“I’m Gonna Act Right” : The Texas Troubadour Nat Stuckey

What does it take to turn a cowboy straight? Well, a threatening letter from a lawyer, sometimes. At least according to the subtle punchline in this tune from the Texas troubadour, in his song,  “I’m Gonna Act Right.”

They even had a bunch of pictures of me on a dance hall floor

Then it went on to say if I didn’t act right they could dig up a little bit more

Mostly remembered as a good man

Nat Stuckey was an American identified with many aspects of entertainment. He was a radio announcer, writer, and voice of many radio and television commercials. More than that, he’s also a singer, songwriter, music publisher, record producer, and actor.  He was a very talented man, but most of all, he is to be remembered as a good man. He loved God, his family, and many friends.

Raised in Atlanta, Texas, in Cass County, Nat attended Arlington University when it was a sister school to Texas A & M, where he received a degree in communications. He graduated at the top of his class as Commander of the Corps.

His countrified journey

Nat established himself as a radio announcer, first at Radio Station KALT in Atlanta, Texas, then at Radio Station KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. While at KWKH, He became a member of the famed Louisiana Hayride and the last major act with beginning roots from the Hayride.

He became a hit songwriter after he co-wrote Buck Owens’ No. 1 record, “Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line” in 1965. Following this smash, Nat wrote and recorded “Sweet Thang” on Paula Records, which started a new career direction for him. Shortly after Nat’s recording, Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn made it a duet on Decca Records and took it to No. 1 in Billboard.

Nat’s legacy continues with the revival of the songs he wrote. “Pop A Top” was recorded by Alan Jackson in 1999 and was the first release on his “Under the Influence” CD. Even though the release did not go to No. 1 in Billboard, it had so many plays that once again the publisher, Sony ATV Publishing, and Nat were awarded another Broadcast Music, Inc. award, plus a special citation for the song has received over two million plays. “Pop A Top” has been included in five other CDs by Alan, plus in a video presentation.

Nat died on August 24, 1988, because of lung cancer. Shortly before his death, Randy Travis released “Diggin’ Up Bones”. Nat was a writer of the music for this song. This song has been released on at least five CDs by Randy and continues to be a signature song for Randy.

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