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Goldie Hill
Born:  January 11, 1933
Died:  February 24, 2005
KWKH Louisiana Hayride
WSM Grand Ole Opry
KWKH Shreveport, LA
WSM Nashville, TN


About The Artist

Goldie Hill - Circa 1955 Argolda Voncile "Goldie" Hill was the principal rival to Kitty Wells as the leading girl country singer of the early 1950s.

As a solo vocalist she recorded numerous "answer" songs, most notably "I Let the Stars Get in My Eyes." Along the way, she was nicknamed the "Golden Hillbilly." Later, she also had hit duets with Justin Tubb.

She married country star Carl Smith in September 1957. She virtually stopped touring at that point in her career. She continued recording for another decade.

Goldie hailed from Karnes County, Texas, and had brothers who played country music.

She became the female vocalist with Webb Pierce's band where her brother Tommy was part of Webb's Wondering Boys.

Her own venture into country music came as a vocalist joining the Louisiana Hayride in 1952 and soon afterward signing with Decca.

The Early Years

Perhaps she picked the right time to visit Nashville. In July of 1952, Goldie and her mother traveled to Nashville to watch her brother, Tommy, do a recording session with Decca. During a break in the session, Goldie picked up a guitar and started singing a song. Paul Cohen of Decca happened to hear her and before you know it, contracts created, conferences held, phone calls made. Decca signed her.

She learned the guitar and started singing at an early age. She did occasional personal appearances with her brother. Then Webb Pierce made an appearance in San Antonio and she made the decision to make a go of music. She became known as the "Golden Hillbilly." At the age of 20, she had a release on Decca and was a regular on the KWKH Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, LA.

Early on folks seemed to notice her in Music City. She was doing a photo session at a Nashville hotel suite. The photographer was moving around the room trying to find the angle he wanted of Goldie strumming her guitar and singing. The story goes that a voice in the background said, tired of waiting, "Go ahead and take it; she looks good from ANY angle."

Hoedown Magazine published the result of a poll taken of 500 country and western disc jockeys in various categories. Goldie Hill finished in the No. 3 spot, behind Kitty Wells and Jean Shepard. In January of 1955, Country Song Roundup listed her as the No. 2 Female Singer behind Kitty Wells. In 1956, Country Song Roundup listed the winners in its "Jimmie Rodgers Achivement Award" poll. She was No. 3; again behind Kitty Wells and Jean Shepard.

Her first release "Don't Send Me No More Roses" b/w "I Talk to My Heart" was an answer to Ray Price's song. The first hit attracted little attention but warranted more releases. But give her time; she was only 19 years old then. Her next release "I Let The Stars Get in My Eyes" b/w "Waiting for a Letter" became a number one hit.

Goldie also had duet hits with Justin Tubb with "Looking Back to See" and "Sure Fire Kisses." She also did well in "Are You Mine," a duet with Red Sovine. After that, the hits stopped, but she continued recording for Decca until 1964. She remained a popular figure on the Opry. Goldie's songs from the early sixties tended to be oriented toward the LP market.

Promo Ad - Webb Pierce - Southern Valley Boys - Tommy Hill - Goldie Hill - College Inn Skateland - Corsicana, TX - January 1952
Promo Ad - Dessau Hall - Goldie Hill -  Tommy Hill - Texas Hillbillies - Austin, TX - December 1952

Promo Ad - Cherry Springs Tavern - Kerrville, TX - Happy-Go-Lucky Boys - Billy Walker - Tommy and Goldie Hill - The Traveling Texans - August 1952
Promo Ad - Danceland - Goldie Hill - Tommie Hill - Louisiana Hayride Band - Grand Ole Opry - Fort Worth, TX - December 1952

In June of 1953, Billboard was grouping Goldie with Kitty Wells as the "Gals from the Hills" due to the success of their records - Kitty had "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" and Goldie had "I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes." Industry execs thought their break out would lead to a comeback of sorts for female singers.

The Billboard ran an article that featured Jerry Lee Lewis, written by Bill Williams in 1973. Earlier in the year, Jerry Lee had made his first appearance ever on the WSM Grand Ole Opry. He had visited the show once before and was even able to go back stage during the program. But at the time he was strictly known as a rock and roll performer.

In spite of the negatives he had, there were two female Opry performers that befriended him back then. One was Goldie Hill. The other was pianist Del Wood. During his Opry segment, he made a point to have Del Wood come onstage with him and thanked her publicly for the support she showed him some 15 years earlier. In fact, he displayed a bit of the sentimental side of his personality. He invited Del to do a duet with her.

Bill Sachs of The Billboard passed along a story from Al Turner (then on KPCN Dallas, TX) who used to do the bookings for the "Big D Jamboree." On one show, Al was in strong need of a guest artist. He contacted a competing show - the KWKH Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, LA. They offered Al a fellow by the name of Webb Pierce and his band for $200. Mr. Turner was said to have barely heard of Webb at the time; Webb was recording on a small label out of Shreveport. Faced with a deadline and need, Al booked Webb for that Saturday night show in 1949. Webb showed up with his band. It included a singer named Faron Young on guitar; a female vocalist named Goldie Hill; a guitar player named Tommy Hill and on bass, Tillman Franks. It was said the group split the $200.

Promo Ad - Shady Acres Ranch - Mulberry, IN - Justin Tubb - Goldie Hill - July 1955
Promo Ad - Rob's Place - Robstown, TX - Goldie Hill - Texas Hillbillies - February 1953

Promo Ad - Lyric Theater - Indianapolis, IN - Goldie Hill - Neal Burris - December 1954
Promo Ad - K of C Hall - Bryan, TX - Tommie and Goldie Hill - January 1953

Folk and Country Songs Cover - June 1959 - Goldie HIll - Johnny Horton
Promo Ad - Billboard - Carl Smith - Goldie Hill - November 1963

Promo Ad - Buck Lake - Angola, IN - Ray Price - Goldie Hill - Justin Tubb - July 1955
Promo Ad - Goldie Hill Photo - Undated

Goldie Hill - Don Law - Epic Recording Studio - 1967
Carl Smith - Goldie Hill - Don Law - Epic Records - 1967

Decca 28473 - Goldie Hill - I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes - Nashville - October 8, 1952

Goldie Hill — Record Reviews From The Billboard and Cash Box
Date Label Rec No. Review
5/9/1953 (CB) Decca 28685 I'm Yvonne — Goldie Hill boasts of Yvonne's qualities to the tune of "Jambalaya." An engaging side.

Say Big Boy — Thrush sounds in good voice as she delivers a slow blues with feeling. Deck could make noise for Goldie.
8/1/1953 (BB) Decca 28769 I'm The Loneliest Girl In Town — The country thrush has two fine sides here. The top side is a strong weeper, sung with heart by the chantress.

My Love Is Aflame — The flip receives a bright reading from Goldie Hill. Both of them should move up in the field. (Billboard listed the record under "New Records To Watch")
8/8/1953 (BB) Decca 28769 I'm The Loneliest Girl In Town — Here's a strong new country ballad which Miss Hill handles with the proper warmth and feeling. The message is tried and true material. Could be another big side for the gal. (Rating: 81)

My Love Is Aflame — The fem thrush has what sounds like another winner in this one. It's an up-tempo item with some of the feeling of "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes." Should keep her moving as a strong and consistent c&w artist. (Rating: 81)
10/24/1953 (BB) Decca 28898 I'm Yesterday's Girl — Goldie Hill makes her bid for a place in the best sellers in the country field with a pair of sentimental tunes that she waxes with telling effect. “I’m Yesterday’s Girl” is Goldie’s answer to “Yesterday’s Girl” waxed by Hank Thompson and stirring up a good deal of excitement in the jukes. The chirp vocals with freshness and appeal as she tells how she was promised everything but now it’s all a memory.(Cashbox "Bullseye of the Week")

Let Me Be The One — The lower portion, “Let Me Be The One,” is already a hit country tune but the “Golden Hillbilly’s” version could earn her equal billing on the charts. Tune is a lovely one and Goldie’s smooth, easy manner makes this another top notch etching. Ops oughta get with this two sided winner.
3/20/1954 (BB) Decca 29069 Make Love To Me — Goldie Hill crashes through with her strongest sales gatherer in many releases. The thrush applies her soft and polished chords to a pair of Irgh flying pop tunes and the results are two potent sides. “Make Love To Me”, on the top deck, is a lovely, quick beat romantic piece that Goldie treats to a spirited reading. (The Cash Box - "Bullseye of the Week")

Young At Heart — Flip, a pretty, moderate beat tune titled “Young At Heart”, receives another winning performance from the chirp. Both ends should make the jukes jump with joy.
5/15/1954 (CB) Decca 29045 Liquor and Women — Goldie Hill could break into the best selling charts with an emotion packed item that she performs in top drawer fashion.

Am I Still Your Baby? — Under lid is a quick beat ditty that the thrush vocals in spirited style. Charming lyrics and zestful arrangement on another fine side.
6/5/1954 (BB) Decca 29145 Looking Back To See (w/Justin Tubb) — This attractive material is reported to be selling strongly now in the following territories: Richmond, Atlanta, Nashville, Durham, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Eastern Pennsylvania. The version by Jim Edward and Maxine Brown, who originally waxed the tune for the Fabor label, is still selling nicely in certain areas.

I Miss You So — The record was listed as "This Week's Best Buys."
6/12/1954 (CB) Decca 29161 Cry Cry Darling — Goldie Hill once again displavs her hit making qualities as she dishes up a wonderful performance on a middle tempo sentimental piece. Should make the grade.

Call Off The Wedding — Lower deck is a touching middle beat item that the “Golden Hillbilly” waxes in top drawer style.
9/11/1954 (BB) Decca 29224 Treat Me Kind — Goldie Hill could very likely notch a spot on the best selling charts as she vocals a charming, middle tempo romantic piece in winning style. Deck has the fullest potential.

Please Don't Betray Me — The general effect is stirring and rich as Goldie waxes this slow tempo, emotional item. Two musts for ops and dealers.
9/27/1954 (BB) Decca 29349 Sure Fire Kisses (w/Justin Tubb) — A Billboard Spotlight - 11/13/1954; (Rating: 83)

Fickle Heart — On the side the pair sing of the vagaries of love. They handle the tune neatly and it, too will get some coins, tho the flip is the big one. (Rating: 75)
11/13/1954 (CB) Decca 29349 Sure Fire Kisses (w/Justin Tubb) — The teaming up of Goldie Hill and Justin Tubb on “Looking Back To See” proved to be such a prosperous merger that ops and dealers were able to cash in on one of the year’s big tunes. Their follow-up platter of “Sure Fire Kisses” has all the potential to equal and surpass the success of the previous waxing. It’s a captivating, quick beat, romantic ditty with grade “A” vocal efforts, lyrics and instrumentation. (The Cash Box - "Bullseye of the Week")

Fickle Heart (w/Justin Tubb) — Flip features another strong showing by the pair on a sentimental, middle beat shuffle item tagged “Fickle Heart.” Top half should be a “sure-fire” moneymaker.
8/6/1955 (BB) Decca 29602 AIn't Gonna Wash My Face — The captivating tones of Goldie Hill come over in solid money-making fashion on this delightful romantic bouncer that has the fullest potential to break for a smash hit.

Why Don't You Let Me Go — Flip is an up-tempo heartfelt piece that the thrush waxes with the utmost of feeling. Potent pairing.
12/31/1955 (BB) Decca 29771 Second Chance — Miss Hill has a strong weeper here. She chants the tearful lyric with gusto and heart. (Rating: 76)

Steel Guitar — This side is a lively version of this ditty. The thrush's excellent vocal is backed by solid instrumentation. (Rating: 75) (Rating: 75)
7/7/1956 (CB) Decca 29955 I'm Beginning To Feel Mistreated — It looks as tho ‘The Golden Hillbilly’, Goldie Hill has come up with a platter that’s gonna do big things in the near future. The lark’s refreshing tones lend themselves perfectly to a quick paced, Latin-flavored sentimental piece labeled “I’m Beginning To Feel Mistreated”. Engaging instrumental support on a deck that could prove to be one of the gal’s best sellers in a long while. (The Cash Box Bulls Eye of the Week)

Sample My Kissin' — On the other half Goldie pleasantly spins a charming, up tempo romantic cutie tabbed “Sample My Kissin’ ”. An enticing coupler.
8/12/1956 (CB) Decca 30142 Footsteps — Goldie Hill has a twin-threat on her latest Decca single as she offers a potent pair of tunes both of which should do well in attracting the sales and spins. The “Golden Hillbilly’s” golden tones stand out on the top end, a rhythmic blues item labeled “Footsteps”. It’s a most persuasive entry that grows on you. (The Cash Box Bulls Eye)

New Names, New Faces — The chirp continues in top form on the under lid as she effectively etches a slightly up tempo weeper ballad titled “New Names, New Faces”. Either end can take off. They both have the goods.
4/20/1957 (BB) Decca 30290 Cleanin' House — Star country songstress Goldie Hill comes up with a solid side for the pop market. Good rhythm ditty with a catchy arrangement and a swinging beat. Side could establish Goldie as a pop star. (Rating: B+)

A Wasted Love Affair — Another contagious bounce beat item with a sorrowful story to tell. This half has more of a country flavoring. Good coupling. (Rating: B)
1/31/1959 (CB) Decca 30826 Yankee Go Home (w/Red Sovine) — Chances are Goldie Hill’s name’ll be back up in the hit listings before long. The chirp is supported by Red Sovine as she hops on a potent piece of material, tagged “Yankee, Go Home”, that Jan Howard and Wynn Stewart introduced on Jackpot recently. Goldie’s persuasive warbling coupled with Red’s effective recitation should help push this tear-jerker over the top.(The Cash Box Bulls Eye of the Week)

What's Happened To Us — Goldie turns in a fine solo effort on the flip, a moderate paced romantic heartbreaker tabbed “What’s Happened To Us”.
10/19/1957 (BB) Columbia 30460 It's Only A Matter Of Time — It shouldn’t be too long before Goldie Hill’s name starts appearing at the top of the country charts. The splendid manner of song delivery that the lark has to offer is evident, once again, on two powerful contenders labeled “It’s Only A Matter Of Time” and “Till I Said It To You”. Topside is a heartbreaking romantic lilter, in the “Tennessee Waltz” vein, with a superb choral and instrumental assist adding to Goldie’s dramatically effective rendition.

Till I Said It To You — Under half is a delightful, change of pace, uptempo romantic ditty that the songstress grooves in mighty pleasing style.
7/18/1959 (CB) Decca 30918 Honky Tonk Music — Goldie Hill, who recently shared part of the “Yankee Go Home” honors dueting with Red Sovine, can return to a high country sales position with her fine solo job on “Honky Tonk Music,” a plaintive weeper waxed in true country ballad fashion. The easy paced, multi-tracker has Goldie turning in one of the best performances of her career.(The Cash Box Bulls Eye of the Week)

It's Here To Stay — Not to be neglected is the flip “It’s Here To Stay,” a happy romantic romper.
4/18/1960 (BB) Decca 31083 Twice As Nice — A neat rocker is sung in bright style by the thrush. Could rack up some coins if exposed. (Rating: 3 stars)

Living Alone — A tear jerker. Chick tells how lonely a person living alone can be, no matter how wealthy. Good wax. (Rating: 3 stars)
3/4/1961 (CB) Decca 31221 Loved And Lost — Goldie’s about due for a big one and the gripping, tear-filled “Loved And Lost” should be tagged for the ride. Song’s a beautiful ballad essayed with touching tenderness and the thrush’s usual deep warmth. Sprightly tune with a sunny outlook, (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)

It's A Lovely Lovely World — “It’s A Lovely, Lovely World,” offers delightful change-of-pace listening.
5/27/1961 (CB) Decca 31261 Remember Me, I'm The One Who Loves You — Thrush could get back in her winning ways with the fine performance she turns in on “I’m the One Who Loves You.” It’s a heartwarming display of romantic affection on a slow, deliberate ballad from the veteran pen of Stuart Hamblen. Could go. (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)

Lonely Heartaches — Coupler is an easy-going upbeat slice.
11/5/1960 (BB) Decca 31172 Your Love Came Into My Heart — Fascinating beatfilled romantic is delightfully caressed by Goldie. She gets lots of chorus assistance and the combo spurs her along at a pop-angled pace. Worth a good listen; the thrush is always a serious threat. (Rating: B+)

Baby Blue — This beautiful Harlan Howard tune of lost love is gently expressed by Goldie here. Also a side to watch. (Rating: B+)
11/7/1960 (BB) Decca 31172 Your Love Came Into My Heart — A spritely ditty with a gospelish flavor is sung with style by the lass over snappy support. A bright side by the chantress. (Rating: 3 stars)

Baby Blue — Goldie Hill sells this melodic weeper with much heart over a warm, almost pop-styled backing. The thrush hands it the kind of performance that can help it sell to her fans. (Rating: 3 stars) (Rating: 75)
12/9/1961 (CB) Decca 31242 Love For Tomorrow — Here’s an upbeat tune that has the thrush weeping with count authority. (Rating: B+)

Many Lies Ago — Another good standard ballad rendered in top notch style. (Rating: B+)
5/5/1962 (BB) Decca 3139 Doorsetep To Heaven — This is perhaps Goldie's best side in a long time, and it could easily go pop as well as country. She sings the sad tale with heartfelt intensity and the backing on the waltz item is in the proper country groove. (Rating: "Spotlight On Singles Of The Week")

I'm Afraid — Flip is "I'm Afraid" (not reviewed).
11/10/1962 (CB) Decca 31434 Come Back To Me — The lark has a good chance of grabbing chart honors with either end of this impressive new Decca outing. One half's an enticing, chorus-backed rythmic lament labeled "Come Back To Me." (Rating: The Cash Box Bullseye)

Little Boy Blue — The other side, "Little Boy Blue," is a feelingful, tradition-oriented affair that the artist renders with touching sincerity. Spinners should flock to both sides here in droves.
2/23/1963 (BB) Decca 31466 Baby Go Slow — (Rating: 4 stars).

Pretending I'm A Fool — (Rating: 4 stars).
5/18/1963 (BB) Decca 31496 I'm Gonna Bring You Down — Goldie Hill has a real winner for the country market. This side is bound to be big with juke boxes and c.&w. jocks. It has a sing-along type chorus with Miss Hill wailing out the lead in righteous fashion.(Rating: C. & W. Spotlight).

Pretending If I Could Hold Back The Dawn — The flip is "If I could Hold Back the Dawn."
5/18/1963 (CB) Decca 31496 I'm Gonna Bring You Down — Goldie Hill could grab some quick spins with this first-rate, uptempo, chorus-backed ditty with a high-spirited, contagious melody. Plenty of potential here.(Rating: B+).

If I Could Hold Back The Dawn — Slow-paced, lyrical moving country traditional. (Rating: B+)
9/7/1963 (BB) Decca 31535 Closer — (Rating: 4 stars).

Still Wanting You — (Rating: 4 stars).
9/7/1963 (CB) Decca 31535 Still Wanting You — The lark could spark potent sales reaction with this topflight, easy-going, chorus-backed popstyled lament. Loads of potential here. (Rating: B+)

Closer — Quick-paced, folkish ditty with a warm, infectious beat. (Rating: B+).
11/4/1967 (CB) Epic 10245 There's Got To Be More To Life (Than Loving A Man) — As Goldie Hill Smith. Goldie Hill (Mrs. Carl) Smith’s Epic debut may prove to be worth its weight in gold for her. Plug side, called “There’s Gotta Be More To Life (Than Loving A Man),” is a lively ode that should be appreciated by many a femme fan. (Rating: Picks of the Week)

Almost Enough — Flip: "Almost Enough."
3/16/1968 (CB) Epic 10296 Loveable Fool — As Goldie Hill Smith. Goldie Hill Smith makes for some nice listening with her second Epic single. Side could turn on lots of deejays and score points for Goldie.

Making Plans — Flip: "Making Plans"
12/21/1968 (CB) Epic 10423 Tell It To Your Lonely Walls — As Goldie Hill Smith. Nice job on a mid -tempo woeser.

Got Me Sumpin' Goin' — Flip: "Got Me Sumpin' Goin' "

Decca 28355 - Goldie Hill - Why Talk To My Heart - Nashville - July 15, 1952

Her popularity was such that she was being considered for a part in the Hank Williams bio film that was under discusstion at the end of 1958.

Philip Morris Country Show

Philip Morris Country Music Show Character In January 1957, the Phillip Morris company kicked off an event they sponsored for over a year. It featured several country music acts which would tour throughout the United States doing "free" concerts along the way. In some cases, attendees had to show "proof" of having a pack of Phillip Morris cigarette product (only adults). Carl Smith and Goldie Hill were one of the two main stars at the start of this effort. The Phillip Morris company did heavy promotion of the show in advance of the tour to each city, running promotional ads in the local newspapers which were all very similar in look and would list the main stars, but not all those who appeared.

O. Parker McComas, president of Philip Morris, Inc., was quoted:

"We consider it a perfectly natural thing for Philip Morris to sponsor a traveling festival of country music. Our aim is to make goodlive entertainment available to the people. We hope, in the process, to further the careersof some fine artists who are already stars and help to introduce promising new talent. We hope to meet lots of find people. And people are responsible for the success of our business."

This was not the first time the company had promoted entertainment. Around 1956 or so, the company spotlighted a young singer named Elvis Presley (as a 'folk singer') for special shows for Philip Morris employees in Richmond, Virginia and Louisville, Kentucky, where the company operated modern cigarette factories.

Philip Morris Album - 1957 The tour was discussed in the various country music publications of the day. The cast of the earliest shows was Biff Collie (a Houston DJ as emcee), Carl Smith (considered the headline act), Red Sovine, Ronnie Self, Gordon Terry; Mimi Roman, Goldie Hill and the Tunesmiths (Bun Wilson; Sammy Pruett; Johnny Sibert and Tom Pritchard). The show's performers were contracted by the Jim Denny Artist Bureau of Nashville. Most of the shows were broadcast over the Mutual Network.

The premier performance of this show was given to the Philip Morris employees in Richmond, VA. The first free performance for the public was in Louisville, KY on January 13, 1957.

The traveling show went from January 1957 to about the end of May 1958. However, the 'free show' was not without its critics in the country music industry. Some felt it was harming those who gain a significant portion of their income from personal appearance. A large argument againts these shows was that it provided unfair competition. It was making it difficult for other country and western acts to secure bookings with paid admissions on a regular basis. But Biff Collie told Bill Sachs of Billboard that the shows were opening new territory for country and western music, picking up new fans who had not seen a country music show before. He claimed they free admission allowed those who were curious to see a country show, and take in the music and see and hear for themselves - a chance to gain new fans.

Tom Parkinson told The Billboard readers some details of the operations behind the booking of the Philip Morris shows. Jim Bowling was leading the public relations effort, the talent was booked by the HIm Denny Artist Bureau in Nashville. Wilma Dobie, part of the Philip Morris advertising agency created the printed material in the form of cards and posters which salesmen for Philip Morris distributed in the towns the tour visited. Newspaper ads were used. The artists would also visit local radio stations as well. The admission was free, but pains were made to explain that all seating was on a first-come, first-serve basis. On some occasions (such as the first show), impromptu second concerts were held to accommodate the over-flow crowds waiting in line. The Philip Morris Pageboy, Johnny, would open the shows. The company did little advertising during the actual shows.

Below is a listing of the shows sponsored by Phillip Morris as evidenced by the newspaper ads that were uncovered during research. While Goldie and Carl did not appear on all of these show, this list provides a historical reference of these shows and will be found on other pages on the site for those who were on the show.

Philip Morris Country Music Tour 1957 ‐ 1958 Tour Stops
Date Venue City ST Time(s)
1/6/1957Mosque TheaterRichmondVA2:30pm
1/11/1957 Woodland Auditorium Lexington KY 7 & 9pm
1/6/1957 Mosque Theater RichmondVA 2:30pm
1/9/1957 Midelburg Auditorium CharlestonWV 2 / 8pm
1/11/1957 Woodland Auditorium LexingtonKY 7 / 9pm
1/13/1957 Memorial Auditorium LouisvilleKY 7 / 9pm
1/14/1957 Eastern State College Auditorium RichmondKY 8pm
1/15/1957 Centre College GymDanvilleKY 8pm
1/16/1957 High School Gym Frankfort KY 8pm
1/17/1957 High School Gym Somerset KY 8pm
1/20/1957 Bowling Green High School Gym Bowling Green KY 2:30pm
1/22/1957 Memorial Recreation Gym Owensboro KY 8pm
1/23/1957 High School Auditorium Madisonville KY 8pm
1/25/1957 Jetton Junior High School Auditorium Paducah KY 7 / 9pm
2/1/1957 Armory Jackson TN 8pm
2/3/1957 Ellis Auditorium Memphis TN 2 / 8pm
2/10/1957 Robinson Memorial Auditorium Little Rock AR 2 / 8pm
2/13/1957 High School Auditorium Greenville MS 8pm
2/17/1957 Municipal Auditorium Shreveport LA 2 / 8pm
2/19/1957 Ruston High School Auditorium Ruston LA 8pm
2/20/1957 Neville High School Auditorium Monroe LA 8pm
3/3/1957 National Guard Armory Huntsville AL 2 / 8pm
3/4/1957 City Auditorium Jasper MS 8pm
3/6/1957 High School Auditorium McComb MS 8pm
3/7/1957 City Auditorium Jackson MS 8pm
3/8/1957 Community Center Hattiesburg MS 8pm
3/15/1957 High School Baton RougeLA 8pm
3/16/1957 Bolton High School Alexandria LA 8pm
3/20/1957 Grammar School Audiorium Oakdale LA 8pm
3/22/1957 Eunice High School Auditorium Eunice LA 8pm
3/27/1957 Elementary School Franklin LA 8pm
3/28/1957 Isenburg Hall Lafayette LA 8pm
3/31/1957 USO Building Biloxi MS 3 / 8pm
4/5/1957 Civic Center Laurel MS 3 / 8pm
4/14/1957 Memorial Auditorium Chattanooga TN 3 / 8pm
4/17/1957 Oak Ridge High School Oak Ridge TN 8pm
4/18/1957 Chilhowee Park Knoxville TN 8pm
4/19/1957 Isenberg-Siler Gym Morristown TN 8pm
4/21/1957 City Auditorium Asheville NC 3 / 8pm
4/22/1957 High School Elizabethton TN 8pm
4/24/1957 Y.M.C.A. Building Lexington NC 8pm
4/27/1957 Twin States Warehouse Fairmont NC 8pm
4/29/1957 Auditorium BluefieldWV 8pm
5/1/1957 Fairgrounds Coliseum Louisville KY 8pm
5/3/1957 Ryman Auditorium Nashville TN 8pm
5/6/1957 High School Decatur AL 8pm
5/8/1957 National Guard Armory Talladega AL 8pm
5/7/1957 Fort McClellan Amphitheater Anniston AL 8pm
5/21/1957 Cattle Coliseum Demopolis AL 8pm
5/23/1957 Municipal Auditorium Pensacola FL 8pm
5/25/1957 Memorial Stadium Selma AL 8pm
5/26/1957 City Auditorium Montgomery AL 3 / 8pm
5/28/1957 Memorial Stadium Troy AL 7:30pm
5/29/1957 Wiregrass Stadium Dothan AL 7:30pm
6/1/1957 Municipal Auditorium Macon GA 8pm
6/3/1957 County Hall Charleston SC 8pm
6/14/1957 City Auditorium Danville VA 8pm
6/19/1957 Fairgrounds Staunton VA 8pm
6/22/1957 American Legion Auditorium Roanoke VA 8pm
7/1/1957 Centennial Park Tallahassee FL 8pm
7/7/1957 Municipal Auditorium Tampa FL 4 / 7pm
7/14/1957 Municipal Auditorium Miami FL 4 / 7pm
7/16/1957 War Memorial Auditorium Fort Lauderdale FL 8pm
7/13/1957 Exhibition Hall Fort Myers FL 8pm
7/19/1957 Municipal Auditorium Orlando FL 8pm
8/3/1957 Lakewood Park Atlanta GA 8pm
8/15/1957 Columbia Township Auditorium Columbia SC 8pm
8/16/1957 Textile Hall Greenville SC 8pm
8/17/1957 High School Auditorium Greenwood SC 8pm
8/21/1957 Edmunds High School Auditorium Sumter SC 8pm
8/22/1957 Shaw Air Force Base Sumter SC 8pm
8/25/1957 Ovens Auditorium Charlotte NC 4pm
8/31/1957 Raleigh Memorial Auditorium Raleigh NC 8pm
8/20/1957 Mirmow Field Orangeburg SC 8pm
9/8/1957 City Auditorium Asheville NC 3pm
9/23/1957 Coosa Valley Fair Rome AL 5pm
9/14/1957 Johnson City Armory Johnson City TN 8pm
9/15/1957 Civic Auditorium Kingsport TN 4pm
9/26/1957 Gastonia Armory Gastonia NC 8pm
9/28/1957 Durham Armory Durham NC 8pm
10/10/1957 Mac Gray Auditorium Statesville NC 8pm
10/16/1957 City Stadium (weather permitting) Richmond VA 8pm
10/16/1957 Mosque Theatre (adverse weather) Richmond VA 8pm
10/24/1957 Recreation Building Beckley WV 8pm
10/26/1657 VFW Rebel's Retreat Bristol VA 8pm
10/28/1957 Akron Armory Akron OH 8pm
10/29/1957 Memorial Hall Dayton OH 8pm
10/30/1957 Memorial Hall Dayton OH 8pm
10/31/1957 Veterans Memorial AuditoriumColumbusOH 8pm
11/2/1957 Memorial Hall Springfield OH 8pm
11/13/1957 Memorial Coliseum Marion OH 8pm
11/14/1657 Memorial Hall Lima OH 8pm
11/16/1957 Municipal Auditorium Zanesville OH 8pm
11/21/1957 Lancaster High School Auditorium Lancaster OH 8pm
11/26/1957 Cathedral Auditorium New Castle PA 8pm
11/27/1957 East Liverpool High School Auditorium East Liverpool OH 8pm
12/4/1957 Quaker Theatre New Philadelphia OH 8pm
12/5/1957 Auditorium Theater Newark OH 8pm
12/10/1957 C.I.O. Building Anderson IN 8pm
12/12/1957 Masonic Temple Auditorium Muncie IN 8pm
12/13/1957 Masonic Temple Auditorium Muncie IN 8pm
12/17/1957 Murat Temple Indianapolis IN 8pm
12/18/1957 Murat Temple Indianapolis IN 8pm
12/19/1957 Student Union Building Indiana State Teachers College Terre Haute IN 8pm
12/20/1957 Municipal Stadium Evansville IN 8pm
12/21/1657 Kessler Air Base Hangar No. 5 Biloxi MS 8pm
12/22/1957 Kessler Air Base Hangar No. 5 Biloxi MS 8pm
1/1/1958 City Auditorium Muskogee OK 8pm
1/3/1958 Civic Center Bartlesville OK 8pm
1/4/1958 Municipal Theater Tulsa OK 8pm
1/7/1958 Memorial Hall Joplin MO 8pm
1/10/1958 McMahon Auditorium LawtonOK 8pm
1/13/1958 Municipal Auditorium Oklahoma City OK 8pm
1/16/1958 Municipal Auditorium Wichita Falls TX 8pm
1/19/1958 Municipal Auditorium Temple TX 8pm
1/23/1958 Heart O'Texas Fairgrounds Coliseum Waco TX 8pm
1/25/1958 Memorial Hall BrownwoodTX 8pm
1/29/1958 Municipal Auditorium Big SpringTX 8pm
1/30/1958 County Auditorium Odessa TX 8pm
1/31/1958 Municipal Auditorium San AngeloTX 8pm
2/1/1958 Exposition Hall Corpus Christi TX 8pm
2/2/1958 Municipal Auditorium San AntonioTX 8pm
2/6/1958 City Auditorium BeaumontTX 8pm
2/7/1958 City Auditorium GalvestonTX 8pm
2/17/1958 Kiel Auditorium St. Louis MO 8pm
2/19/1958 Selinger Center Auditorium Jefferson City MO 8pm
2/20/1958 Jewell Theatre Springfield MO 7:30pm
2/21/1958 Memorial Auditorium Chanute KS 7:30pm
2/22/1958 Community Building Lawrence KS 7:30pm
2/23/1958 KMBC TheaterKansas City MO 3 / 8pm
2/26/1958 Municipal Auditorium St. Joseph MO 8pm
2/27/1958 Municipal Auditorium Lincoln NE 8pm
2/28/1958 Civic Auditorium Omaha NE 8pm
3/1/1958 KRNT Theatre Des Moines IA 8pm
3/3/1958 Municipal Auditorium Sioux City IA 8pm
3/5/1958 Hippodrome Auditorium Waterloo IA 8pm
3/6/1958 Shrine Temple Rockford IL 8pm
3/7/1958 Masonic Temple Freeport IL 8pm
3/10/1958 Memorial Hall Racine WI 8pm
3/13/1958 Civic Opera House Chicago IL 8pm
3/15/1958 Wharton Field House Moline IL 8pm
3/16/1958 Veterans Memorial Coliseum Cedar Rapids IA 8pm
3/18/1958 Field House Iowa City IA 8pm
3/19/1958 Coliseum Ottumwa IA 8pm
3/20/1958 Municipal Auditorium Moberly MO 8pm
4/1/1958 Liberty Hall El Paso TX 8pm
4/2/1958 American Legion Building Seiminole OK 8pm
4/3/1958 Municipal AuditoriumAmarillo TX 9pm
4/8/1958 Liberty Hall El Paso TX 8pm
4/9/1958 Temple of Music Tucson AZ 8pm
4/10/1958 Rialto Theatre Phoenix AZ 8pm
4/13/1958 Joe Hunt's Sports Arena Yuma AZ 8pm
4/17/1958 Civic AuditoriumPasadena CA 8pm
4/15/1958 Municipal Auditorium Long Beach CA 8pm
4/20/1958 Palma High School Salinas CA 9pm
4/21/1958 Fresno Memorial Auditorium Fresno CA 8pm
4/22/1958 California Ballroom Modesto CA 8pm
4/24/1958 Oakland Auditorium Oakland CA 8pm

Promo Ad - WVOK Dixie Jamboree - Carl Smith - Goldie Hill - Ray Price - Sonny James - Charline Arthur - Tommy Collins - Porter Wagoner - Birmingham, AL - January 1956 Promo Ad - Philip Morris Country Music Show - Jackson, TN - January 1957

Television

Goldie did variety of television appearances, some on a regular basis.

In 1954, she was making an appearance once a month on Pee Wee King's show that originated in Cleveland, Ohio. At the same time, she was also featured on Ernest Tubb's NBC radio program "Country Song Hit Parade" that aired on Saturday nights at 8:30pm. Tubb's show replaced the spot that Eddy Arnold's program used to air.

On Saturday night, October 15, 1955 the Grand Ole Opry made its television debut over the ABC network. The show was to be seen every fourth Saturday of the month. Goldie was on that premier show along with Les Paul and Mary Ford, Judy Lynn, Carl Smith, Ernest Tubb, Justin Tubb, Hank Snow, Minnie Pearl, Rod Brasfield, the Louvin Brothers, Martha Carson, Jimmy Dickens and Chet Atkins.

WOR-TV in New York City came out with an hour long televsion series called "Country A Go-Go" that was headlined by a "raucaus pop instrumental group, the Standells and Delaney Bramlett from the West Coast." The first show however was basically all country music. Opry veterans such as Ernest Tubb, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Goldie Hill, Little Jimmy DIckens and Stu Phillips were all on the show. It was thought that the concept of "...blending country and pop music through tasteful singing and dancing..." could turn into a television hit.

Promo Ad - Goldie Hill - Pee Wee King - Flying W Ranch Show - October 1954
Promo Ad - Country A' Go-Go; Stu Phillips; Goldie Hill; Webb Pierce - New York, NY - February 1965

Movies

Goldie also appeared in several country music movies. In 1964, she was part of 27 performers in "Country Music Caravan." Also in 1964, she was part of the movie, "Tennessee Jamboree" that was directed by Albert C. Gannaway.

Promo Movies Ad - Country Music Caravan - Tennessee Jamboree - Goldie Hill - Others - August 1964

Marriage - Carl Smith

During the Phillip Morris Country Show touring, she married Carl Smith on September 19, 1957.

They had a daughter, Lori Lynn and two sons, Carl, Jr. and Larry Dean.

In 1965, Jimmy Dean brought his television show to the Smith Family Ranch. Carl was to be the guest star. A photo showing Goldie with their children, Lori Lynn and Carl Jr. along with Jimmy Dean's son, Gary showed them taking in the filming on a ranch fence.

As Goldie Hill Smith, she switched to Epic in 1966, turning out two albums and three singles through 1968. After that, Mrs. Smith seemed content as a farm wife on the large horse and livestock farm she and Carl owned. When it was announced she had signed with Epic to resume her recording career, she restricted her efforts to just studio work and she would do no personal appearances. The "Golden Hillbilly" thereafter remained retired until her death, but a two CD set on Acrobat of recent vintage contains her most memorable recordings for a decade from 1952.

Country Song Roundup did a feature on her in their August 1969 issue. It focused on Goldie the person and the Smith family. During that interview, their 10-year old daughter Lorie Lynn told her mom "Tell her how you started a stampede."

"On New Year's Eve night, the kids wanted to stay up until twelve o'clock. Their daddy was tired and went to bed so I stayed up witn them. At midnight, I went outside with a whole string of firecrackers. We have nine cats and everytime I go out they think I'm going to feed them, so they all crowded around me. When I lit the firecrackers, they all took off except one little cat. His legs were moving but he wasn't going anywhere, he couldn't get a foothold. It was so funny I really got tickled. When he finally got going he took off and I bet he didn't stop running all night.

Then I heard this noise like thunder and wind moving through the trees (and all the time these firecrackers were going off pretty loudly.) I thought then that it sounded like a stampede, but I didn't know if it was the horses or the cows. I heard somewhere that you yell to stop a stampede. I was already laughing because of Ihe cat, he was so funny, but I started yelling, "whoa" for the horses, and "whoo" for the cows. There 1 was, standing out on the patio laughing and yelling.

Then still laughing I went and woke Carl. I told him I had started a stampede. He said 'You started what?' .... I said 'You know, cows, stampede', but he just turned over and went back to sleep. I went out again but I couldn't hear anything. It was quiet again.

The next morning my brother Ken came over. Kenny runs the ranch for us. He had a real funny look on his face. I told him what happened. He said that he wasn't going to mention it but he knew something had happened because there was about 200 yards of fence down. The cows were where the horses were supposed to be, and vice versa. Cows from across the road were on this side and vice versa, and everything was just all messed up. Fortunately, none of the stock was injured, but that's the story of how I started a stampede."

When she was asked about how many animals they had on the ranch, she responded, "We have two dogs, nine cats, Carl and a bunch of horses and cows."

Goldie Hill passed away in February 2005 after battling cancer.

Her obituary spoke to her decision to retire from the road in 1957.

"...There was never any question (raising a family) was what I wanted to do. I'm fortunate I didn't have to leave the business. I still had the same friends because Carl was still in the business. ... But Carl noted, "When I married her, I thought she was going to support me."

WSM and Grand Ole Opry announcer, Eddie Stubbs, noted her place in history. He stated,

"In the first half of the 1950's you could just about count on one hand the number of professional full-time female artists in country music. Goldie Hill was one of those people. Every female artists in the business to this day owes a debt of gratitude to Goldie Hill."

Country Song Roundup Cover - Carl Smith - Goldie Hill - September 1959

Country Song Roundup Cover - Goldie Hill - September 1954

Credits & Sources

  • Hillbilly-Music.com would like to express its thanks to Ivan M. Tribe, author of Mountaineer Jamboree — Country Music in West Virginia and other books that can be found on Amazon.com and numerous articles in other publications for providing us with information about this artist.
  • Margie Sings Her Heart Out; Al Freeders; September 24, 1967; Dayton Daily News; Dayton, OH
  • Down To Earth; Elmer Hinton; February 24, 1965; The Tennesseean; Nashville, TN
  • A Visit With Goldie Hill; August 1969; No. 121; Country Song Roundup; Charlton Publications; Derby, CT
  • Golden Hillbilly; August 1953; No. 25; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications; Derby, CT
  • Good From Any Angle; December 14, 1953; Pickin' and Singin' News; Chas. G. Neese, Inc.; Nashville, TN
  • 500 Country D.J.'s Polled By Down Beat Magazine; December 1953; Hoedown Magazine; Thurston Moore, Editor; Hoedown, Inc. ; Cincinnati, OH
  • Outstanding Female Artists; January 1955; No. 36; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • Goldie Hill Brings Youth And Beauty To WSM Opry; Martha Fergerson; January 1955; Pickin' and Singin' News; Fountain Publications, Inc.; Nashville, TN
  • Jimmie Rodgers Poll Winners; August 1956; No. 45; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • The Philip Morris Country Music Show; March 1957; Dan Campbell; Country & Western Jamboree; Maher Publications, Inc.; Chicago, IL
  • Big News In Country Music; May 1957; Vol. 2 No. 3; Folk and Country Songs; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • Country Music On Tour - Philip Morris Country Music Show Brings Top Stars To Town...; Wilma Dobie; October 1957; No. 52; Country Song Roundup; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT
  • Gals from the Hills - Kitty & Goldie Start Country-Girl Search; June 20, 1953; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • M-G-M Mulling Williams Pic; November 28, 1953; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Jerry Lee Lewis: Super Showman / Paradox; Bill Williams; March 31, 1973; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Country Music Corner; Bill Sachs; February 29, 1964; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Answers Critics - PM Unit Asset to C&W Field: Collie; Bill Sachs; July 22, 1957; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • Free Country Music Show Books Many Auditoriums; Tom Parkinson; April 13, 1957; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • The Cash Box Folk and Western Roundup; April 24, 1954; The Cash Box; New York, NY
  • Tubb Set For NBC Radio Show; February 6, 1954; The Cash Box; New York, NY
  • TV Wax Wise; October 15, 1955; The Cash Box; New York, NY
  • C & W Program Launched by WOR-TV; February 27, 1965; The Billboard; Cincinnati, OH
  • '50's Country Singer Goldie Hill Dies; Tim Ghianni; February 26, 2005; The Tennessean; Nashville, TN

Sound Sample—(YouTube Video Format)


I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes

Appearance History This Month

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Recordings (78rpm/45rpm)

 
Decca
Rec. No. Side Song Title
  28355 A Don't Send Me No More Roses
  28355 B Why Talk To My Heart
  28473 A I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes
  28473 B Waiting For A Letter
  28685 A Say Big Boy
  28685 B I'm Yvonne (On The Bayou)
  28769 A I'm The Loneliest Gal In Town
  28769 B My Love Is A Flame
  28898 A Let Me Be The One
  28898 B I'm Yesterday's Girl
  29045 A Liquor And Women
  29045 B Am I Still Your Baby
  29069 A Make Love To Me
  29069 B Young As Heart
  29145 A Looking Back To See (w/Justin Tubb)
  29145 B I Miss You So (w/Justin Tubb)
  29161 A Cry,Cry Darling
  29161 B Call Of The Wedding
  29224 A Please Don't Betray Me
  29224 B Treat Me Kind
  29349 A Fickle Heart (w/Justin Tubb)
  29349 B Sure Fire Kisses (w/Justin Tubb)
  29602 A Ain't Gonna Wash My Face
  29602 B Why Don't You Let Me Go
  29771 A Steel Guitar
  29771 B Second Chance
  29955 A Sample My Kissin'
  29955 B I'm Beginning To Feel Mistreated
  30142 A Footsteps
  30142 B New Names, New Faces
  30460 A Till I Said It to You
  30460 B It's Only A Matter Of Time
  30918 A It's Here To Stay
  30918 B Honky Tonk Music
  31083 A Twice As Blue
  31083 B Living Alone
  31172 A Baby Blue
  31172 B Your Love Came Into My Heart
  31221 A It's A Lovely Lovely World
  31221 B Loved and Lost
  31261 A (Remember Me) I'm The One Who Loves You
  31261 B Lonely Heartaches
  31389 A I'm Afraid
  31389 B Door Step To Heaven
  31466 A Baby Go Slow
  31466 B Pretending I'm A Fool
  31535 A Closer
  31535 B Still Wanting You
 
Epic
Rec. No. Side Song Title
  10245 A There’s Gotta Be More to Life (Than Loving a Man)
  10245 B Almost Enough
  10296 A Making Plans
  10296 B Loveable Fool
  10423 A Got Me Sumpin’ Goin’
  10423 B Tell It to Your Lonely Walls


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