NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Friends and fans gathered Wednesday to remember Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like "Make the World Go Away" made him one of the most successful country singers in history.

Sony/BMG chairman Joe Galante and Curb Records founder and chairman Mike Curb were among the pallbearers, and music was to be provided by Vince Gill, the Jordanaires and Bill and Jeanine Walker.

As the funeral began, the Ryman Auditorium's simple wood stage was adorned with flower arrangements as a recording of Arnold's hit "Cattle Call" played. A black piano was on stage.

Arnold's biographer, Dr. Don Cusic, was to deliver the eulogy.

Arnold died May 8 at a care facility near Nashville. He was 89.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)