Dubbed as the Texas Troubadour, Ernest Tubb is one of the pioneers of country music and the most influential performers in history. Ernest Tubb’s songs, such as “Walking the Floor Over You” and “Tomorrow Never Comes,” even led to the rise of the honky-tonk style of music.
There are still so many things to know about Ernest Tubb, so keep on scrolling below to check out some facts about him.
1. He’s a native of Ellis County, Texas.
The country icon, whose real name was Ernest Dale Tubb, was born on February 9, 1914, as the youngest of five children. Tubb’s father was a sharecropper, this is why Tubb spent his earlier days working on cotton farms all over the state.
2. He was inspired by Jimmie Rodgers, who is widely regarded as the Father of Country Music.
Tubb was a fan of early Western films, where he first heard Jimmie Rodgers‘ recordings. From there, Tubb became an avid follower that he spent his spare time learning to sing, yodel, and play the guitar, much like Rodgers did.
3. He worked as a radio singer.
At age nineteen, Tubb took a job as a singer on San Antonio radio, despite it paying little or nothing. He then supported himself by digging ditches for the Work Progress Administration and, eventually, worked as a clerk at a drugstore.
4. He became good friends with Rodger’s widow.
Tubb was still captivated by Rodger’s music even after his death. In 1936, he phoned Rodger’s widow to ask for an autographed photo – little did he know it would lead to a friendship. Mrs. Rodgers would listen to Tubb’s radio shows and would often provide Tubb with some professional advice.
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Impressed by Tubb’s heartfelt singing and friendly personality, Mrs. Rodgers eventually helped him secure a record contract with Rodger’s label.
5. He underwent a tonsillectomy that entirely changed his music career.
This is perhaps one of the most interesting facts about Ernest Tubb. In 1939, Tubb’s tonsils became inflamed and eventually got infected. The doctor then suggested having his tonsils removed.
However, the operation lowered Tubb’s voice and effectively eliminated his ability to yodel. This made Tubb so furious that he even considered a lawsuit. On the brighter side, he found and developed his own singing style as he was no longer comfortable singing Rodgers’ songs.
6. He brought the electric guitar into the country mainstream.
Tubb was the first country artist to tour with an electric guitar that created a loud sound vibrant enough to be heard above the honky-tonk’s raucous din. In fact, Tubb was the first musician to use an electric guitar at the Grand Ole Opry when he played during its first show at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Truly, these facts about Ernest Tubb show his remarkable music career and the life he lived. Today, Tubb continues to inspire some of the most devoted fans in country music and remains an unparalleled artist in the genre’s history.
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