Newton, Wood (16th September 1946-Present)

Singer-songwriter from Hampton, Arkansas, who studied Business Administration at the University of Arkansas and received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1970.

In 1976, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he hooked up with fellow songwriter Dan Tyler, with whom he co-penned the hit singles “Bobby Sue” by The Oak Ridge Boys and “Twenty Years Ago” by Kenny Rogers.

He also recorded an LP on the Elektra Asylum label, although his bread and butter would be behind the scenes, crafting songs for artists and groups such as Alabama, Razzy Bailey, Rita Coolidge, Anne Murray, Willie Nelson, Restless Heart, Marty Robbins, Gary Stewart, and Steve Wariner. His follow-up album, Just for the Love of It, did not hit the shelves until 1993.

In 1994, he went to court over the use of his name as the main character’s on Burt Reynolds’ hit TV show, Evening Shade, to no avail.

He had better luck as an advocate for songwriters when he gave testimony in regards to the “Digital Music Licensing and Section 115 of the Copyright Act”, which was part of a hearing overseen by the Judicial Subcommittee of the United States House of Representatives. Ironically, he wrapped up his testimony by singing “Article One Section Eight” which uses words lifted from the United States Constitution.

Equally patriotic was “Wave on Old Glory Wave On”, which was inspired by Captain William Driver, who coined the phrase “Old Glory”. It was included on the three-CD compilation, This is My America.

On 31^st March 2009, Wood performed at Tin Pan South, a songwriters’ festival held in Nashville, Tennessee. He has also held the positions of General Manager and Vice President General Manager at Ah-Ha Music, a division of Ah-Ha Entertainment Group.

Bobby Smith recordings
Too Many Hearts in the Fire (Tim Dubois/Jim Hurt/Wood Newton)

Sources:

Newton, Wood (16th September 1946-Present)

Navigate Feenotes

Search Feenotes

Please donate to keep the site alive