Mary Loveland
Daily Elk Citian
Since he released his single "Rose Colored Glasses" in 1978, John Conlee has been an unforgettable country music star. His classic voice earned him top-of-the-charts recognition with songs like "Lady Lay Down," "Backside of Thirty," "Baby You're Something," and "Miss Emily's Picture." Even more impressive, he was named Best New Male Vocalist of the Year in 1979 by the Academy of Country Music, and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981 – a dream that he held as a farm boy in Kentucky.
And tonight, he will perform for all of Elk City at this year's rodeo.
"Some things never go out of style, and a good country voice, I'm glad to say is one of them," Conlee said in a recent interview. "I think we can look at George Jones and see what a timeless voice sounds like."
During his peak years, he pulled off a remarkable four #1hits in a row – "Common Man," "I'm Only In It For the Love," "In My Eyes," and "As Long As I'm Rockin' With You."
Conlee was definitely one of the 80's most recognizable and consistent male artists. Now, he's in his more-than-30th year in the career and still performing.
In 2000, Conlee released "John Conlee Classics" that featured three new songs in addition to 19 prior hits, which attracted an entire new generation of country music fans. Four years later, he released a gospel album, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."
Conlee will hit the stage Friday night following the rodeo.