Johnny Paycheck was a beloved country music artist and remained influential even after his death in 2003. Multiple run-ins with the law marred his career, including an altercation during the run-up to Christmas.
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An article by Rolling Stones details one particular not-so-festive event, which landed the singer and songwriter in the slammer. On December 19th, 1985, Johnny Paycheck was driving toward Greenfield, Ohio, to spend some time with his mother for the holidays.
On the way, he stopped for a drink at North High Lounge, where an avid fan, Larry Wise, approached him. Unfortunately for the starstruck Wise, Paycheck wasn't in the mood for a chat, and the conversation quickly turned sour.
Paycheck Didn't Like The Idea Of Turtle Soup
As bizarre as it sounds, Wise allegedly invited the hot-headed musician to return to his place with the promise of a home-cooked meal of "venison meat and turtle soup." Paycheck didn't take too kindly to the offer and yelled, "Do you see me as some kind of country hick?"
If that wasn't insulting enough, Paycheck drew his gun and shot Wise in the head! By some miracle, the bullet didn't penetrate and grazed his scalp instead. Still, the incident landed Johnny with a nine-year prison sentence. However, the musician was out in less than two after receiving a pardon from Richard Celeste, the Ohio governor at the time.
An old eyewitness report from the UPI (United Press International) archives adds a few interesting details to the story. Lloyd Bowers testified he was at the North High Lounge with Wise and Paycheck, who bought a round of beers.
After the shooting, Paycheck allegedly said, "I'm out of here," as he strolled out of the tavern door. According to Wise, the shooting occurred "without warning or provocation." He was arrested shortly afterward in Sabina, Ohio.
Despite the grizzly tale, Paycheck's contribution to the genre can't be understated, and he was a big name in country music's "outlaw movement" in the 70s.
I'm not sure what the moral of the story is, but maybe turtle soup isn't the way to go if you invite folks over for a Christmas feast.
