Leon Payne

Induction Year: 1970

Birth Name: Leon Roger Payne
Birth Date: June 15, 1917
Place of Birth: Alba, TX
Deceased: September 11, 1969

Biography

Education:
Grade School-High School--Texas School For the Blind (from 1924-1935)

Discography / Career Highlights

Career Milestones:

1930s--began performing in public (played guitar, piano, organ, trombone and drums)
1935--started radio career on KWET (Palestine, TX)
1938--joined Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys
1939--began recording career
1948-1949--joined Jack Rhodes and His Rhythm Boys
1949--formed his own group, the Lone Star Buddies
early 1950s--featured with Lone Star Buddies on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport and Dallas' Big D Jamboree
mid 1950s-60s--signed a publishing contract with Hill and Range; later signed with Acuff-Rose Music

Catalog Highlights:

"You've Still Got a Place in My Heart" - Artists: George Jones, Con Hunley

"I Love You Because" - Artists: Leon Payne, Elvis Presley, Ernest Tubb, Clyde Moody, Johnny Cash, Carl Smith, Jim Reeves, Don Gibson, Roger Whittaker

"Blue Side of Lonesome" - Artists: Jim Reeves

"More Than Anything Else in the World" - Artists: Carl Smith

"Take Me" - Co-writer: George Jones, Artists: George Jones (1966), George Jones & Tammy Wynette (1972)

"You Can't Pick a Rose in December" - Artists: Ernie Ashworth (1960)

"Lost Highway" - Artists: Hank Williams, Don Gibson, James Storie

"They'll Never Take Her Love From Me" - Artists: Hank Williams (1950)

"Things Have Gone to Pieces" - Artists: George Jones

"Fools Rush In" - Artists: Elvis Presley

"Doorstep to Heaven" - Artists: Carl Smith, Leon Payne

"Empty Arms" - Artists: Sonny James

"You Are the One"

Comments:

Also recorded under the name Rock Rogers

Was blind since early childhood

Received a BMI 1 million performance award for "You've Still Got a Place in My Heart," "I Love You Because