18 Facts About Billy Sherrill

Billy Norris Sherrill was an American record producer, songwriter, and arranger associated with country artists, notably Tammy Wynette and George Jones.

Billy Sherrill co-wrote many hit songs, including "Stand by Your Man" and "The Most Beautiful Girl".

Billy Sherrill signed a solo record deal with a small independent label, which had little success.

In 1962, Billy Sherrill moved to Nashville, where he was hired by Sam Phillips to manage Phillips Recording's Nashville recording studio.

Billy Sherrill's sound has often been described as a country equivalent to Spector's Wall of Sound.

Billy Sherrill chose many of his artists' songs, rewriting them in some cases to suit the singer's style.

Billy Sherrill continued to write and produce for Houston until the 1970s.

Billy Sherrill signed Wynette to Epic, and involved himself in nearly every aspect of the aspiring singer's career, helping her choose her stage name.

In 1968, Billy Sherrill co-wrote with Wynette her biggest hit, "Stand By Your Man".

Billy Sherrill often played double duty as a songwriter, usually in tandem with Norro Wilson and George Richey.

Billy Sherrill's biggest hit with Jones was "He Stopped Loving Her Today".

Billy Sherrill appeared in the video of Jones' "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes", acting as the bus-driver.

In 1991, when Jones left for MCA Records and recorded under Kyle Lehning it was the first time in 20 years that someone other than Billy Sherrill was in the control booth.

The friction between Costello and Billy Sherrill was aired in a British television documentary.

In 2008, Billy Sherrill was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN.

On February 23,2010, Billy Sherrill was selected for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame along with Don Williams, Ferlin Husky, and Jimmy Dean.

Billy Sherrill died after a short illness on August 4,2015, at the age of 78.

Billy Sherrill was survived by Charlene, his wife of 54 years, and their daughter.