Admired Country Singer & Songwriter Melba Montgomery Dies At Age 86

Melba Montgomery, The Country Singer Known For Her Solo Work, Songwriting, And Duets With George Jones, Has Died

Just days after losing Buck White, the country music community has suffered another heartbreaking loss, as country singer and songwriter Melba Montgomery has passed away.

Melba Montgomery was born in Iron City, Tennessee, on October 14, 1938. She grew up in a musical family, as her father taught vocal lessons at a church where she was raised in Florence, Alabama. Melba started singing in church and got her first guitar when she was ten years old.

Melba eventually started singing in a trio with her brothers. They won a talent show hosted by WSM’s Studio C, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. Roy Acuff noticed Melba during the show and invited her to join him on tour. She toured with him from 1958 to 1962.

Melba’s brothers, Carl and Earl, later established themselves as songwriters.

In 1963, Melba signed her first major-label recording contract. Her music caught the attention of George Jones, and they started recording duets together that year. Melba wrote their first collaboration, “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds.”

The song reached the third spot on what is now Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It led to a years-long partnership between Melba and George, who released many other hits together.

Some of their most popular songs were “Party Pickin’,” “Let’s Invite Them Over,” “You Comb Her Hair,” and “What’s In Our Heart.”

Melba experienced additional success as a solo artist, releasing hit singles such as “No Charge,” “Angel of the Morning,” and “Don’t Let the Good Times Fool You.”

Melba was also an accomplished songwriter. She wrote extensively in the ’90s, with one of her most famous compositions being George Strait’s “What Do You Say To That.”

The Country Music Community Mourns

Country fans and artists admired Melba, and she earned a reputation as one of the community’s most talented members. Because she was so beloved, the news of her death was devastating to hear.

Georgette Jones, George Jones’s daughter, posted about Melba’s death on Facebook. She said Melba died on January 15 at the age of 86.

“She was an incredible singer and songwriter as well as a very sweet and wonderful person. Please join me in praying for her family and friends,” Georgette wrote.

Fans shared their condolences and mourned Melba in the comments, writing:

“Sending my deepest condolences to the family and all those that were touched by Melba’s music. She will always be a country music treasure.”

“My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was incredibly talented and I loved her music.”

“Such a sweet lady, loved hearing her and your dad sing. Our Prayers for all the family.”

“She was a wonderful singer and absolutely loved her and George Jones together.”

“Prayers for her family. Loved her duets with George.”

“My heartfelt condolences to you, her family and friends. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

Musician Jim “Moose” Brown also shared a tribute to Melba on Facebook. He said:

“My heart is broken tonight….We lost Melba Montgomery. Melba was one of the greatest talents, people and friends I’ve ever known. She was country music royalty, from her early duets with George Jones to her songwriting credits for George Strait and others….”

Melba’s daughter, Melissa, shared the news about her passing on Facebook. She revealed Melba had “fought a long battle with dementia” prior to her death.

“She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister to my uncle, sister-in-law to my aunts and aunt to my cousins. She fought a long battle with dementia but is now with her loving husband, Jack Solomon in Heaven. We know mom has been waiting to hold dad for over 10 years…”

Melba is so dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this sad time.

Remember Melba by watching one of her performances in the video below.