Abbeville native, country music artist/songwriter Sandy Pinkard dies

KINGWOOD, W. Va. (KLFY) — An Acadiana native who went on to become a renowned country music artist has died.

James “Sandy” Sanford Pinkard Jr., 78, passed away Saturday at his residence in Kingwood, West Virginia, according to his obituary.

Pinkard was born in Abbeville, a son of the late James Sanford Pinkard Sr. and Dorothy Ann Milliman Pinkard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Howeth Pinkard.

He graduated from Gueydan High School and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

His passion was songwriting, and in the mid-1970s, he began having his songs published and performed by artists such as Brenda Lee, Jim Nabors, Cher, Anne Murray, Mel Tillis, Ray Charles, Clint Eastwood, John Anderson and Mickey Gilley.

Pinkard earned Gold Records for three songs, “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” “Coca Cola Cowboy” and “I Can Tell by the Way You Dance.”

In 1984, Sandy teamed up with Richard Moore Bowden of Linden, Texas, and together they formed the comedic country music duo Pinkard & Bowden. Their unique blend of musical parody and original comedy songs brought them national attention. Their debut album, Writers in Disguise, released on Warner Bros. Records, peaked at No. 47 on the Country charts.

From 1985 to 1993, they released four more albums and a total of 12 singles, including hits like “Mama She’s Lazy,” “I Lobster but Never Flounder,” “Arab, Alabama,” and “Trailer Park Woman.” “Mama She’s Lazy” reached No. 3 on the Country charts, with several others landing in the Country Hot 100.

A graveside service will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery on Thursday, where full military honors will be accorded.

Latest news