Howie Stange

Howard Erwin Stange (March 3, 1924 – December 4, 1990) was an American musician, singer and pianist who played Rockabilly and Country music, possessing a distinctive vocal and playing style. Howie was a musical virtuoso who had the ability to pick up any instrument and play with a high degree of technical proficiency, despite the fact that he never learned how to read music. Howie was born of four sisters and two brothers who include: Gertrude 'Kiki' Stange, Doris Stange, Frank Anthony Stange, Raymond Christopher Stange, Esther Madelyn Stange and Kathleen Leona Stange. Among the six siblings, only his youngest sister, Kathleen, lives to date, age 85. Howie achieved both national and international fame recognition, for his hit 45 record, "Real Gone Daddy/This Old Bomb of Mine," released in 1957. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential Rockabilly musicians of his era, Howie's music currently resides on over 100 record compilations of the best rockabilly music ever produced. Howie's song "Real Gone Daddy" has achieved "Maybelline" status among fans. Additionally, in 1958 he went on to record "Are You Lonesome To-Night?" which was subsequently picked up by Elvis Presley Are You Lonesome Tonight? (song) who later went on to chart this song at number 1 on the Billboard Charts in 1960. Howie Stange did not achieve significant fame or fortune during his lifetime: however, his music left a lasting impression on a generation of young listeners who were first being introduced to rock and roll music in the 1950s.