"Who's Cheating Who...Who's Being True...Who Don't Even Care Anymore"

Charly McClain

I think the best description I ever read about Charly McClain and her music was when it was described as "Grits and Molasses." Now, my mother was the first to introduce me to the sounds of Charly. My mother played her old 45 records of "When A Love Ain't Right", "That's What You Do To Me" and "Who's Cheating Who". Yes, Charly McClain was the origional singer of the song "Who's Cheating Who"....NOT Alan Jackson. It went #1 unlike Alan's version.

Through out the late 70's and early 80's, Charly McClain had a massive string of hit singles. With strikingly good looks and a voice that melts butter, she was the Shania Twain of that era. I even watched the episode of the motorcycle cop, Erik Estrada show CHIPS, that Charly appeared on. I don't think her endorsment of *LUCKS Beans was a smart career move, then again neither is Lee Ann Womacks *SPARKLE paper towels commercial. But BEANS!!!! Shouldn't have done that one Charly.

Charly also was one part of a great phenomenal duet. When her and country crooner, Mickey Gilley released their duet "Paradise Tonight" my mother and I couldn't get enough if it. She and I would always blast the radio up while driving down the road and just sing our hearts out. She, of course, singing all Mickey's parts and I Charly's. Tooo Funny.

Charly married soap opera star Wayne Massey, form tv's ONE LIFE TO LIVE and that's when she really began to disappear. Her and her husband dueted on a few songs, but with his mediocre voice, it simply didn't "hit". Charly has remained out of the music scene for over 10 years now. Prefering to be house wife. But Renassiance records did release an anthology of her work a few years ago....and you know I brought it.

So, Charly.....thanks for the memories. As a kid you took me to "Paradise".....almost every night.