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A one-time hell-raising renegade from Greenfield, Ohio, Johnny Paycheck took to playing music and raising hell at young age. Born Donald Eugene Lytle in Greenfield on May 31, 1937, Johnny was playing guitar at the age of six and singing professionally at the age of fifteen.

After dropping out of high school, Johnny began having minor run-ins with the law. However, none were serious enough to keep him from pursuing a career in music. While playing local gigs, he continued developing his skills as a songwriter and as a backup singer. Although he'd been writing since the mid-50s, it wasn't until two of his singles broke the charts in 1966 that he gained recognition as a songwriter. That year Ray Price charted with Touch My Heart and Tammy Wynette scored with Apartment #9.

A prelude to his solo career began as a bass player for Ray Price. From there Johnny took a job with George Jones. He stayed with George for six years, playing bass and later steel guitar. Paycheck also worked with Faron Young and Porter Wagoner.

Meanwhile, Johnny began working on a solo career by recording his own singles. Paycheck first appeared on the charts in 1965 with A-11. By 1966, Johnny had co-founded Little Darlin Records and for three years, he cut several sides for the label. Only one single The Lovin' Machine broke the top-10.

Paycheck’s big break came when he signed a contract with Epic Records in 1971. After his first recording session with Epic, he began turning out singles at a steady pace. In 1977, Johnny was on top of the charts with Take This Job and Shove It. The blockbuster single turned out to be his only No. 1 song. Johnny's final top-10 was called Mabellene, which charted in 1978. Johnny drifted in and out of the top-40 brefore being dropped from the Epic roster in 1984. In 1986, he joined Mercury Records, but after two years on the label, the Old Violin was his only top-40 song.

In 1986 Johnny was sentenced to 9 and 1/2 years for shooting a barroom patron in Hillsboro, Ohio. While incarcerated Paycheck turned to religion and recorded an all gospel album. Although Johnny has had a rollercoaster career, he's remained popular in among traditional country music fans.

Paycheck’s original material is readily available. If you prefer the early work of Johnny Paycheck, then you may consider Real Mr. Heartache, which includes The Lovin’ Machine, Motel Time Again and Jukebox Charlie. 16 Biggest Hits contains all the big hits, including Someone to Give My Love to, Mr. Lovemaker, Take This Job and Shove it and Friend, Lover, Wife.


Johnny Paycheck 16 Biggest Hits and Real Mr. Heartache are currently available at


Career Highlights

Birth Place - Greenfield, Ohio

Career Record label - Epic

First Top 10 - The Lovin' Machine (1966)

Biggest Hit - Take This Job and Shove It (1977)

Chart Run -1965 - 1989

Major Awards/Achievements

6 Gold Albums

1 Platinum Album

1 Double Platinum Album

Johnny Paycheck Home Page

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Revised: 11/14/1999 | Thanks for visiting!