Bay City Tribune

Country music artist John Conlee will be in concert on Nov. 6 at the Bay City Civic Center.

The VFW Post 2438 and Ladies Auxiliary are sponsoring the concert as part of a fundraising effort for the Zachary & Elizabeth M. Fisher House at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.

The Fisher House is a place for families of patients receiving medical care at military and VA medical centers to stay at no charge to the patient or family.

In 2008, Fisher Houses served about 9,500 families with average stays of 16 days and saved these families more than $12 million in lodging, food and transportation costs.

Conlee began his rise to fame in country music in the 1970s.

His first release, "Back Side of Thirty," and three more singles met with a minimum success, although they all charted.

In March of 1978, "Rose Colored Glasses," a song Conlee wrote, became a huge hit as well as his signature song.

In January of 1979, ABC Records re-released "Back Side of Thirty" which went on to become a No. 1 record.

Conlee's hit songs include "Lady Lay Down," "Before My Time," "Friday Night Blues," "Miss Emily's Picture," "Busted," "I Don't Remember Loving You," "Common Man," "I'm Only In It For The Love," "In My Eyes," "As Long As I'm Rocking With You," "Years After You," "Domestic Life," "Mama's Rockin Chair," "Hit the Ground Runnin'," and "Fellow Travelers."

Conlee has had 29 single releases throughout the years with 26 of them charting in the top 20 or better. Eight of those 26 have reached the coveted No.1 spot on the national country charts.

Conlee has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981.

He has been part of nine Farm Aid concerts, which have raised 13 million dollars to aid the family farmer.

Jade and Joni Jack will be opening for Conlee at the Bay City Civic Center Friday, Nov. 6.

The Matagorda County Cavalry will be escorting wounded soldiers as concert guests.

The concert event will begin at 7 p.m. with the doors opening for ticket holders at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30 each, $300 to reserve a table for 10 or $500 for a corporate table. They can be purchased from any VFW or auxiliary member or by calling Marilyn Adkins at Sargent Upholstery at 979-244-8038.

The event will include an auction and raffle, with all profits going to the Fisher House.

Drinks are BYOB with set ups available.