Billie Jo Spears Dies

Billie Jo Spears, 73, who scored 25 Top 40 country hits from 1969 to 1984, died of cancer at her home in Vidor, Texas, Dec. 14.

No funeral arrangements were available at press time, according to the Tennessean.

Spears’ first hit was “Mr. Walker, It’s All Over,” and she had a No. 1 hit in 1975 with “Blanket On The Ground.” Spears may have lost her traction in the U.S. but had a viable touring career overseas and had shows lined up next year in Liverpool, Glasgow, Croyden and other European locations.