Eddie Rabbitt

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Eddie Rabbitt was an American country music singer and songwriter. By age 12, Rabbitt was a skilled guitar player. In the late 1950s, while working at a hospital, he often performed at a local club. After winning a talent contest, Rabbitt was given an hour of Saturday night radio show time to broadcast a live performance from a bar in Paterson, New Jersey. In 1964, Rabbitt signed his first record deal with 20th Century Records. In 1975, he signed with Elektra Records. He toured with and opened for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Rabbitt was given his own television show on NBC, first airing on July 10, 1980. During the 1980s, Rabbitt moved further from crossover-styled music. In 1997, Rabbitt signed with Intersound Records. Soon after, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Eddie Rabbitt passed away on May 7, 1998.