Dickey Lee
Induction Year: 1995
Birth Name: Dickey Lipscomb Lee
Birth Date: September 21, 1936
Place of Birth: Memphis, TN
Biography
"I've been very blessed with hit songs in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's. I hope it's not over because I still love it! My sentimental favorite song is 'She Thinks I Still Care' because it was the first big one. And I love 'Keeper of the Stars' because it expresses my philosophy. It's very rewarding to know you've created something that's affected millions of lives hopefully in a positive way. I've had so many wonderful cuts I couldn't begin to name them. My advice to any would be songwriters: If you kind of want to do it forget it or do it as a hobby. If you really want to do it you will know because outside of your family (in most cases) you will sacrifice everything it takes to hang in there. My first BMI check was for 69 cents and I cashed it because I needed the money!" -- Dickey Lee
Discography / Career Highlights
Career Milestones:
1957--released first pop single (and published song), "Dream Boy" (recorded on Tampa Records); stayed at the number 2 spot of the biggest rock-'n-roll station in Memphis for 12 weeks; song was promoted by disc jockey Dewey Phillips, also credited with breaking Elvis
1958--signed with Sun Records; first major recording contract
1961--signed with Jack Music as a writer
1961--signed with Smash Records; first release was pop hit "Patches" which earned him a place on the rock-'n-roll circuit
1963--first major cut by another artist, George Jones' recording of "She Thinks I Still Care"
1965--signed recording contract with Twentieth Century Fox; scored with pop hits, "Laurie" and "The Girl From Peyton Place"
1969--moved to Nashville from Memphis
1971--signed with RCA Records as a country artist; stayed for 10 years
1976--earned Grammy and CMA nominations (Country Song of the Year) for "The Door Is Always Open"
1993--was an IBMA Song of the Year Finalist (Bluegrass) for "Everybody's Reaching Out For Someone"
1996--nominated for CMA Song of the Year (Country) for 'Keeper of the Stars"
Awards:
1995--ACM\Song of the Year\Keeper of the Stars
Catalog Highlights:
"She Thinks I Still Care" - Artists: George Jones (1962), Anne Murray (1974), Elvis Presley (1977), James Taylor (1993)
"Let's Fall to Pieces Together" - Co-writer: Tommy Rocco, Johnny Russell, Artists: George Strait (1984)
"I've Been Around Enough to Know" - Co-writer: Bob McDill, Artists: John Schneider (1984)
"In a Different Light" - Co-writer: Bucky E. Jones, Bob McDill, Artists: Doug Stone (1991)
"I Saw Linda Yesterday" - Co-writer: Allen Reynolds, Artists: Dickey Lee (1962)
"Keeper of the Stars" - Co-writer: Danny Mayo, Karen Staley, Artists: Tracy Byrd (1995)
"Standing Knee Deep In a River (Dying of Thirst)" - Co-writer: Bucky E. Jones, Bob McDill, Artists: Don Williams (1992), Kathy Mattea (1993), Joe Cocker (1994)
"You're the First Time I've Thought About Leaving" - Co-writer: Kerry Chater, Artists: Reba McEntire (1983)
"The Door is Always Open" - Co-writer: Bob McDill, Artists: Dave & Sugar (1976), Waylon Jennings, Tennessee Pulleybone
"Everybody's Reaching Out For Someone" - Co-writer: Allen Reynolds, Artists: Pat Daisy (1972), Brenda Lee, Shirley Jones, The Cox Family (1993)
"I'll Be Leaving Alone" - Co-writer: Wayland Holyfield, Artists: Charley Pride (1977)
"He Broke Your Memory Last Night" - Co-writer: Bucky Jones, Artists: Reba McEntire (1984)
"9,999,999 Tears" - Artists: Dickey Lee (1976)
"Rocky" - Artists: Dickey Lee (1975)
"Never Ending Song Of Love" - Artists: Dickey Lee (1971)
Comments:
Received 20 BMI performance awards
