The Life and Work of Leon Payne: I Love You Because (original version)

The Life and Work of Leon Payne

Leon Payne was Born on June 15, 1917 in Alba, Texas and died of a heart attack on September 11, 1969. Blind since early childhood, he is probably best remembered today as the songwriter who penned all-time classics like I Love You Because (1949) and You've Still Got A Place In My Heart (George Jones, 1984), as well as two songs best known through Hank Williams' recorded versions, They'll Never Take Her Love From Me (1950) and Lost Highway (1949).

Leon's only charted song was I Love You Because (No. 1, 1949, Capitol 40238), was released on Capitol Records. His classic song has been covered by several artists throughout the years. In 1950, Ernest Tubb and Clyde Moody each recorded their own version both making the Top-10 on the country chart. Additionally, Johnny Cash, Carl Smith, Slim Whitman, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Jean Sheppard and Ray Price have recorded the song.


Payne wrote hundreds of other songs, too, such as Blue Side of Lonesome (Jim Reeves, 1966), but he was also a vital and versatile performer who recorded prolifically from 1941 through the 1960s. Leon gained only mid-level stardom nationwide, though he remained a popular performer in his native Southwest until his death.

Leon began his music career in the mid-1930s, playing a variety of musical instruments in public and later performing on KWET radio in Palestine, Texas (1935). Payne also had a stint playing with Bob Wills' Texas Playboys in 1938. A guitarist, pianist and drummer, Payne played with his stepbrother Jack Rhodes and his Rhythm Boys (1949) before forming his own band, Lone Star Buddies (Frankie Juricek, Ernie Hunter, Gig Sparks and Tiny Smith). Leon appeared on the Louisiana Hayride and the Grand Ole Opry.

Payne recorded for such labels as Bluebird, Bullet, Decca, Starday, 'D,' and TNT, but it was during his mid-career stint at Capitol from 1949-1953 that he reached his peak and produced his most enduring music, from his classic, chart-topping first release I Love You Because (No. 1, 1949) to minor hits like I'm A Lone Wolf, and under appreciated sides like I Miss That Gal, If I could Live My Live Over and Poke Salad Greens.

Leon is buried at Sunset memorial Park in San Antonio (Bexar County) Texas, USA.

~RJB: Country Music Historian, 12/2010. References: Record Research: Country Music Singles 1944 -- 1993; Billboard Magazine; RJB: Original Country Music Chronicles.

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[INDYOSKARS]

THE GOLDEN AGE OF COUNTRY MUSIC 1940 1955

[pinkdogavenger]

This is fantastic.  I have been searching for the original version for ages. This was my uncle's favourite song! Thank you so much for posting it!!

[MyrtieLe]

Thank you for keeping Daddy's memory alive

[1957dolores]

My dad bought Leon his first guitar when he was very young. They were living in Alba, TX. When we moved to California he would come by and see us and appear at the Red Barn in Fresno, Ca. I can remember standing on the top of my mothers feet and dancing while he would be singing. I was always amazed how he could get around. I have in my collection a quilt top piece that his mother, Alice, made for a quilt for my parents, Son and Pauline McLemore. before they moved to CA

[CRUSADERPIGGYBOY]

LEON PAYNE: ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGWRITER OF ALL TIME.

[hveenfan]

nice song

[dwilli48]

Leon was in the Austin (TX) State School for the Blind until he graduated in the early to mid nineteen-thirties.  I think I am remembering correctly that he was about fourteen years Jack Rhodes' senior. Leon Payne's mother married Jack Rhodes' dad sometime prior to Leon starting his musical career. I believe that Leon Payne and Jack Rhodes had a close working relationship. For more info you can check out Leon's MySpace page. A lot of great reading for anyone interested. 5*****

[phillfoote]

wasnt he jack rhodes step-brother

[viv062540]

Thanks for sharing this oldie. I loved hearing very much. 5*****

[jtls8]

He wrote some beautiful songs! Thank

you for sharing! 5*****