Whatever Happened To Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock?

It's 1974 and Billy 'Crash' Craddock had the feel-good sing-along country hit of the year. You just had to crank up 'Rub It In'.

Coming out of Greensboro, North Carolina, Billy Wayne Craddock carved out a great career in Country Music.

Oh, and as far as the 'Crash' nickname? That came from his High School football playing days. Apparently, Billy had a rough and tumble running style!

Crash began recording in the 1950s and received his greatest acclaim in the 1970s. He was consistently in the country top ten with memorable classics like his remake of the Tony Orlando and Dawn pop hit 'Knock Three Times', the irresistible 'Ruby Baby', 'I Cheated On A Good Woman's Love', 'Dream Lover' and more. And while he may be best remembered by a country music fan's for his uptempo fun hits (and I love those, too), it was a Number One hit he released in 1976 that showcased, at least for me, his amazing voice: 'Broken Down In Tiny Pieces'.

I began my career in radio as a wet-behind-the-ears 18-year-old kid in Winner, South Dakota and I had the privilege of playing all those great 'Crash' hits when they were bright and shiny and new.

So whatever happened to one of my country music favorites?

Well, the North Carolina Music Hall of Famer is 81 years young and you can check out his website here. And Billy, thanks for helping to make the 70's a great decade in country music!

Wikipedia Contributed To This Article