Carl Smith, country music hit maker, dies

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Carl Smith, a country music hit maker of the 1950s and 1960s known for his dynamic voice and good looks, has died. He was 82.

Williamson Memorial Funeral Home says Smith died Saturday at his Tennessee home.

Smith had 41 chart singles during the 1950s, including the hits "Are You Teasing Me," "Back Up Buddy" and "Hey Joe!" He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2003.

Smith was a member of the Grand Ole Opry but left in 1956 to try his hand at acting. He appeared in two westerns, "The Badge of Marshal Brennan" and "Buffalo Gun." From 1964 to 1969, he hosted 190 episodes of "Carl Smith's Country Music Hall" on Canadian television.

Smith, the father of country artist Carlene Carter, married fellow singer Goldie Hill in 1957. She died in 2005. - AP