Don Epperson (born January 1938 - died 1973 in Arizona) was an American singer and actor. His daughter, Brenda Epperson is most well known for portraying Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless.
Background During Epperson's career, he was produced by Harley Hatcher of Sidewalk Productions, who also produced artists such as Jerry Naylor for Columbia, Max Frost and The Troopers for Tower, Saturday Revue for RCA, and Doug Brooks for Imperial.Cash Box, June 21, 1969 - Page 40 Hatcher Forms Pendulum Productions
Film career Epperson played the lead role of Reb in the 1969 film Wild Wheels which was about some dune-buggy-riding folks who take on a motorcycle gang. In the film, Reb loses his girlfriend to Knife, the leader of the bike gang.Nostalga Central - Wild Wheels (1969) It was reported in the 5 July 1969 issue of Billboard that with Epperson having recently completed Wild Wheels, his producer Harley Hatcher's umbrella management organization had worked out a deal with a picture production company, Kendall Associates. The deal was to allow Epperson to work in four films over the next two years. Epperson was reportedly working on Justice Cain.Billboard, July 5, 1969 - Page 10 Pendulum Swings Distrib Product to Forward Records
Music career Epperson recorded the songs, "Sittin' by the Highway" and "How I Feel for You" which were released on single, RCA Victor 9661 in 1968. It was one of the Cash Box Best Bets singles for the week of 2 November 1968.Cash Box, November 2, 1968 - Page 54 Cash Box Country Reviews, Best Bets, DON EPPERSON (RCA Victor 9661) Sittin' By The Highway
It was reported in the 13 December 1969 issue of Billboard that the Amaret label had bought Epperson's master recording of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" from Harley Hatcher.Billboard, December 13, 1969 - Page 60 Country Music From The Music Capitals of the World, DOMESTIC, LOS ANGELES It was released in Australia on RCA 47-9661 in 1970. Australian Record Labels - Page 102 RCA / BMG 45’s, 12” singles and E.P.’s - COMPILED BY MICHAEL DE LOOPER 1956–1992, 47-9661 SITTIN’ BY THE HIGHWAY / HOW I FELL FOR YOU DON EPPERSON It made the AMR chart, getting to no. 64 for the week of 1 June 1970.Top 100 Singles - Every AMR Top 100 Single in 1970, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Don Epperson, 1 JUN '70, #64
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1968 Jennie: Wife/Child Singer in Bar Uncredited1969 Wild Wheels Reb Smith 1971 Cain's Cutthroats Farrette 1971 The Killers Johnny Vegas 1971 Big Jake Saloon Bully in Escondero 1971 The Female Bunch Scott 1973 The Devil and LeRoy Bassett Sgt. Don Directed by Robert E. Pearson1976 A Whale Of A Tale The Guard (final film role)
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