Jim Stafford

Jim Stafford is a talented entertainer who enjoyed the bulk of his commercial record success in the space of three years. From 1973 to 1975, Stafford had six singles hit the Billboard Pop Singles Chart. His 1974 album, Jim Stafford, peaked at #6 on the Pop Albums Chart and #55 on the Country Albums Chart.

From Stafford's self-titled LP, which somehow found its way into my collection, came four hits--Swamp Witch, which was released as a single in 1973, My Girl Bill, Spiders & Snakes, and Wildwood Weed. One year later, Stafford hit with I Got Stoned And I Missed It, which was recorded in 1975 by Dr. Hook, and Your Bulldog Drinks Champagne.

Two other songs made it to the charts, but not very far--1977's Turn Loose Of My Leg made it to #98 on the Pop Singles Chart and Cow Patti from 1981 rose to #65 on the Country Singles Chart. The latter tune appeared on the soundtrack for Clint Eastwood's movie, Any Which Way You Can, in which Stafford also appeared.

Since 1990, Stafford, who was married to Bobbie Gentry during the latter half of the 70's, has called Branson, Missouri home, where he owns a theater and still performs about 350 shows a year.