This Sunday Morning WGNA salutes one of the most underrated country singers of the 1980s. Earl Thomas Conley landed 18 No. 1 records throughout his career with 3 other big songs peaking at No. 2.

The Ohio native gave us a solid batch of hits from 1980-1991, but is most often overlooked for his country contributions. Despite his lack of 'star power,' Earl Thomas Conley's chart topping songs were consistent favorites on 80s Country Radio. Hits like 'Fire & Smoke' 'Your Love's On The Line' 'Holding Her and Loving You' 'Once In A Blue Moon' 'What She Is (Is A Woman In Love)' 'We Believe In Happy Endings' (with Emmylou Harris), 'Brotherly Love' (with Keith Whitley) and 'I Have Loved You Girl (But Not Like This Before)' make up his impressive catalog.

In addition, Earl Thomas Conley was the first country artist to ever appear on the TV show, Soul Train, thanks to a No. 2 duet with Anita Pointer titled 'Too Many Times.' Furthermore, he was the first artist in any genre to land Four Number One singles from the same album, something 80s icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Elton John, and Kenny Rogers hadn't yet done. The singles 'Your Love's On The Line' 'Holding Her And Loving You' 'Don't Make It Easy For Me' and 'Angel In Disguise' all hit No. 1 in 1984 from the RCA album Don't Make It Easy For Me.

Earl Thomas Conley took a hiatus from the music business from 1991-1997, but now continues to record and play select dates.

 

 

 

 

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