Try Get Singer/Song

[sparky]

Singer born in the 30s Canadian-born country musician and comedy performer.
Song his first hit single
1)Who is the singer
2)Name of the song

[Gary W]

Sparky, Is he still living?

[sparky]

Gary W
yes

[Gary W]

1. Stompin' Tom Connors
2. "Big Joe Mufferaw"

[sparky]

Gary W
1 and 2 wrong answer

[Gary W]

Hmmmm???
Is the singer Ronnie Prophet?

[sparky]

Gary W
Yes
That was easy wasn't it

[Gary W]

I thought of him earlier but didn't put him down because he didn't have any #1 hit songs.
His first single was "San Diego" in 1973.
He had one go to #3 on the Canadian Country Chart in 1979. it was "Phantom of the Opry".
Is that the song you are thinking of?

[sparky]

Gary W
In 1975, Prophet made his recording debut; his first hit single

[Gary W]

Sparky, According to Wikipedia, San Diego hit the charts in 1973.
I found a site where someone is selling the record and it indicates it was recorded in 1972.

He recorded a song called "Sanctuary" in 1975. It wasn't a #1 but it did make the top 20 to 30, depending on what chart you look at.