(MURFREESBORO) Longtime Murfreesboro musician and writer Billy Henson passed away early Sunday morning (8/21/2022) surrounded by family. He was age 84. Visistation will be at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home (303 Murfreesboro Rd.; Woodbury, TN). Visitation will be this Wednesday (8/24/2022) 4:00-8:00PM and Thursday (8/25/2022) from 11:00AM-1:00PM. The service will follow at 1:00PM at the funeral home. Burial in Ward's Grove Church cemetery. CLICK HERE for the obituary.
Henson was a regular on WGNS’ daily country music shows in the mid-50’s. His first broadcast was at age 14 when he played a flat top guitar on the radio with Carl Tipton and the Mid-State Playboys. At that time, Billy was a student at Murfreesboro Central High School.
He became so popular around here—that his name became a household word.
And while playing for a square dance in the gym at Buchanan Grammar School, his heart was taken by a beautiful young lady.
After courting for three-years, he and Patsy Armstrong were married on January 1, 1960. After that, Billy and Patsy were always together--in fact, for 66-years!
A popular Murfreesboro composer, Charles Snoddy, who wrote a hit for the country duo Lonzo and Oscar, introduced Billy to them. They were so impressed with his talents that they later signed him to a publishing contract.
Charles had a brother, Glenn, who was an engineer at WGNS when it signed-on-the-air. Glenn later went to Nashville and founded the world-famous Woodland Studios, where the “who’s who” in country music recorded. That connection got Billy on the road with Pee Wee King, Red Foley, the Duke of Paducah, and more.
By the mid 1960’s, Billy Henson and his band were playing shows on military bases from Maine to Florida.
In 1963, Billy’s “Caution Heart” on Nugget records received airplay across the nation and landed him on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1966, Billy’s father-in-law took a job in Los Angeles. Billy thought it might be a good time to try the L.A. music scene, and Patsy was anxious to see her parents. So they moved west and Billy did factory jobs in the daytime and played for shows at night.
After six-months, Billy and Patsy decided to return to Tennessee. Once he was back in Murfreesboro, Billy became a pulpit preacher, plus—he and Patsy ran an office supply store.
Gary Scott commented, "My late wife and I met Billy and Patsy during our membership with ROPE (Reunion of Professional Entertainers). He (Billy) spent several years as president of that organization. We instantly became friends. The bond he and Patsy shared was such an inspiration. I wil never forget that."
His love for music continued with regular performances at the Bell Buckle Café as well as at other popular local entertainment venues.
In his lifetime, Billy Henson composed more than 100 songs, with over 52 of them recorded by such artists as Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, The Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse, Pete Drake, Lonzo and Oscar and others.
The Truman Show
Even with the talk format, Henson remained popular on WGNS as a guest on The Truman Show that was hosted by former Sheriff Truman Jones.
Truman Jones remembered, "I was blessed to have Billy on my radio show a number of times performin as only Bill could and also catching up with the incredible impact he had on country music. His song writing constantly was on the charts performed by some of the greatests musicians of all times!"
The former sherriff continued, "It was Billy's love that he shared with his wife Patsy that impressed me the most. Their love for each other was so special that he wrote and recorded a song to let her know how much she meant to him. I'm sure that he will be waiting in heaven for her to arrive. Rest In Peace Billy!"
Thank you Billy Henson for your love of music and encouragement that you shared with so many.
Below are two of Billy Henson's guest appearances on The Truman Show
CLICK HERE to share your memories of Billy Henson.
