Ask American Profile

Linda Purl, Dan Blocker, Floyd Tillman, John Mellencamp and Travis Tritt

What is Linda Purl doing now and who is her mother? She looks so much like an actress that was popular in the 1950s.
—Joyce W., Colorado

Though the Matlock star is not in a regular TV series these days, Purl has been active on Broadway and on television, and as a single mom at home. Purl, who divides her time between Los Angeles and Colorado, recently founded the Colorado World Festival of Theatre, which will present international theater productions throughout the state. She also sings. "While it’s never been the focus of my career, it’s been a steady part of my life," she says. Her first album is called Alone Together, and she’s got a follow-up coming out in 2005. Her mother was not an actress, nor does she have any relatives who were acting in the 1950s. "Shirley Jones and Ann Francis played my moms, though," she offers.

I would like to know about Dan Blocker on Bonanza. Did he die during the series?
—Bill M., Indiana

The lovable "Hoss" died May 13, 1972, leaving behind wife Dolphia and four children—twins Debra Lee and Danna Lynn, David (now a producer) and Dirk (an actor). The gentle giant, who packed 300 pounds on his 6-foot, 3-inch frame, weighed 14 pounds at birth and was reportedly the largest baby born in Bowie County, Texas. Blocker was part of the Bonanza cast from the show’s inception in 1959. Before shooting the 1972 season, he suffered from symptoms of gall bladder disease and underwent successful surgery. However, he developed a blood clot in his lung and died unexpectedly at 43.

I would like to know something about Floyd Tillman.
— Ray T., Florida

Floyd Tillman, who died of leukemia at age 88 in 2003, wrote the 1949 hit Slipping Around, considered one of the first hit "cheating songs" in country music. Tillman also wrote Bing Crosby’s 1939 hit It Makes No Difference Now. He recorded his own first hit single, They Took the Stars Out of Heaven, on Decca Records in 1944. Tillman was born in Ryan, Okla. (pop. 894), but grew up in Post, Texas (pop. 3,708). He learned to play guitar so he could join his brothers in a string band. The Influence, his first album in 20 years, was released earlier this year on Heart of Texas Records. It was recorded shortly before he died and includes 14 duets with stars such as Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, says Tracy Pitcox, a promoter with the label. "He was very pleased with the music," Pitcox says. "Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see it come out." Tillman’s hits included Driving Nails in My Coffin and I Love You So Much It Hurts.

Two Singers Call for a Political Truce

Rock singer John Mellencamp, a Democrat, and country singer Travis Tritt, a Republican, have teamed up to record What Say You, a song that makes a plea for political civility. "There’s a positive message and it’s that we should be able to say what is on our minds without suffering repercussions, whether you’re left, right, middle or whatever, and have an intelligent exchange of opinion," Mellencamp says. "For some reason right now, that’s not happening. I think it’s a terrible place we’re in where people are at each other’s throats over politics." The duet can be found on Tritt’s latest CD, My Honky Tonk History. "This song is sort of, ‘I have my opinions and I’ll be glad to share them with you, but between the two of us, can’t we find some common ground?’" Tritt says. "That’s the kind of country I want to live in. I thought it was a great message for the time."

Upload Your Own Stories, Photos and Videos

Every week, American Profile magazine brings you stories that celebrate the people and places that make America great. Now we want to hear your stories and see your photos, videos and even audio.

 Start Uploading Now!

 

Discuss this Article