Johnny Bond
Cyrus Whitfield Bond, better known as Johnny Bond, was a prominent figure in American country music from the 1940s to the 1960s. Born on June 1, 1915, in Enville, Oklahoma, Bond’s musical journey began in the late 1930s when he found his footing with Jimmy Wakely. By 1940, he had joined Gene Autry’s famed Melody Ranch, marking the start of a prolific career that would also see him dabble in acting, appearing in films such as "Wilson" and "Duel in the Sun." Additionally, he gained recognition as a regular performer on the popular 1950s television show, "Town Hall Party," showcasing his talent to a wider audience.
Johnny Bond is perhaps most celebrated for his 1947 smash hit "Divorce Me C.O.D.," which helped solidify his place in country music history with a total of seven top ten hits on the Billboard country charts. His career peaked in 1965 when he achieved his most significant success with the humorous track "Ten Little Bottles," which clinched the number two spot for four consecutive weeks. Other notable songs in his repertoire include "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed" (1947), "Oklahoma Waltz" (1948), "Love Song in 32 Bars" (1950), "Sick Sober and Sorry" (1951), and "Hot Rod Lincoln" (1960). Johnny Bond passed away from a heart attack on June 12, 1978, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant music and memorable performances.