May 6: Troup’s Paul Leim keeps beat as one of music industry’s top drummers

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, May 6, 2020

For years, Troup native Paul Leim was recognized as one of the best drummers in the music industry. On this date in 1985, he was a nominee for Percussionist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.

Blessed with natural rhythm, Leim began playing on records recorded at Robin Hood Brians studio in Tyler. He was a sessions musician and played in bands and orchestras during a career that included stints in Los Angeles and Nashville. 

He has worked with hitmakers such as Lionel Richie, Dolly Parton, Peter Cetera, Montgomery Gentry, Lonestar, Faith Hill, Bob Seger, Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain.

In the Spotlight

— 2017: Texarkana native David Crowder, performing as Crowder, scores a No. 10 hit on the Billboard Christian singles chart with “Forgiven.”

— 2017: Alan Tudyk, who attended Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, is a guest on “Cult Classics with Casper Van Dien.”

— 2015: “Little Hope was Arson,” a documentary about the 2010 arsons of 10 Tyler area churches and the arrests of those responsible, debuts.

— 2008:  Rusk native Caroline Williams has a guest role on “Women’s Murder Club.”

— 2008: Whitewright native Julie Johnson voices Baby Bop in the video “Barney: Hi! I’m Riff.” 

— 2004: Jacksonville native Lee Ann Womack is a guest on “On-Air With Ryan Seacrest.”

— 2004: Anna Nicole Smith, who grew up in Mexia, is a guest on “Howard Stern.”

— 2003: Jesse Plemons, who grew up in Mart, has a guest role on “Judging Amy.”

— 1996: Donna Bullock, who attended Tyler Junior College, appears on “Melrose Place.”

— 1993: K.T. Oslin, who attended Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, and Carthage native Linda Davis, appear on the TV special “The Women of Country.”

— 1989: “Hey Bobby” by K.T. Oslin, who attended Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, peaks at No. 2 on the Billboard country singles chart.

— 1988: Tommy Tune, who attended Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, is a guest on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

— 1986: Nacogdoches native Tony Frank has a supporting role in the TV miniseries “North and South: Book II.”

— 1978: Gilmer native Johnny Mathis is a guest on “Soul Train.”

— 1972: At the Emmy Awards, Sandy Duncan of Tyler is a nominee for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (“Funny Face.”)

— 1967: “Just Beyond the Moon” by Panola County native Tex Ritter peaks at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

— 1965: Panola County native Jim Reeves appears on “Top of the Pops.”

— 1963: Honey Grove native Bill Erwin is seen in a guest role on ”The Dakotas” starring Chad Everett.

— 1958: Honey Grove native Bill Erwin has a guest role on “The Californians.”

— 1928: Greenville native John Boles has a role in “We Americans.”

— 1926: “Kitty’s Kisses” opens on Broadway with Greenville native John Boles in a featured role.