ArtistInfo

James O'Gwynn

voc, 1928-2011 IE
Singer / Musician of Country and World
A.k.a. James Leroy O'Gwynn

James Leroy O'Gwynn (born January 26, 1928 Winchester, Mississippi, died January 19, 2011 Hattiesburg, Mississippi), "The Smilin' Irishman of Country Music," was briefly popular between 1958 and 1962. Born a Mississippi farmboy, he was raised near Hattiesburg, the son of a mechanic and a talented musician. He learned the guitar as a child from his mother, and his earliest influences were Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams. He dropped out of grade school to help out at his father's business and later served as a U.S. Marine for four years. During his tour of duty, he decided to become a country singer. He made his debut appearance during a campaign rally for a gubernatorial candidate while on leave. The candidate suggested O'Gwynn contact Houston deejay Hal Harris, who in turn introduced the

Genres

• Country
• World
• Pop