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Robert Ellis Orrall in his art shack studioPhoto: Mark Peterson/Redux
Music Rowâs long history of commercial country hits is synonymous with many icons recognizable by just their first names â Dolly, Patsy, Johnny, Hank. But thrice-named singer, songwriter, producer, label owner and painter Robert Ellis Orrall is emblematic of the irreverent, eccentric spirit that has helped forge Nashvilleâs contemporary independent music scene.
After coming of age in his native Massachusettsâ rock scene, Orrall signed with RCA records in 1980. He and Carlene Carter both scored their first
Billboard Top 40 appearance with their 1983 duet âI Couldnât Say No.â In the video for the song, Orrall has a shaggy haircut and wears a skinny tie, singing at a piano like a post-punk Billy Joel. Carter â the daughter of June Carter Cash and her first husband, singer Carl Smith â is country music royalty, but when her intense vocals splash into a wav