Knoxville (WVLT) - At one time, he topped the charts of country music. Eddy Arnold, who's mellow voice melted the hearts of many women over the years has passed away.

Alan Williams had a chance today to talk to one of his good friends, Marshall Andy Smalls, who gave alot of insight to Arnold's career and his ties to East Tennessee.

Eddy Arnold sold 85 million records in a career that spanned 60 years, making him one of the most successful singers in history combining pop and country. Eddy died Thursday morning at the age of 89 at a care facility just south of Nashville, but his influence lives on, he played frequently in East Tennessee and befriended Marshall Andy Smalls years ago.

"Through Archie Campbell, I got to meet him and I wanted to interview him for my television show," Smalls said.

In fact, Eddy visited Andy's show 8 times. Over the past 26 years, from UT football games, to Eddy's second induction into the Hall of Fame, Andy and Eddy grew very close.
On May 11th, 2007 Eddy's wife Sally passed away. After a recent to her grave Andy says Eddy admitted it was time for him to go as well.

"No question about it, after being married 66 years, and for this to happen, this way quite odd," Smalls said.

For Andy Smalls, Eddy Arnold meant more than just a friend.

"He's my hero, and how many people grow up to get to meet and be a friend to their hero. This man was probably one of the purest people I've ever known," Smalls said.

Andy will have two tributes to Eddy Arnold's life and music on May 17th. The first one will be on channel 2, PBS from 10:30 to noon, the second will be on EZ-88.3 from noon until one.