Slim Whitman, Yodeling Country Singer, Dies At 90

Slim Whitman, the country singer known for his yodeling, died on Wednesday in Orange Park, Fla., from heart failure, reported The New York Times. He was 90.

Whitman first achieved notoriety back in the 50s with his breakthrough hit “Love Song of the Waterfall,” that connected with audiences in the U.S. as well as in Europe. “Indian Love Call,” his second single, made him a star, according to his Country Music Television biography.

In 1956, Whitman became the first country singer to perform at the London Palladium, and went on to release a number of songs that became hits in the U.K., including "Unchain My Heart" and "Tumbling Weeds."

Whitman’s career spanned the decades, as he continued to release albums and perform live well into his 70s. He put out greatest hits albums and television-marketed albums throughout the 80s, and debuted new singles, such as the the No. 15 hit “When.” Not to be stopped, the aging country singer continued to tour Europe and Australia throughout the 90s.

During his prolific career, Whitman recorded over 500 songs, and made more than 100 albums – selling more than 70 million records in his lifetime. His legacy was an inspiration to a number of artists, including Beatles members George Harrision and Paul McCartley, and the late King of Pop Michael Jackson.

Whitman was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Alma "Jerry" Crist Whitman, in 2009. He is survived by his daughter Sharon Beagle, son Bryon, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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