Johnny Paycheck ~ Old Violin

A one-time hell-raising renegade from Greenfield, Ohio, Johnny Paycheck took to playing music and raising hell at young age. Born Donald Eugene Lytle in Greenfield on May 31, 1937, Johnny was playing guitar at the age of six and singing professionally at the age of fifteen. After dropping out of high school, Johnny began having minor run-ins with the law. However, none were serious enough to keep him from pursuing a career in music. While playing local gigs, he continued developing his skills as a songwriter and as a backup singer. Although he’d been writing since the mid-50s, it wasn’t until two of his singles broke the charts in 1966 that he gained recognition as a songwriter. That year Ray Price charted with Touch My Heart and Tammy Wynette scored with Apartment #9. A prelude to his solo career began as a bass player for Ray Price. From there Johnny took a job with George Jones. He stayed with George for six years, playing bass and later steel guitar. Paycheck also worked with Faron Young and Porter Wagoner. Meanwhile, Johnny began working on a solo career by recording his own singles. Paycheck first appeared on the charts in 1965 with A-11. By 1966, Johnny had co-founded Little Darlin Records and for three years, he cut several sides for the label. Only one single The Lovin’ Machine broke the top-10. Paychecks big break came when he signed a contract with Epic Records in 1971. After his first recording session with Epic, he began turning out singles at a steady pace …