American country singer, songwriter, and radio disc jockey.
Born November 10, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas.
Died April 17, 1975.
Married to singer/songwriter Alice Merritt.
As a songwriter, he charted eight times in the U.S. between 1965-1972. His first charted song was his biggest: "May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" by Little Jimmy Dickens in 1965--it hit #15 overall, #1 country, and #8 adult contemporary. His next biggest charter was "The Mark of a Heel" by Hank Thompson, which hit #18 on the country chart. He charted twice with his wife as co-writer with the same song: "It Ain't No Big Thing" charted twice in 1970, first by The Mills Brothers (#64). followed by Tex Williams (#50). The song was co-wirtten by his wife Alice Joy Merritt & Shorty Hall.
Merritt also played piano and sung a bit. He charted in 1969 with "I Like To Booze It", which hit #70 on the country chart. The BMI database shows 80 songs attributed to Neal Merritt.
United States