Louisiana’s Sammy Kershaw: A look back at his life and career

ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - Born in Kaplan, Louisiana, in 1958, country music icon Sammy Kershaw rose to fame in 1991 with his first Billboard No. 3 charting song “Cadillac Style.” It was the first of four releases from his debut studio album “Don’t Go Near the Water,” which is certified platinum.

First No. 1

Kershaw, 68, had his first and only No. 1 song on his second album “Haunted Heart,” released in 1993. “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” was the lead single and went to the top of the charts in the United States and Canada. The album produced three other top 10 hits: “Haunted Heart,” “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer,” and “I Can’t Reach Her Anymore.”

The third album released by Kershaw – “Feelin’ Good Train” – produced two No. 2 songs: “Third Rate Romance,” which was initially released by the Amazing Rhythm Aces in 1975, and “National Working Woman’s Holiday.” A fourth single from the album, “If You’re Gonna Walk, I’m Gonna Crawl.”

Kershaw also charted three other top 10 songs in 1996 and 1997: “Meant To Be,” “Vidalia” and “Love of My Life.”

Marriage to Lorrie Morgan

Kershaw recorded the No. 17 duet “Maybe Not Tonight” in 1999 with country singer Lorrie Morgan. The pair later married in 2001, then divorced in 2007.

Morgan was also once married to country music legend Keith Whitley, who died from alcohol poisoning in 1989.

Political Runs and Advocacy

Kershaw ran for the office of lieutenant governor in Louisiana in 2007 and 2010, finishing third in both races.

The singer also became an outspoken advocate for Louisiana residents affected by an oil spill along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.

Kershaw’s personal Facebook page states he lives in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Roots and Boots

In his social media post Thursday night, Kershaw said, “I’m blessed to still be out on tour every year, performing for the greatest fans in the world and doing what I love.”

The country crooner continues touring with his band and also has acoustic “Roots and Boots” concerts featuring himself and other classic country music artists.

His tour lineup on his official website HERE currently lists tour dates through July 2027.

RELATED: Sammy Kershaw says CMA denied red carpet request two weeks before show

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