One of America's best-known vocalists and Masons, Brother Richard Edward (Eddy) Arnold passed away recently, a week short of his ninetieth birthday. In a career that spanned more than sixty years, Brother Arnold placed 146 songs on the Billboard country charts, 37 of which demonstrated "crossover'' appeal by also making the popular music charts. In addition to his musical career, Brother Arnold was a 64-year member of East Nashville Lodge No. 560, being raised on March 21, 1944. Later that year, Arnold and fellow Grand Ole Opry stars Roy Acuff and Frank "Pee Wee" King also became members of the Scottish Rite and Shrine in Nashville. Richard Edward Arnold was born in Chester County, Tennessee, and gained early radio experience in Jackson, Memphis, and St. Louis before com ing to WSM Nashville as a vocalist with Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys in 1940. In 1944 he went solo and began recording for RCA Victor. One of his first efforts was the song, "Cattle Call," that became his signature number. In 1947 and 1948, he enjoyed two of his biggest hits with "I'll Hold You in My Heart" and "Bouquet of Roses," respectively.
Leaving the Grand Ole Opry in September 1948, Arnold continued to win favor with audiences by branching out into motion pictures and television. In the mid-sixties he enjoyed a second zenith of popularity with "What's He Doing in My World," "Make the World Go Away," and "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye." His last charted hit was a new arrangement of "Cattle Call" recorded in 1999 as a duet with Lee Ann Rimes.
Brother Arnold was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, the for mer Sally Gayhart, who died in March 2008. He is survived by daughter Jo Ann and son Richard E. Arnold, Jr.
Sir Knight Ivan M. Tribe, KCT, KYCH, 33° 111 East High Street, McArthur, OH 45651-1111
