Darrell Glenn

Darrell Orvis Glenn (December 7, 1935 – April 9, 1990) was an American singer and songwriter. He first made his mark in the music business with his recording of "Crying in the Chapel" released in 1953, written by his father, Artie Glenn. He also wrote songs recorded by other artists, including Elvis Presley.

Early life Darrel Glenn was born to Foy and Artie Glenn in 1935. The family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he attended J. P. Elder Junior High and Fort Worth Technical High School. He won a talent contest in Waco, Texas, where the award was an opportunity to record with Bob Wills. He released "Crying in the Chapel" when he was 17 before he graduated in June 1953.

Career His early recordings appeared on the Valley Records label out of Knoxville, Tennessee, produced by Floyd Wilson, who penned one of Glenn's best recordings, "I Think I'm Falling In Love With You". Glenn's recording of "Crying in the Chapel" was originally recorded as a demo in professional studios in Ft. Worth, Texas, for the purpose of his father, Artie, to place the song with a publisher. The song was eventually accepted by Valley Publishers, who agreed to release the same demo recording as their first Valley Records release in 1953. The recording was too long to be released as a single, and a piano break was edited out, and the edited demo record was then released as the single. The song quickly became a hit. Glenn was still a student when the song was released, and after Glenn graduated, he went on a tour in the United States and Canada. Later he also toured with Bob Hope.

Glenn wrote a number of songs recorded by other artists; among these are the 1967 Elvis 45 release of Indescribably Blue, "Bear With Me a Little Longer" by Eddy Arnold; and "Only the Redeemed" by Kenneth Copeland, which received a Grammy nomination.

Death Glenn died on April 9, 1990, from cancer in Fort Worth at the age of 54. He was buried in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas.