Wilma Burgess

Wilma Charlene Burgess (June 11, 1939 – August 26, 2003) was an American country music singer. She rose to fame in the mid-1960s and charted fifteen singles on the Billboard C&W charts between 1965 and 1975.

Background Burgess was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, United States, the daughter of Jessie Willard Burgess and Arlene Johnson Burgess. Following her graduation from William R. Boone High School in 1956, she proceeded to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, studying physical education. In September 1982, Burgess opened and operated a music venue called Track 9 located at 2025 8th Avenue South in Nashville. Burgess was part of the local lesbian community, and lesbians frequented Track 9 during its existence. The venue was located across the street from Nashville's first-known lesbian bar, The Women's Room.

It has been noted by Jim Ed Brown that Burgess was also a fine poker player, having taken both Ernest Tubb and Tubb's bus driver's money while on tour together.

Death Burgess died unexpectedly on August 26, 2003, at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, after suffering a heart attack. She was 64, and had been hospitalized for a week for tests, and had seemed to be on the road to recovery.

Other information In 1965, Burgess purchased the Nashville home that had belonged to Patsy Cline; the purchase was made from Cline's widower Charlie Dick. Burgess had attended Cline's 30th birthday party and housewarming at the home six months before Cline's fatal accident. Burgess also purchased Jim Reeves' touring bus "Big Blue" in 1969. Burgess appeared in the 1966 film The Las Vegas Hillbillys singing "Baby". The film which starred Jayne Mansfield was a B-movie that showcased several top C&W performers.

Discography