NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Hank Snow, whose gaudy rhinestone suits and million-selling hit song "I'm Movin' On" made him a country music legend for more than 40 years, died today. He was 85.
Billy Deaton, Snow's longtime booking agent, said Snow died around 12:30 a.m. at his home north of downtown Nashville.Snow, known as "the singing ranger" because of his flamboyant cowboy attire, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979.
Snow's self-penned "I'm Movin' On" was No. 1 on the country music charts for almost a year in 1950. Other hits included "I Don't Hurt Anymore," "I've Been Everywhere," "Golden Rocket" and "Rhumba Boogie."
His heyday was between 1950 and 1965, but he performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry until the mid-1990s. He recorded more than 40 songs that were in the top 10 of the country music charts and sold an estimated 70 million records. He made several concert tours overseas to perform for American troops, becoming one of country music's top ambassadors.
He was only in his 20s when he became a leading country performer in his native Canada. He was signed to a record contract in 1934, and his 45-year relationship with RCA, from then until 1979, was said to be a record. His "I'm Movin' On," about boarding a train to leave a wayward lover, was recorded in 36 languages.
In the mid-1950s, Snow was a mentor to Elvis Presley just as Presley was breaking into the music business. He made concert tours with him. Presley would later cover "I'm Movin' On," as would Ray Charles and many others.
He said in February 1992 that his career had been full.