American country singer who was popular in the 1970s and 1980s when many fellow artists recorded cover versions of his songs.
He was a member of his high school band and played jazz trumpet and classical piano.
He premiered his first full length opera in 2003 with the University of Missouri Show-Me Opera.
He has been married twice and has three children: Lagan, from his first marriage and Corianna and Greyson from his second marriage.
He was married to singer Pebe Sebert, Kesha's mother, from 1977 to 1984.
