Norma Jean
Biographie Norma Jean
Norma Jean
got an early start in Country Music performing over local radio stations, and singing with western swing bands in and around Oklahoma City. At the age of 12, she had her own radio show on station KLPR. At 16, she toured with Merle Lindsay's Oklahoma Night Riders on weekends. By 18, she was a full-time vocalist with the Billy Gray Band, and had made guest appearances with Leon McAuliff and Hank Thompson.
She then gained a spot on the "OZARK JUBLIEE SHOW' with Red Foley, where she appeared for two years. Norma started recording for COLUMBIA RECORDS, and had some great chart records. She met Porter Wagoner at the Jubilee one night, and that's where their association began. When the Jubliee was about to come to an end, Norma moved to Nashville, Tennessee to try her talents. Soon, Porter had an opportunity to audition for a weekly national television show, and asked Norma Jean to join him for the audition. Together, their now famous, PORTER WAGONER SHOW came into existance.
As a result of the television exposure, Chet Atkins signed Norma Jean to an RCA VICTOR recording contract, where he produced many hit records for her. She was named female artist of the year by CASHBOX in 1964. She recorded 31 albums, and singles too numerous to mention. One of her biggest hits, "LET'S GO ALL THE WAY", was nominated for a GRAMMY AWARD in 1965! One of country music's greatest honors. Norma also recorded live albums containing duets with Porter Wagoner.
One of Norma's highest accomplishments was achieved when she had her first hit with RCA. She was asked to join the world famous GRAND OLE OPRY, where she became a regular member, being seen by millions of country music fans from all over the world.
When she left The Porter Wagoner show to get married and move back to Oklahoma, an up and comer by the name of Dolly Parton, took her place. Dolly says she had a hard time replacing Norma, who was so well loved by music fans everywhere.
Norma has appeared internationally in the last few years, touring many countries. Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, France, Holland, Austria and the Islands of the Caribbean to name a few. She now makes her home in Branson, Missouri where she has appeared with THE GRAND LADIES OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY. She is planning a new gospel show in Branson to start in the near future. She credits her talents and abilities to the Lord, and wishes to give back something to Him. Norma wants to share her faith through her music.
