19 Facts About Mitchell Torok

Mitchell Joseph Torok was an American country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, artist and author, best known for his 1953 hit record "Caribbean".

Mitchell Torok wrote "Mexican Joe", which catapulted Jim Reeves to stardom.

Mitchell Torok's last hit record was "Instant Love" in 1965, produced by Jimmie Bowen.

Mitchell Joseph Torok was born in Houston, Texas on October 28,1929, to Hungarian immigrants.

Mitchell Torok was named Mitchell after the doctor who delivered him.

Mitchell Torok was playing guitar by the age of 12, but unlike most country singers of his era he did not grow up with country music at a young age.

Mitchell Torok majored in art and minored in world history, and played baseball in Garrison, Texas whilst studying.

Mitchell Torok recorded his first session in Houston with a duet partner named Sally Lee.

Mitchell Torok recorded "Nacogdoches County Line" with the FBC label for his first single.

Mitchell Torok wanted one of Robison's supposed heavy West Coast artist to record his song.

Mitchell Torok reluctantly gave it to him and his Abbott record label, to be recorded by one of his own struggling artists, the then unknown Jim Reeves, in Shreveport.

Mitchell Torok became a member of Louisiana Hayride on KWKH-AM in Shreveport.

Mitchell Torok's shows included English comedian Dickie Henderson and Shirley Bassey.

Mitchell Torok continued to write songs, working in partnership with his wife.

Mitchell Torok then created the "Elvis-a-Rama", which consisted of a 12-foot-high, 125-foot-long mural with a 22-minute light and music show depicting his life, from his truck driving days in Memphis to his death in 1977.

Mitchell Torok created smaller artistic tributes to Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Dolly Parton, Big John Merritt and other smaller creations.

Mitchell Torok married Gail Redd, a beauty queen, from Lufkin, Texas, in 1951.

Mitchell Torok died on August 3,1985, at the age of 52.

Mitchell Torok died in Alvin on November 16,2017, at the age of 88.