(Ouray Colorado) – A man with a long singing career who was born in Audubon, Iowa and later included some towns from around the area into his songs, died Friday in Colorado, at the age of 93.  William Dale Fries, Jr., created the stage name of “C.W. McCall,” and came up with beloved trucker songs like “Convoy” and “Wolf Creek Pass.” His death was confirmed by his son Bill Fries III.

According to various reports, he created the character of “C.W. McCall” for an advertising campaign for Old Home Bread while he was working at an advertising agency. His biggest hit was of course “Convoy,” the 1975 truckers’ anthem about a driver with the call sign “Rubber Duck” who organized a convoy over his CB radio as the truckers were crossing the country. The song reached the top of both the pop and country charts, and was such a hit that it was later made into a movie starring Kris Kristofferson.

William Dale Fries, Jr. (C.W. MCall) photo via Colomusic.org.

Fries ultimately released six albums between the years of 1975-79, as well as a compilation album featuring some of his biggest hits in 1990 and an album of patriotic songs that he recorded with longtime-friend and collaborator Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller.

Fries served for six-years as the mayor of Ouray, Colorado. In an interview he conducted on February 9, 2022, McCall stated that he had cancer and had entered hospice care in Colorado due to his refusal to admit himself to a hospital. He and his wife had recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Fries is survived by: His wife of 70-years, Rena Bonnema Fries; Three children, Bill Fries III, Mark Fries and Nancy Fries; a sister; four grandchildren; four great-grandchldren; a great-great-grandson.