’80s hitmaker Razzy Bailey dies at 82

Country hitmaker Razzy Bailey has passed away. The “Midnight Hauler” singer is known for a string of 13 Top 10 hits in the early 1980s, including five No. 1 songs on Billboard Table of hot country songs.

“Loving Up a Storm” was the first of four consecutive No. 1 hits for Bailey in 1980. “I Keep Coming Back” and “Friends” join “Midnight Hauler” to complete her streak. A fifth would come with 1981’s “She Left Love All Over Me”.

Sonically, Bailey brought a smoother, more stringy sound to the format that fits well with the trendy Urban Cowboy movement.

Bailey’s career began with a song called “9,999,9999” which he wrote and recorded in 1966. It was not ranked, but a version released by Dickey Lee in 1976 reached the Top 5 on Billboard‘s graphic.

This cut, along with some independent success, led him to sign a recording contract and release “What Time Do You Have to Be Back to Heaven” in 1978. The song was the first in a series of five consecutive Top 10 successes.

Make friends was Bailey’s most popular album, landing at No. 8 in September 1981. He would continue recording until the late 1980s and landed another radio hit with a cover of Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” in 1984.

An obituary confirms that Bailey – whose first name was Rasie Michael Bailey – died on Wednesday (August 4) at the age of 82. The Oak Ridge Boys marked Bailey’s death on social media that night, saying, “Rest in peace Brother Razzy Bailey. Another sad loss. “

A Five Points, Ala., Native, Bailey died at his home in Goodlettsville, Tenn. He is survived by his wife, Faye Bright Bailey, and seven children: daughters Tammy Paxton (and partner Kip), Jenita Hefler (and partner Garry), Jenevra Mayberry, Teressa Bennett (and partner Eddie) and Paula Butler Baxter , and his sons Rasie M. Bailey Jr. and Douglas Alan Watson (and his partner Tammy).

Bailey is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as “a host of extended family members, friends, band members and fans who shared a special love with him” .

In lieu of flowers, Bailey’s family is asking for donations on her behalf from the Music Health Alliance.