Richard Edmond Hartley (June 25, 1935 – August 5, 2023), mostly known by his stage names Slim Lehart or "The Wheeling Cat,"[1] was an American country music singer and entertainer.[2] Lehart is best known for his tenure as a member of the original Wheeling Jamboree (WWVA), the second oldest country music radio broadcast in the United States. Lehart first appeared on the Jamboree as a guest in 1965 alongside fellow musicians Charlie Moore and Bill Napier.[3]Up until his death in 2023, he maintained status as a lifetime member of the Jamboree, with a star bearing his name outside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling.
Slim Lehart | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Richard E. Hartley |
| Also known as | The Wheeling Cat |
| Born | June 25, 1935 Viola, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | August 5, 2023 (aged 88) Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician, entertainer |
| Instruments | Voice, guitar, mandolin |
| Years active | 1965–2017 |
Lehart is a nominee for the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.[4]
Early life edit
Richard Edmond Hartley was born on June 25, 1935,[3] in Viola, West Virginia, south of Wheeling.[further explanation needed][3] He is a native of the rural community of Calis, West Virginia, and grew up there.
Career edit
Lehart first appeared on the Jamboree as a guest in 1965. His first appearance included backing instrumentals from bluegrass musicians Charlie Moore and Bill Napier.
Lehart continued to make guest appearances until 1970 when he signed on as a cast member.[5]
In 1965, Johnny Cash opened up for him before a show in Nashville.[6]
In 1970, Slim became the first new performer in the Jamboree to be signed to a contract. His other nickname "The Wheeling Cat," came from one of his signature songs.[clarification needed] Lehart soon became one of the most popular regulars of the Jamboree, even being described as the West Virginia version of Elvis Presley.[3]
As a member of the Wheeling Jamboree, Lehart has also performed with musicians like Merle Haggard.[7]
Legacy edit
On November 24, 2014, Lehart was awarded a star with his name on the Capitol Theatre's Walkway of Stars in Wheeling, which dubbed him a "Lifetime Member" of the Jamboree.[8][5]
On June 25, 2021, Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott issued a proclamation declaring that April 7, 2021, mark "Slim Lehart Day" in Wheeling.[9] The same proclamation was also issued the following year to celebrate Lehart's legacy.[10]
Discography edit
Singles and EPs edit
- "Sunshine In My Soul" (Deneba Records, 1972; written by Jan Crutchfield)[11]
- "Just Before Goodbye" (Deneba Records, 1972; written by Allen Reynolds and J. Surber)[11]
Albums edit
- The Wheeling Cat (B-W Records, LP, Album)[12]
Retirement and personal life edit
Lehart resided in Wheeling up until his death, and retired from music in 2017 after his wife died. Lehart was still a regular of the Jamboree up until 2005.[3]
He performed once in August 2017 shortly after his retirement for a special concert.[13]
Death edit
Lehart died on August 5, 2023, at a hospice care center in Wheeling, West Virginia, at the age of 88.[14][15]
References edit
- ^ Bapst, Ivan M. Tribe and Jacob L. (2020-11-02). Jamboree in Wheeling, The. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4671-0568-2.
- ^ Tribe, Ivan M.; Bapst, Jacob L. (2015-03-16). West Virginia's Traditional Country Music. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4396-5040-0.
- ^ a b c d e "Slim Lehart (The Wheeling Cat)". www.hillbilly-music.com.
- ^ "Nominees". West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
- ^ a b tyler (November 24, 2014). "Capitol Theatre to honor 'The Wheeling Cat'". West Virginia Press Association.
- ^ Roush, Jennifer (October 25, 2006). "Carrying on classic country". Times West Virginian.
- ^ Grego, Brittany (April 6, 2016). "Merle Haggard remembered fondly in Wheeling". WTOV.
- ^ "'Wheeling Cat' Earns Star on Capitol Theatre's Walkway". WTRF. November 24, 2014.
- ^ "Special day named after Country Music Legend Slim Lehart". WTRF. June 25, 2021.
- ^ "Country music star Slim Lehart celebrated in Wheeling Thursday". WTRF. April 7, 2022.
- ^ a b Slim Lehart – Sunshine In My Soul / Just Before Goodbye at Discogs, 1972
- ^ Slim Lehart – The Wheeling Cat at Discogs, June 27, 2021
- ^ "Slim Lehart Coming Out of Retirement for a Special Show". The Intelligencer. August 13, 2017.
- ^ "Slim Lehart, "The Wheeling Cat," Dead at 88". WTRF. 2023-08-07. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
- ^ "Slim Lehart, 'The Wheeling Cat,' Dies at 88". theintelligencer.net. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
External links edit
- Slim Lehart discography at Discogs