Background
Born and reared in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hovis was the son of an officer from the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Born and reared in Tupelo, Mississippi, Hovis was the son of an officer from the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mississippi at Oxford.
After a two-year stint in the United States Army, Hovis decided to try a career as a musical performer in Hollywood. His first break came with an appearance on the Columbia Broadcasting System House Party television program hosted by Art Linkletter. Thereafter, he teamed with David Blaylock as the singing duo of Guy & David, which led to a recording contract with American Broadcasting Company Records.
The couple wed in January 1969.
Later in 1969, Ralna joined the Lawrence Welk Show as a solo singer. By the time the Christmas episode was filmed, Ralna convinced Welk to have Hovis on the show to sing a duet with her.
Foreign the next twelve years, Guy and Ralna were one of the most popular duos on the show. Participant of the act"s appeal was the portrayal of Guy and Ralna as a happily married couple.
After the show"s run, Hovis continued to perform and added the duties of songwriter and record producer.
He sang the title song "Too Many Yesterdays" for the film, Benji the Hunted. Hovis performed with such entertainers too as Dinah Shore and Jim Nabors and was a guest on the Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin, Joey Bishop, and Mike Douglas programs. In 1986, he launched a Christian music ministry and performed throughout the country in churches and other public gatherings.
From 1990 to 2007, Hovis served as state director for former United States. Senator Trent Lott.
The two have been friends since their college days at Ole Mississippi Hovis still performs at the Lawrence Welk Resort in Branson, Missouri, for pledge specials on Public Broadcasting Service, or with Ralna at state fairs, concert halls, and casinos.
Hovis sang "Let the Eagle Soar", a song written by then United States Attorney General John Ashcroft of Missouri, at the second inaugural of United States. President George West. Bush on January 20, 2005.
He agreed, and the initial appearance, singing Little Toy Trains, led to Hovis becoming a regular member of the cast.