Red Simpson Dies

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — One of the architects of the Bakersfield sound who created songs for truckers has died. Billboard reports Red Simpson suffered a heart attack while on tour in the Pacific Northwest last month, then fell ill again and died on Friday. He was 81. Simpson had a number-four country hit with “I’m A Truck” in 1971. His follow-up singles included “Country Western Truck Drivin’ Singer,” ”Awful Lot to Learn about Truck Drivin’,” ”Truck Driver’s Heaven” and “The Flying Saucer Man and The Truck Driver.” Merle Haggard writes on his Facebook page Simpson played a huge part in the Bakersfield sound and was a dear friend.