Charles Ryan (1915-2008)
Musician who co-wrote 'Hot Road Lincoln'
Charles Ryan died February 16th at age 92 in Spokane, Washington. He and W.S. Stevenson co-wrote that great car song "Hot Rod Lincoln" about Ryan's drives in his 1941 Lincoln from Spokane to the Paradise Club in Lewiston, Idaho. Mr. Ryan first recorded it in 1955.
It has been recorded many times since then, most notably by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen in 1972 which helped cross it over from country to pop.
He was born Dec. 10, 1915, in Graceville, Mn, and grew up in Poison, Mt. After service in WWII, he played with Jim Reeves, Johnny Horton and others.
He is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
"The Guy beside me was white as a ghost."
A 50th anniversary of the song is being planned at Kent Stage in Kent, Ohio April 25th, with Asleep at the Wheel (who do their own great version of the song) and Commander Cody.
Johnny Bond had the first version of it that I'd ever heard.
Charles Ryan has his own website and you'd never guess what it's called.
http://www.hot-rod-lincoln.com/ Great cruisin' music. You Tube has Charles singing the song.
AP
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