Slim Lehart | |
---|---|
Birth name | Richard E. Hartley |
Also known as | The Wheeling Cat |
Born | Viola, West Virginia, U.S. | June 25, 1935
Died | August 5, 2023 Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. | (aged 88)
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, entertainer |
Instruments | Voice, guitar, mandolin |
Years active | 1965–2017 |
Richard Edmond Hartley (June 25, 1935 – August 5, 2023), mostly known by his stage names Slim Lehart or "The Wheeling Cat," [1] was an American country music singer and entertainer. [2] Lehart is best known for his tenure as a member of the original Wheeling Jamboree (WWVA), the second oldest country music radio broadcast in the United States. Lehart first appeared on the Jamboree as a guest in 1965 alongside fellow musicians Charlie Moore and Bill Napier. [3]Up until his death in 2023, he maintained status as a lifetime member of the Jamboree, with a star bearing his name outside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling.
Lehart is a nominee for the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. [4]
Richard Edmond Hartley was born on June 25, 1935, [3] in Viola, West Virginia, south of Wheeling.[ further explanation needed] [3] He is a native of the rural community of Calis, West Virginia, and grew up there.
Lehart first appeared on the Jamboree as a guest in 1965. His first appearance included backing instrumentals from bluegrass musicians Charlie Moore and Bill Napier.
Lehart continued to make guest appearances until 1970 when he signed on as a cast member. [5]
In 1965, Johnny Cash opened up for him before a show in Nashville. [6]
In 1970, Slim became the first new performer in the Jamboree to be signed to a contract. His other nickname "The Wheeling Cat," came from one of his signature songs.[ clarification needed] Lehart soon became one of the most popular regulars of the Jamboree, even being described as the West Virginia version of Elvis Presley. [3]
As a member of the Wheeling Jamboree, Lehart has also performed with musicians like Merle Haggard. [7]
On November 24, 2014, Lehart was awarded a star with his name on the Capitol Theatre's Walkway of Stars in Wheeling, which dubbed him a "Lifetime Member" of the Jamboree. [8] [5]
On June 25, 2021, Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott issued a proclamation declaring that April 7, 2021, mark "Slim Lehart Day" in Wheeling. [9] The same proclamation was also issued the following year to celebrate Lehart's legacy. [10]
Lehart resided in Wheeling up until his death, and retired from music in 2017 after his wife died. Lehart was still a regular of the Jamboree up until 2005. [3]
He performed once in August 2017 shortly after his retirement for a special concert. [13]
Lehart died on August 5, 2023, at a hospice care center in Wheeling, West Virginia, at the age of 88. [14] [15]
Slim Lehart | |
---|---|
Birth name | Richard E. Hartley |
Also known as | The Wheeling Cat |
Born | Viola, West Virginia, U.S. | June 25, 1935
Died | August 5, 2023 Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. | (aged 88)
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, entertainer |
Instruments | Voice, guitar, mandolin |
Years active | 1965–2017 |
Richard Edmond Hartley (June 25, 1935 – August 5, 2023), mostly known by his stage names Slim Lehart or "The Wheeling Cat," [1] was an American country music singer and entertainer. [2] Lehart is best known for his tenure as a member of the original Wheeling Jamboree (WWVA), the second oldest country music radio broadcast in the United States. Lehart first appeared on the Jamboree as a guest in 1965 alongside fellow musicians Charlie Moore and Bill Napier. [3]Up until his death in 2023, he maintained status as a lifetime member of the Jamboree, with a star bearing his name outside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling.
Lehart is a nominee for the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. [4]
Richard Edmond Hartley was born on June 25, 1935, [3] in Viola, West Virginia, south of Wheeling.[ further explanation needed] [3] He is a native of the rural community of Calis, West Virginia, and grew up there.
Lehart first appeared on the Jamboree as a guest in 1965. His first appearance included backing instrumentals from bluegrass musicians Charlie Moore and Bill Napier.
Lehart continued to make guest appearances until 1970 when he signed on as a cast member. [5]
In 1965, Johnny Cash opened up for him before a show in Nashville. [6]
In 1970, Slim became the first new performer in the Jamboree to be signed to a contract. His other nickname "The Wheeling Cat," came from one of his signature songs.[ clarification needed] Lehart soon became one of the most popular regulars of the Jamboree, even being described as the West Virginia version of Elvis Presley. [3]
As a member of the Wheeling Jamboree, Lehart has also performed with musicians like Merle Haggard. [7]
On November 24, 2014, Lehart was awarded a star with his name on the Capitol Theatre's Walkway of Stars in Wheeling, which dubbed him a "Lifetime Member" of the Jamboree. [8] [5]
On June 25, 2021, Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott issued a proclamation declaring that April 7, 2021, mark "Slim Lehart Day" in Wheeling. [9] The same proclamation was also issued the following year to celebrate Lehart's legacy. [10]
Lehart resided in Wheeling up until his death, and retired from music in 2017 after his wife died. Lehart was still a regular of the Jamboree up until 2005. [3]
He performed once in August 2017 shortly after his retirement for a special concert. [13]
Lehart died on August 5, 2023, at a hospice care center in Wheeling, West Virginia, at the age of 88. [14] [15]