Tommy Faile

American bluegrass-country singer/songwriter and musician. Born September 15, 1928 in Lancaster, South Carolina. Died August 2, 1998 in Gaston County, North Carolina. Best known for composing "Phantom 309"; The lyrics of the song are spoken, rather than sung. The song charted twice for [a836515], in 1967 and 1975--reaching #9 the first time and #47 the second on the U.S. country charts. It has since been covered by numerous artists. Faile got his start on local radio in 1946 with Snuffy Jenkins, Homer Sherrill and The Hired Hands. In 1951, he joined Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith's Crackerjacks as a bass player and singer.