John Grimes died at his home on October 8, 2011. He was 81. The singer/songwriter was better known as Hillbilly Barton, Billy Barton, Billy Boy Barton, Laurel London. Johnny Grimes was the author of the song "A Dear John Letter" and was a pioneer in country and rockabilly music who helped open doors for many others.

He was born in London, Kentucky, on November 21, 1929. At 16, he had special training which enabled him to secure a job as a tobacco auctioneer. He then enlisted in the military and married his young sweetheart, Roda Holland. They had a daughter, Carolyn, and a son, Ronnie.

At 21, his love of music carried him to his first professional appearance on radio KXLA out of Pasadena, CA. He had followed Russell and Herb Sims out to Los Angeles with his guitar and a notebook where he kept the songs he had written. In only two years, he would see his name on his first record. His first few releases were solo recordings and duets with Johnny Horton on Fabor Robinson's “Abbott” label. In October 1952, he had a decent paper about his work in Country Songs Roundup. "Somebody’s Rockin’ My Broken Heart" (Abbott 108) and "Bawlin’ Baby" (Abbott 109 – March 1952), both recorded on Johnny Horton’s last session for that label, were later reissued on a Crown LP (CLP 5290). Followed "Strange Affection/She’s A Good Ole Gal" (Abbott 110), "No Interest (Nothing But AGirl)/Never Satisfied" (Abbott 111), "My Darlin’ Liza Lou" (Abbott 113), "Blues In The Blue Of Night/You Will Always Be In My Heart" (Abbott 117 – Grande 117) and four others with Wanda Wayne (Abbott 155 – February 1954, Abbott 166, King 1291, King 1440). Both were married on December 1954 and they travelled in Cincinnati in January 14, 1955 for a session that produced "Pardon Me, Old Buddy" (King 1457) and maybe the sides for the King 1478. Earlier in 1954, Billy had a night club in Olympia but after he wounded a soldier he was forced to close the club. He relocated in Boise (Idaho) playing the "Music Valley Jamboree" broadcasted on KGEM radio. In 1957, he had a record on Stars Inc. 548 followed by more on Vidor Pub 1007, Fire 1008 (also issued on Radio 117), Gulf Reef 1001 (as Billy Boy Barton – October 1961), Gulf Reed 1007 (as Laurel London – early 1962) and Sims 176, 209 and 244.

A few of his notable hits were "A Dear John Letter" (released in 1953) and "I Love You" (released in 1954). "A Dear John Letter" was first recorded by Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky and it spent 6 weeks at #1 on the Billboard country charts and made it to #4 on the pop charts, staying in the charts for a total of 23 weeks. Many other artists recorded the song including Red Sovine, Pat Boone, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, Skeeter Davis and Bobby Bare and they also had hits with it. Jim Reeves and Ginny Wright recorded the song "I Love You" and it spent 22 weeks on the Billboard country charts peaking at #3. Jean Shepard and Ferlin Husky recorded "Forgive Me John" which peaked at #4 on the charts and Webb Pierce recorded "You'll Come Back" which made it to #8 in 1958.

He was a song writing machine. He wrote hundreds of songs for other artists as well as songs that he recorded himself. According to those who worked with him, he was also one of the greatest performers they'd ever seen. He also performed on the Louisiana Hayride. His songs were recorded by many well known recording artists and are still being played today. Later, he met what would be the love of his life, Hattie Starnes and they had 3 children together, Debbie, John and Julie. He and Hattie spent many years together singing and recording the country and gospel music that he continued to write throughout the remainder of his life. He will be missed terribly and remembered most by his family for the great love that he had for them.

Published in The Tennessean on October 23, 2011 on work done by Ian D. Saddler with additions from Wayne Russel and Imperial.