13 Facts About Billy Grammer

Billy Wayne Grammer was an American country music singer and accomplished guitar player.

Billy Grammer recorded the million-selling "Gotta Travel On", which made it onto both the country and pop music charts in 1959.

Billy Grammer, the eldest of 13 children, was born in Benton, Illinois.

Billy Grammer's father was a musician; he played the violin and trumpet.

Billy Grammer served in the US Army during World War II, and upon discharge worked as an apprentice toolmaker at the Washington Naval gun factory at Shop No 20.

When Gay was preparing to replace the session guitarist, Billy Grammer demonstrated his own guitar prowess, and was re-contracted in a dual-role as both singer and lead guitarist.

Billy Grammer named his band after his most notable hit as The Travel On Boys.

Billy Grammer recorded the first chart version of Bobby Bare's "Detroit City", entitled "I Wanna Go Home".

Billy Grammer was then sold to Ampeg, and a new factory was erected down the street from the old one.

Billy Grammer's guitar was installed into the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on March 1,1969.

Billy Grammer delivered the invocation for the Grand Ole Opry House opening on March 16,1974.

Billy Grammer suffered from the degenerative eye disease retinitis pigmentosa and became completely blind.

Billy Grammer died on August 10,2011, aged 85, at Benton Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for a long-term illness, which included suffering a heart attack seven months earlier.