Biography
Born on 25 November 1926 in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, and passing away on 19 February 1992 in Brentwood, Tennessee, USA, Bif Collie earned widespread regard as one of country music’s most informed producers and disc jockeys. Across more than thirty years he hosted shows on KLEE, KNUZ and KPRC in Houston as well as on KFOX and KLAC in Los Angeles, building a loyal audience through his selections and on-air manner. He also made guest appearances on numerous television programs and played a central role in establishing both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. His spouse, Shirley—born Shirley Caddell on 16 March 1931 in Chillicothe, Missouri, USA—performed on broadcasts such as the Brush Creek Follies and, in 1962, reached the Top 10 with the duet “Willingly” alongside Willie Nelson. After the marriage ended, Shirley became Nelson’s second wife; Collie later remarked, “If there’s any man I’d like to have run off with my wife, it would be Willie Nelson.” When listeners questioned his continued airplay of Nelson’s material, he replied, “Hell, it’s my job to play the best music and Willie is one of the best no matter whose wife he’s with.” In 1972, recording for United Artists Records under the name Billy Bob Bowman, he enjoyed a minor hit with “Miss Pauline.” Collie was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in 1978 and succumbed to cancer in 1992.
Albums
