached the Top Five, but Wallace only managed one more Top Ten, 1974s My Wifes House (for MCA). He charted continually until the end of the decade, though, while recording for MGM, 4 Star, BMA, and Door Knob.