ABBREVIATIONS

ACM: Academy Of Country Music

ASCAP: American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

BMI: Broadcast Music Incorporated--collects and disperses royalties
circa (ca) Approximate date

CMDJHF: Country Music D. J. Hall Of Fame

CCMA: Canadian Country Music Association

CCMAHF: Canadian Country Music Assoc. Hall of Fame

CMA: Country Music Association

CMDJHF: Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame

CMF: Country Music Foundation

CMHF: Country Music Hall of Fame

CMT: Country Music Television

CRB: Country Radio Broadcasters

CWM: Country Weekly Magazine

GAC: Great American Country cable TV home of the Grand Ole Opry

IBMA: International Bluegrass Music Association

IBMAHF: International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame

IFCO: International Fan Club Organization (Nashville based)

NARAS: Music Industry group that presents the Grammy Awards

NSF: Nashville Songwriters Foundation

NSAI: Nashville Songwriters Association International

NSHF: Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

RHOF: Rockabilly Hall of Fame

RIAA: Recording Industry Association of America

R.O.P.E: Reunion of Professional Entertainers

R&RHF: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

SGHF Steel Guitar Hall of Fame

SGMA: Southern Gospel Music Association

Texas CMHF: Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

WSM: 650 WSM-AM Radio, home of the Grand Ole Opry

“January”

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1909 - Frank Delaney Kettering 1909~1973, of the “The Hoosier Hot Shots,” was born in Monmouth, Illinois.

1924 - Esco Hankins 1924~1990, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist born in Union Country, Tennessee. Esco was often referred to as a Roy Acuff sound-alike.

1928 - Ernie Chaffin 1928~1997, Sun Records rockabilly artist, born in Water Valley, Mississippi.

1936 - Benny Barnes 1936~1987, Star Day recording artist, born in Beaumont, Texas.

1939 - Three members of Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys, quit the band today. They were replaced, before the following weekend’s appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Jake Tindell, Lonnie Wilson, and Beecher “Pete” Kirby, who we now know as “Bashful Brother Oswald,” were the new members.

1950 - Jim Wolverton 1895~1950, banjo player for the Leake County Revelers died on his 55^th birthday. The Revelers were one of Mississippi's most popular string bands in the 1920's.

1951 - R.C. Coin BMG recording artist was born Richard Carey Coin in San Antonio, Texas.

1953 - Hank Williams 1923~1953, age 29, died today, or yesterday in the back seat of his baby blue 1952 Cadillac convertible. Hank was pronounced dead at Oak Hill General Hospital in Virginia, however, the exact location, or even the state in which he died is unknown. Hank was inducted into the CMHF in 1961, the NSHF in 1970, and the R&RHF. Hank Williams was laid to rest in the Oakwood Annex Cemetery, Montgomery, Alabama. A few years later Hank's children had Audrey's body exhumed, and reburied next to Hank.

1956 - Sun Records released Carl Perkins self-penned first chart record “Blue Suede Shoes.” The single went to #1 and remained on the country charts for 24 weeks. This recording is now a Grammy Hall of Fame song. Johnny Cash told Carl backstage at a concert that Blue Suede Shoes would make a great title for a song. Carl went home and wrote the song before he went to bed.

1957 - Moon Mullican 1909~1967, died of a heart attack on New Years Day at the age of 57. He was known as the “King Of The Hillbilly Piano Players,” and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1951. It was Hank Williams who first brought Moon to the Opry.

1959 - Elvis Presley wrecked his car on Germany’s infamous Autobahn. The soldier survived the crash but his BMW was not so fortunate.

1959 - Johnny Cash performed for the prisoners at San Quentin for the first time. One of the
prisoners in attendance was Merle Haggard. John would return to San Quentin in 1963 for another concert, and in 1969 to record his Columbia album “Johnny Cash at San Quentin,” and tape a TV documentary.

1960 - Billy Walker became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He remained a member until the day he died in a traffic accident while returning to Nashville after a concert date in Alabama in 2006.

1961 - The Porter Wagoner TV Show aired their first broadcast.

1963 - The Johnny Cash Show returned to San Quentin for another show.

1964 - Hank Williams Jr., age 14, released his version of his father’s hit “Long Gone Lonesome Blues,” on the 11^th anniversary of his father’s death. (His mother’s idea and Audrey even scheduled a concert date for the same day at the venue where his father was traveling to when he died).

1964 - Future “Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame” member Tom T. Hall moved to Nashville with a guitar, forty-six dollars, and a dream.

1966 - Ralph Emery returned to WSM, after quitting the station two years earlier. Tex Ritter joined Ralph as co-host of the “Opry Star Spotlight,” for the next sixteen months.

1967 - Moon Mullican 1909~1967, age 57, “The King Of The Hillbilly Piano Players” died today in Beaumont, Texas. Moon became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1951. It was Hank Williams who first brought this very talented man to the stage of the Opry.

1967 - Buck Owens was a featured guest at the Rose Bowl’s Parade of Roses.

1970 - Wanda Jackson made her debut appearance on Hee Haw.

1970 - Floyd “Salty” Holmes 1909~1970, of “The Prarie Ramblers” died at age 60.

1971 - Tom T. Hall joined the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. He would quit the Opry in 1974 when the move was made to the new Opry House at Opryland. Tom rejoined in the Opry in 1980 after Ernest Tubb told him he needed to come back where he belonged.

1971 - Dickie McBride 1914~1971, recording artist, guitarist, and Western Swing bandleader died at the age of 56.

1972 - Charlie Pride’s RCA Victor single "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’" was the #1 country song in America. Hall of Fame songwriter Ben Peters wrote the song and it spent 5 weeks at the top of the charts. This was Charlie's 17^th country hit on Billboards Country chart.

1974 - The Porter Wagoner TV Show aired their last program.

1992 - Dwight Yoakam fell off the horse he was riding in the Rose Bowl Parade, after the saddle strap broke. No injuries were reported, and horse and rider were continuing down a Pasadena street within minutes of the mishap.

1996 - William Lee Golden rejoined the Oak Ridge Boys. The group had fired Golden in 1987.

1997 - Townes Van Zandt 1944~1997, age 52, singer, songwriter, and guitarist died at his home in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, today of heart failure. Townes Van Zandt was laid to rest in Dido Cemetery, Dido, Texas.

2001 - John Jarrad 1953~2001, age 47, songwriter, died in a Nashville today as the result of respiratory failure. John had suffered for years from diabetes, and was blind, lost both kidneys and both legs to the disease prior to his death.

2003 - Alabama began their American Farewell Tour in Las Vegas.

2005 - Jo Dee Messina’s Curb single “My Give A Damn’s Busted” hit the Billboard Country chart. Joe Diffie, Tony Martin, and Tom Shapiro wrote the song, and it spent 2 weeks at #1, and a total of 25 weeks on the chart. This was Jo Dee's 18^th chart single, and her 6^th #1.

2007 - Del Reeves 1933~2007, age 73, died at home in Centerville, Tennessee. Del charted 55 country hits on Billboards Country chart, and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 41 Years.

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1904 - Country Music fan dancer Sally Rand, was born Harriet Helen Gould Beck, in Elkton, Missouri.

1926 - Harold Bradley, session-guitarist, was born today in Nashville. Harold was a session

guitar player in Nashville for over fifty years, and is believed to be the most recorded guitar

player in history. Harold and Owen Bradley were brothers. Harold is currently the President of the Nashville Musicians Union.

1936 - Roger Dean Miller 1936~1992, singer, songwriter, guitarist and TV host was born today in Fort Worth, Texas. Roger worked in Faron Young's band in 1962 as songwriter, and drummer. His first chart hit was his self-penned RCA Victor single "You Don't Want My Love" in 1960. Roger was inducted into the NSHF in 1973 and the CMHF in 1995.

1943 - Dick Feller singer, songwriter and guitarist born in Bronaugh, Missouri.

1954 - John Barlow Jarvis, songwriter, pianist, session player, and recording artist born Pasadena, California.

1961 - Buck Owens’ released “Foolin’ Around" b/w "High As The Mountains” in 1961. This was Buck’s first #1 record according to Cashbox magazine.

1962 - Buck Owens released “Nobody’s Fool But Yours,” the single charted the following month and topped out at #11 on Billboard’s country chart.

1965 - Merle Haggard’s Tally Records single “My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers,” written by Liz Anderson, charted today and climbed to #10, remaining on the charts for 22 weeks. This was Merle's 4^th chart hit, and was the song that inspired the name of Hag’s band, “The Strangers.”

1968 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ album “It Takes People Like You To Make People Like Me." The album charted two weeks later and went to #1. Three singles were released from this album; The title track went to #2 on the Singles chart. "Where Does The Good Times Go" went to #1, and "Let The World Keep On A Turnin'" w/Buddy Alan topped out at #7.

1970 - Marty Robbins recorded “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife” in Nashville. Marty wrote

the song and Bob Johnston produced the session. The session players included: Marty Robbins~vocals; Ray Edenton~guitar; Jack Pruett~guitar; Charlie Daniels~guitar; Jerry Shook~guitar; Pete Wade~guitar; Bill Pursell~piano; Norbert Putnum~bass; Richard Morris~vibes, mirambas, and bells. The Columbia single went to #1 on Billboard and became Marty’s 53^rd chart single, and his 14^th #1 hit. This record won a Grammy for Best Country Song of 1970.

1972 - Arthur Lee “Red” Smiley 1925~1972, age 46, guitarist of “Reno & Smiley” (formed 1951) died from diabetes in 1972.

1974 - Woodward Maurice ‘Tex’ Ritter 1905~1974, age 68, died in Nashville, today. Member of the Grand Ole Opry (1965), Tex was inducted into the CMHF in1964, NSHF in 1971, and the Texas CMHF in 1998. Tex has also been inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame. My friend's dream of “Hillbilly Heaven,” is now reality.

1979 - Wayne Walker 1925~1979, age 53, Hall of Fame songwriter, died in Nashville. A few examples of a Wayne Walker penned tune: "Are You Sincere," "All The Time" w/Mel Tillis, "Cut Across Shorty" w/Marijohn Wilkin, "Leaving On Your Mind," "Burning Memories" and many more. A few artists who recorded Wayne's songs: Eddy Arnold, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells, Webb Pierce, Carl Smith, Ernest Tubb, George Strait, Janie Fricke, Ann Murray, Jack Greene, Andy Williams, Mel Tillis, Elvis, and many more. Wayne's "All The Time" was named Billboards Song of the Year in 1967, and he was inducted into the NSHF in 1975.

1994 - Faith Hill’s debut Warner single “Wild One” went to #1 on the country charts. Pat Bunch, Jamie Kyle, and Will Rambeaux wrote the song, it remained on the chart for 20 weeks, 4 weeks at #1. Faith's follow-up release "Piece Of My Heart" also climbed the chart to #1. Bert Bems and Jerry Ragovoy wrote the song. Faith was honored by the CMA as their Female Vocalist of the Year in 2000.

2003 - Macey Marie Wills was born to Mark and Kelly Wills.

2004 - Josh Turner’s debut MCA Nashville album “Long Black Train” was certified Gold by the RIAA.

2006 - Louise Scruggs 1927~2006, age 78, wife and business manager of Earl Scruggs died at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. Louise was the recipient of the 25^th Annual "IFCO Tex Ritter Award" in 1999. This prestigious award recognizes the recipients for their contributions to country music, the music community, and fans everywhere.

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1917 - Leon McAuliffe 1917~1988, Western Swing bandleader, and steel guitarist for Bob Wills, born Houston, Texas.

1936 - Ray Elwood Goins, of the “Lonesome Pine Fiddlers” born Bramwell, West Virginia.

1950 - Sam Phillips opened the Sun Recording studio and label in Memphis.

1957 - Brenda Lee recorded the Hugh Ashley penned “One Step at a Time” for Decca Records. The single became “Little Miss Dynamite’s” first country music chart record, topping out at #15. During her career Brenda charted a total of 35 hits on the country charts.

1959 - Rusty Golden, of “The Goldens” born in Brewton, Alabama.

1964 - Naomi Judd and Michael Ciminella eloped.

1966 - Buck Owens released his Capitol single “Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line" b/w "In The Palm Of Your Hand.” Welfare Line charted 19 days later, went to #1 for 7 weeks. Buck Owens, Don Rich, and Nat Stuckey wrote the song, it became Buck's 31^st chart single. The B side Palm Of Your Hand charted in February and topped out at #43. Buck wrote the song.

1969 - Nikki Nelson lead vocals, and guitarist for “Highway 101,” was born today in San Diego, California.

1969 - Judy Collins Elektra album "Wildflowers" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1975 - John Denver's RCA single "Back Home Again" was certified Gold by the RIAA. John wrote the song, it charted in 1974 and went to #1. This was John's 5^th chart single.

1981 - Felton Jarvis 1934~1981, age 46, RCA record producer, died in Nashville, from a stroke. Jarvis produced Elvis Presley’s sessions from 1966~1977. Felton Jarvis was laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery, Franklin, Tennessee.

1985 - Dallas Jones 1889~1985, age 96, of the “Leake County Revelers” died 1985. The Leake County Revelers were a country music string band popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s. The members were from the area of Sebastopol, Mississippi, led by fiddler Will Gilmer, with R O. Mosley on mandolin and banjo-mandolin, Jim Wolverton on 5-string banjo, and Dallas Jones on guitar. The band was formed in 1926.

1985 - John Hiatt released his album “Warming Up to the Ice Age.”

1987 - Vince Gill, Holly Dunn, Kenny Rogers and Roy Acuff were the featured guests on Hee Haw.”

1988 - Doc Hopkins 1899~1988, singer, guitarist, banjo, and mandolin player, of the Cumberland Ridge Runners died today at the age of 87.

1989 - Johnny Cash was released from Baptist Hospital in Nashville after having bypass surgery.

1991 - Mercury Records signed Billy Ray Cyrus to his first recording contract. Billy’s first chart hit for the label came the following year with “Achy Breaky Heart.” Don Von Tress wrote the song, it charted in April 1992, went to #1 for five weeks, and remained on the charts for 20 weeks.

1993 - Rome Johnson 1916~1993, King Records recording artist died at age 77.

1998 - Grandpa Jones suffered a severe stroke after completing his portion of a Grand Ole Opry Show. When Grandpa regained consciousness back stage, he looked up at all of the concerned Opry staff that was surrounding him, as he laid on the floor and said, “Well, at least it’s good to know I can still draw a crowd.” This would be his final Opry appearance; Louis Marshall Jones died the following month.

2004 - Reba McEntire’s MCA album “Room to Breathe” was certified Gold by the RIAA.

2007 - Talmadge Tubb 1925 ~ 2007, age 81, songwriter, recording artist a.k.a. (Billy Talmadge) and nephew of Ernest Tubb died at Providence Hospital in El Paso, Texas.

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1923 - WBAP Fort Worth, Texas, aired the first radio Barn Dance show.

1936 - Billboard magazine published its first music chart based on record sales.

1937 - Lorene Mann singer, songwriter born in Huntland, Tennessee.

1941 - Don Adams Atlantic Label recording artist, songwriter, guitarist born Ross County, Ohio.

1945 - Jay Dee Maness, steel guitarist, born Loma Linda, California.

1953 - Hank Williams’ funeral was held in Montgomery, Alabama. Police reported 25,000 people were outside the auditorium. Hank was laid to rest in the Oakwood Annex Cemetery, in Montgomery, Alabama. A few years after Audrey's death Hank's children had her body exhumed, and reburied next to Hank.

1954 - Mike Henderson, multi-instrumentalist, artist, and session player, born in Independence, Missouri.

1955 - Kathy Forester of the “Forster Sisters” born Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.

1955 - Tennessee Ernie Ford aired his first daytime TV variety show.

1957 - Patty Loveless, was born “Patricia Lee Ramey,” in Pikeville, Kentucky. Patty became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1988, and was honored by the CMA as their Female Vocalist of the Year in 1996.

1965 - CBS purchased the Fender Guitar Company from Leo Fender, after he became ill.

1966 - Deanna Carter, singer, songwriter, “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” was born in Nashville, Tennessee.

1969 - Dolly Parton joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1969 - George Jones rejoined the Grand Ole Opry.

1970 - Clayton McMichen 1900~1970, age 69, champion fiddler, bandleader died in Battletown, Kentucky.

1972 - Johnny Cash’s “Super Hits” album was released.

1972 - Chris and Peggy LeDoux were married.

1975 - Mac Wiseman, Tony Booth, and Gunilla Hutton were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1982 - Annie Lou Dill 1925~1982, age 56, of “Annie Lou & Danny Dill” and former member of the Grand Ole Opry, died in Bradford, Tennessee.

1989 - Buck Owens released “A-11" b/w "Sweethearts In Heaven.” A-11 charted 3 weeks later however, after 6 weeks on the chart it topped out at #54. I suppose if George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Dolly Parton couldn't get air play on the NEW country music radio, why should Buck Owens expect to be treated any better. Our legends have all been trashed by the counterfeit radio stations. How unfortunate it is that we don't have the names, and address, of every person who contributed to this tragedy.

1991 - Merle Haggard was presented the “Award of Merit” at the American Music Awards.

2001 - Eddy Shaver 1962~2000, age 38, lead guitarist was buried in Waco, Texas. Eddy was the much-loved son of Billy Joe Shaver. Eddie died on New Years Eve 2000, after an accidental drug overdose. John Edwin Shaver was laid to rest in Waco Memorial Park South, Waco, Texas.

2002 - Tim Buckley, age 47, musician, songwriter, died in Dallas, Texas.

2003 - Remembering the 50^th anniversary of his death, Hank Williams was honored by the Grand Ole Opry with a special tribute that featured Hank Jr. and Hank Williams III.

2004 - Jake Hess 1927~2004, age 76, Gospel music legend, died in the hospital in Opelika, Alabama. Jake has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Jake Hess was laid to rest in Buck Family Cemetery, Juniper, Georgia.

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1923 - Sam Phillips 1923~2003, founder of Sun Records born in Florence, Alabama. Inducted

R&RHF 1986. RHOF and the CMHF 2001.

1923 - Big Bill Lister, 6’ 7” tall, singer, songwriter born Karnes County, Texas. Hank Williams Sr. wrote a song, and put it on a demo for Bill, called “There’s A Tear In My Beer.” Bill gave that demo record to Hank Williams Jr. in 1988. With the assistance of modern technology, Jr. turned it into a duet with his father, and an award winning video, of Sr. and Jr. singing the song together.

1940 - The FCC tested FM radio for the first time today. The static-free system would not be marketed to the public until the following year.

1950 - Steve Ripley, founder of “The Tractors,” was born today.

1952 - Johnnie and Jack made their final appearance on the Louisiana Hayride. They were cast members of the show from 1948~1952.

1952 - Webb Pierce debuted on the Louisiana Hayride. His first #1 single “Wondering” charted that same day.

1954 - Verlon Thompson, vocals, guitar and mandolin born Ardmore, Oklahoma.

1956 - Elvis Presley recorded “Heartbreak Hotel.” The RCA single charted in March, and went to #1 on the Billboard country chart. Elvis' debut RCA single stayed at #1 for 17 weeks, and is now a Grammy Hall of Fame recording. Mae Boren Axton and Thomas Durden wrote the song. Col Tom Parker insisted that Elvis received 50% of the songwriting royalties on every song he recorded so Elvis Presley is listed as one of the writers, but that's not the case. Elvis Presley never wrote a song, or a piece of a song, in his entire life. Col. Parker was a thief, a liar, and an illegal alien. That's why Elvis never played a concert outside of the U.S. The Col. couldn't get a passport. What he did get was half of every dollar Elvis ever made, plus all he could steal. Elvis had to call the IRS every year and ask them how much he owed. The Col. kept the books…how much do you think the Col. paid the IRS?

1956 - Patsy Cline recorded four songs in Nashville for her first record label Four Star Records. The Pasadena, California based company was owned by Bill McCall, who Patsy claimed was cheating her out of royalties, and forced Patsy to record only songs belonging to his publishing company. The songs Patsy recorded today: "I Love You Honey" written by Eddie Miller; "Come on in (and Make Yourself at Home)" written by V.F. Stewart; "I Cried All the Way to the Altar" by Bobby Flournoy; and "I Don't Wanna" by Eddie Miller, W.S. Stevenson, and Durwood Haddock. Owen Bradley produced the session and the session personnel included: Patsy Cline~vocals; Harold Bradley~acoustic guitar; Owen Bradley~piano; Farris Coursey~drums; Don Helms~steel guitar; Tommy Jackson~fiddle; Grady Martin~electric guitar & fiddle; Bob Moore~acoustic bass. I have found no record of these songs every making the country charts.

1957 - Marty Robbins released “Knee Deep In The Blues.”

1958 - The Everly Brothers appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1959 - “Austin” Ambrose Allen 1901~1959, age 57, of the Allen Brothers, died today.

1959 - Future Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis' Columbia single "Finally" hit the country charts today. Mel and Wayne Walker wrote the song, it topped out at #28. This was Mel's 2^nd chart single.

1959 - Coral Records released Buddy Holly’s last single “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” b/w “Raining In My Heart.” Buddy was killed four weeks later in Iowa.

1961 - Iris DeMent, singer, songwriter born Paragould, Arkansas.

1961 - Mark Nesler singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Beaumont, Texas. Mark records for the Asylum label.

1965 - Connie Smith’s single “Once A Day” was still the #1 song. The Bill Anderson penned tune charted in late September last year, and went to the top of the chart November 28, 1964. This was Connie's first record, her first chart hit, and her first #1. This RCA recording is the song that brought Connie to the Opry. She was welcomed into the Opry family on June 13, 1965, and for the past 42 years she has been an Opry favorite. She did take a few years off to raise her babies (can you imagine a top Nashville star doing that today?) but when she returned to the WSM family she was welcomed back with open arms. Connie Smith a.k.a. Mrs. Marty Stuart is a country music treasure, and she should be in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

1971 - Charley Pride, Amanda Blake, and Mickey Mantle were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1973 - Tanya Tucker recorded “What’s Your Mama’s Name.” Dallas Frazier and Earl Montgomery wrote the song. The Columbia single charted in March 1973, and became Tanya’s 4^th chart country hit, and her first #1.

1974 - Roy Acuff, Jim Ed Brown, Marcie Cates, and Margie Cates were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1980 - Waylon Jennings’ “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” charted. The Rodney Crowell penned tune went to #1. The RCA single was Waylon’s 58^th chart single on Billboard, and his 11^th #1.

1981 - Marty Robbins was hospitalized in Nashville, with chest pains.

1990 - William Lee Golden and Brenda Hall were married.

1998 - Collectables released “The Golden Classics of Bobbie Gentry.”

2002 - Alan Jackson’s album “Drive” was released.

2004 - Tug McGraw, age 59, father of Tim McGraw, died from brain cancer. The baseball superstar was being cared for at Tim and Faith Hill’s home near Nashville.

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1913 - Hap Peedbles, promoter, founding member of the Country Music Association, was born in Anthony, Kansas.

1924 - Earl Scruggs was born in Flint Hill, North Carolina. Inducted CMHF 1985, IBMAHH 1991.

1929 - Autry Inman 1929~1988, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Robert Autry Inman in Florence, Alabama.

1934 - Bobby Lord cast member of the Ozark Jubilee on ABC--TV was born in Sanford, Florida. Bobby was a member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1960-69.

1934 - Fred Rose singer, songwriter, and pianist made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Fred originally came to WSM as the star of his own show “Freddie Rose’s Song Shop.” Fred Rose and Roy Acuff would eventually go into partnership forming the world famous Acuff-Rose Publications in 1942 and later, Hickory Records, a booking agency, and more.

1939 - Jerry Naylor singer, bassist, was born “Jerry Naylor Jackson” in Stephensville, Texas.

1949 - Joey ‘Cow Poka’ Miskulin, of “Riders In The Sky“ born in Chicago, Illinois.

1950 - Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Mule Train” was #1.

1953 - Jett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams Sr. and Bobbie Jett, was born in Montgomery, Alabama.

1957 - Elvis made his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1958 - Johnny Cash released “Big River” and “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.”

1958 - Bobby Helms made his debut as an actor, in “The Case Against Brooklyn.”

1969 - Dottie West lost her home to fire in.

1973 - George Jones and Tammy Wynette were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1973 - John Denver’s single “Rocky Mountain High” charted.

1977 - Keith Coleman, fiddle player for Bob Wills, & the Texas Playboys died.

1990 - Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown and Lisa Knight were married in Los Angeles.

1993 - Sawyer Brown's Curb album "The Dirt Road" was certified Gold by the RIAA. This was the groups 9^th chart album and their first Gold.

1996 - Chubby Wise 1915~1996, a.k.a. “Robert Russell Dees,” fiddler, age 80, died from a heart attack. One of Music City’s all time great fiddle players, his career spanned a half century.

1998 - William “Owen” Bradley, age 82, died. Inducted CMHF 1974.

1998 - For the first time in Grammy history, two artists were nominated in the same category, for the same song. The artists were Trisha Yearwood and LeeAnn Rimes. The song was “How Do I Live.” The Grammy can be found at Trisha’s house.

2002 - Bobby Austin “Robert Allen Austin Sr.” age 68, died in Camas, Washington. The singer, songwriter co-wrote “Apartment #9.”

2005 - Ringo Garza, age 23, drummer for Los Lonely Boys, was arrested at his home in San Angelo, Texas, on a charge of possession of marijuana 2005. Garza was released after posting $1,000 bond. Garza pled no contest to a similar charge in 2003.

2006 - Rincon, Georgia’s favorite son Billy Currington was presented with a gold album for his “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” His Mercury single by the same name was also a chart hit.

2007 - Sneaky Pete Kleinow 1934~2007, age 72, pedal steel guitarist for the Flying Burrito Brothers, died as a result of Alzheimer's disease.

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1897 - Bunny “Jamup” Biggs 1897~1948, of the Grand Ole Opry team “Jamup and Honey”, was born. His partner was LeeRoy White.

1930 - Jack Greene, “The Jolly Green Giant” born in Maryville, Tennessee. Jack joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1967. Prior to that, he was a vocalist and drummer for Ernest Tubb’s Troubadours.

1933 - WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree stage show debuted from the Capitol Theater in Wheeling, West Virginia.

1943 - Leona Williams was born “Leona Belle Helton” in Vienna, Missouri.

1946 - Annie Lou & Danny Dill, The Sweethearts of The Grand Ole Opry debuted on WSM’s morning show in1946. The couple remained with WSM for the next eleven years.

1950 - Hank Snow, with assistance from Ernest Tubb joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1950. Hank was inducted into the CMHF in 1979.

1951 - Lefty Frizzell’s single “I Love You A Thousand Ways” was #1.

1956 - Johnny Cash released “Folsom Prison Blues.”

1956 - Elvis’ “Heartbreak Hotel” released by RCA.

1959 - David Lee Murphy singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Herrin, Illinois. David recorded for MCA until 2004, when he switched to Audium, and then Koch Records. His first chart record was the 1994 MCA single "Just Once." David and Kim Tribble wrote the song.

1961 - Faron Young, known as “The Young Sheriff” recorded the Willie Nelson penned “Hello Walls” for Capitol Records. The single charted in March, went to #1 where it stayed for 9 weeks, spending a total of 23 weeks on the Billboard charts. The record has been placed in the Grammy Hall of Fame. When Willie Nelson received his first royalty check for writing this monster hit, he took it to Tootsie’s, showed it to Faron, and then kissed him on the lips. Songwriters can be so emotional.

1963 - Marty Robbins recorded Columbia single “Cigarettes and Coffee Blues” in Nashville. Marty wrote the song, and Don Law and Frank Jones produced the session. Session personnel included: Marty Robbins~vocals & guitar; Grady Martin~guitar; Jack Pruett~guitar; Bill Pursell~piano; Henry Strzelecki~bass; Louis Dunn~drums. The song charted in March and topped out at #14. This was Marty's 31^st chart single.

1967 -Charlie Pride made his guest debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

1967 - Jack Greene’s single “There Goes My Everything” was #1.

1970 - Wanda Jackson and Henson Cargill were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1974 - John Rich, singer, songwriter of Lonestar, and later Big & Rich was born in Amarillo, Texas.

1977 - Waylon and Willie recorded “Luckenbach Texas.”

1986 - Arthur Edward Satherley died today. Inducted CMHF 1971.

1988 - Owen Bradley 1915~1998, age 82, died in Nashville. He was inducted into the CMHF 1974. Owen’s funeral was held at the Ryman Auditorium. More than any other individual, Mr. Bradley was responsible for turning Nashville into the country music recording capital of the world. Owen Bradley was laid to rest in the Woodlawn Memorial Park, Nashville, Tennessee.

2001 - Randy Kohrs signed with Junction Records

2004 - Josh Turner’s first album “Long Black Train” provided him with his first gold album. The MCA albums title single hit the Billboard country chart in May 2003, and remained on the charts for 44 weeks.

2005 - The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Ryman Auditorium for a two month run.

2006 - Cowboy Crush performed at the Chevrolet Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge in Lake Placid, New York, the 5^th~7^th. NASCAR drivers Ken Schrader, Todd Bodine and Kenny Wallace, and seven other drivers drove the specialty crafted bobsleds. Funds raised by this project benefit the U.S. Men and Women's Olympic bobsled teams.

2007 - Jack Greene celebrated his 77^th birthday today.

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1909 - Hoke Rice 1909~1974, of “The Rice Brothers” born in Gainesville, Georgia.

1928 - Luther Perkins 1928~1968, guitarist for Johnny Cash’s Tennessee Two, and Three was born today in Tennessee. Luther was the man who created the Johnny Cash sound.

1935 - Elvis Aaron Presley, born Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley was stillborn, and buried in a shoebox, in an unmarked grave. Elvis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

1940 - Christy Lane, born “Eleanor Johnston” Peoria, Illinois.

1944 - Billboard published its first “Country Music popularity chart.” “Pistol Packin’ Mama” was the first song to make the chart. Prior to 1944 the chart was called the Hillbilly Records Chart.

1944 - Ernest Tubb's first chart record was his self-penned Decca single "Try Me One More Time." The song topped out at #2, and remained on the chart for 17 weeks. Prior to this Ernest had a hit called "Walking The Floor Over You" in 1941, this was prior to country music charts. The Texas Troubadour became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1943.

1946 - Holly Tashian of “Barry & Holly,” born ‘Holly Paige Kimball’ in NYC.

1953 - Elvis Presley’s parents bought their son his first car, a 1942 Lincoln Zephyr coupe for $50.00 on his eighteenth birthday.

1959 - Patsy Cline recorded the following songs today in Nashville, for Four Star Records: "I'm Moving Along" written by Johnny Starr; "I'm Blue Again" by C.C. Beam, C.L. Jiles, and W.S. Stevenson; "Love, Love, Love Me Honey Do" by C.C. Beam, C.L. Jiles, and W.S. Stevenson. (Patsy's contract with Four Star required her to record only songs written by writers who published their material through Four Star owner's publishing company. Most of the material was not very good, and Patsy had little success until she was released from that contract, and began recording for Decca). Today's session was produced by Owen Bradley, the session personnel included: Patsy Cline~vocals; Hank Garland~electric guitar; Grady Martin~electric guitar; Harold Bradley~6 string electric bass; Bob Moore~acoustic bass; Buddy Harman~drums; Floyd Cramer ~piano; the Jordanaires~Gordon Stoker, Hoyt Hawkins, Neal Matthews, Jr., and Ray Walker~background vocals.

1960 - Marty Robbins single “El Paso” topped the charts. The self-penned Columbia single was recorded in Nashville on April 7, 1959. Don Law and Frank Jones produced the session (which included "Big Iron). The session personnel included: Marty Robbins~vocals & guitar; Grady Martin~guitar; Jack Pruett~guitar; Bob Moore~bass. El Paso was Marty's 21^st chart record and his 6^th #1 hit.

1960 - Eddie Cochran backed by Buddy Holly’s Crickets, completed his last recording session. The session was held at Goldstar Studios in Los Angeles and the last song recorded was “Three Steps to Heaven.” Eddie was killed in a car wreck on April 17, 1960, while enroute to an airport in England. His friend Gene Vincent was injured when the Taxi they were riding in crashed.

1968 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ self-penned single “How Long Will My Baby Be Gone" b/w "Everybody Needs Somebody.” How Long topped the charts and became Buck's 39^th chart single, and his 16^th #1 hit.

1969 - Buck Owens recorded “Tall Dark Stranger.” The Capitol single charted in August, went to #1 and remained on the charts for 15 weeks. This was Buck’s 45^th hit single, and his 19^th #1.

1972 - Johnny Duncan, Doug Kershaw, Gunilla Hutton, and Buddy Alan were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1972 - Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Would You Take Another Chance on Me” was #1.

1979 - Sara Carter Bayes 1899~1979, age 79, “Carter Family” died in Lodi, California. Inducted into the CMHF 1970. Sara was laid to rest in the Mount Vernon Methodist Church Cemetery, in Maces Spring, Virginia.

1981 - Marty Robbins released “Completely Out Of Love.” The Capitol single became Marty’s 86^th chart hit the following month.

1993 - Hap Peebles, age 80, winner of the CMA’s first Talent Buyers and Promoter of the Year Award, died in Kansas City, Kansas. Hap was a founding member of the Country Music Association.

1993 - The U. S. Postal Service released their Elvis Presley stamps.

1996 - John Michael Montgomery and wife Crystal were married today.

1997 - Wade Hayes the pride of Bethel Acres, Oklahoma, was presented with a gold album for his Columbia release ”Old Enough To Know Better.” The title song from the album went #1 on Billboards Singles chart in 1994.

2001 - Faith Hill was honored as the Pop/Rock Female Artist of the Year, at the American Music Awards Show. Favorite Male Artist of the Year in Pop/Rock was Kid Rock. The AMA is much more honest when associating artists with genres than the CMA is at this point in country music history. Honesty has never been a strong suit for Hollywood, or Nashville. The dollar rules in the house of fools, and truth is an unloved step child.

2002 - MCA released “The Best of Donna Fargo.”

2003 - Marvin Douglas Brown, age 53, died in Brushy Mountain State Prison. He was one of two men sentenced to life in prison, for the murder of Grand Ole Opry star Stringbean, and his wife Estelle, on November 10, 1973.

2005 - Julie Roberts was among the stars performing in support of St. Louis Cardinals baseball manger Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s benefit concert in Walnut Creek, California.

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1927 - Jack McFadden 1927~1998, artist management, and founding member of the Academy of Country Music, was born in Sikeston, Missouri.

1934 - Jimmy Day1934~1999, steel guitarist, born Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jimmy was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 1982.

1940 - Big Al Downing 1940~2005, singer, songwriter, recording artist, born in Oklahoma.

1940 - Jimmy Boyd, singer, actor, was born today. Jimmy recorded “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” when he was 12 years old.

1940 - Billy Sanford, session guitarist, and Louisiana Hayride staff musician, born Natchitoches, Louisiana.

1943 - Roy Head was born in Three Rivers, Texas. The name of his band was the “Traits.”

1950 - Hank Williams recorded “Long Gone Lonesome Blues.” This was Hank’s second #1 country hit. Remember his first? “Lovesick Blues” in 1949.

1951 - Crystal Gayle singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born “Brenda Gail Webb,” Paintsville, Kentucky. Crystal is Loretta Lynn’s sister, and she grew up in Wabash, Indiana. She was named the CMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 1977 and 1978. Between 1970~1990 Crystal placed 52 country singles on the Billboard charts. Eighteen of those singles went to #1.

1960 - Patsy Cline realized her dream, and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

1961 - Johnny Horton’s single “North To Alaska” topped the charts. This single charted November 14, 1960. That was nine days after Johnny was killed in a car wreck, while returning home to Shreveport, after a personal appearance in Texas. Johnny Horton was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He refused the offer, and remained a cast member of the KWKH Louisiana Hayride. Why? Because he married Billy Jean Williams, Hank Williams’ wife at the time of his death, and Billy hated the Grand Ole Opry because they had fired Hank. As a result, this very talented and likeable man was never inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. During Horton’s four year recording career he recorded 14 songs that would eventually hit the country charts. Ten of those singles made the Top Ten, and three went to #1. Music City politics.

1965 - Norma Jean joined the Grand Ole Opry. She recorded for RCA Victor and was a cast member of the Porter Wagoner Show from 1960-67.

1971 - Elvis’ “I Really Don’t Want to Know” hit the country charts today. During his career Elvis charted 85 singles on the country charts, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998. Elivis made one appearance on the Grand Ole Opry and was told by Opry manager Jim Denny that he should go back to Memphis, and continue his job as a truck driver. (Jim Denny was fired two years later). Back stage at the Opry, Bill Monroe told Elvis that he liked his version of Bill’s song “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Immediately after leaving the Opry that night, Elvis went to Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop and appeared on the Midnight Jamboree. E.T. told Elvis what to sing.

1979 - Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, Olivia Newton-John, and John Denver were among the artists who performed at the United Nations building in New York City.

1982 - A portion of Gallatin Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee, was renamed Johnny Cash Parkway.

1994 - Ricky Skaggs’ Epic single “Country Boy” was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1998 - Tony Brown and Anastasia Pruitt announced their engagement.

1999 - MCA released Mark Chesnutt’s single “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Diane Warren wrote the song, and it topped the charts for two weeks. This was Mark's 28^th chart single and his 8^th #1 hit.

2000 - The People’s Choice Awards were broadcast from Pasadena, California, on CBS-TV. Shania Twain won the Favorite Female Musical Performer award.

2004 - Lorene Allen, age 78, songwriter, died today.

2004 - The band Rushlow makes their debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

2005 - Willie Nelson headlined a benefit concert at the Austin Music Hall, for the Tsunami relief fund. Other performers included Joe Ely, Ray Price, and Patty Griffin.

2007 - The People’s Choice Awards were broadcast by CBS-TV from California.

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1905 - Garley Foster 1905~1968, of “The Carolina Tarheels” born Wilkes County, North Carolina.

1923 - Curly Ray Cline, of the “Lonesome Pine Fiddlers” born Baisden, West Virginia.

1935 - Ronnie Hawkins, Rockabilly singer, guitarist born Huntsville, Arkansas.

1948 - Loretta Webb age 13 married Oliver “Mooney” Lynn.

1950 - Hank Williams Sr. recorded his first record as “Luke The Drifter.”

1951 - Allen Butler, record executive, born Clarksville, Tennessee.

1952 - Audrey Williams filed for divorce from Hank (for the second time).

1955 - Marty Robbins released “God Understands" b/w "Have Thine Own Way Lord.”

1956 - Elvis recorded, “Heartbreak Hotel,” at his first RCA Nashville recording session. D.J. Fontana, Chet Atkins, and Floyd Cramer were among the session musicians that day. Three months later, the record became the first #1 of Elvis’ career.

1965 - Johnny Cash appeared on Shindig.

1969 - Glen Campbell's Capitol album "Hey Little One" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1973 - Decca Records released Marty Robbins single “Laura (What's He Got That I Ain't Got)" Leon Ashley and Margie Singleton wrote the song. The record charted in February and climbed all the way up to #60. Well...they can't all be "I'll Go On Alone," "Singing The Blues," "A White Sport Coat," "Devil Woman," "Ruby Ann," Begging To You," "Ribbon Of Darkness," "Tonight Carmen," "I Walk Alone," "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife," "El Paso City," and "Among My Souvenirs!!!" They all went to #1. Give the NASCAR driver a break. Marty's popularity grew to the point where he was the last artist to appear on the Saturday night Opry every week. I believe that was the reason. Of course during racing season at the Nashville Fair Grounds you could see Marty driving his stock car, and if you could drive fast enough, you could get to the Opry and watch as he received his standing ovations. Those were the days my friends, when Country Music really was.

1976 - Tom T. Hall's self-penned Mercury single "Fast Horses" charted today. The song went to #1 and became Tom's 29^th chart single, and his 7^th #1 hit.

1978 - Zeb Turner 1915~1978, a.k.a. William Edward Grishaw, singer, songwriter, and guitarist age 62, of “Zeb and Zeke Turner” died today from cancer.

1981 - Willie Nelson's self-penned Columbia single “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground" hit the country chart. The song was taken from the soundtrack of Willie's movie "Honeysuckle Rose"

From 1962~2004 Willie has placed 122 records on Billboards Country charts, not including his albums.

1989 - Sony Music purchased Tree Publishing for $40,000.000.

1991 - Clint Black became the 66^th member of the Grand Ole Opry.

1995 - Johnny Rodriguez and Lana Nelson (Willie’s daughter) were married. Willie walked Lana down the isle.

1995 - The Kentucky Head Hunters debut album “Pickin’ on Nashville” was certified double platinum.

2001 - Willie Neal Johnson, age 65, died Tyler, Texas. Willie was a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and the American Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame.

2003 - George Strait was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

2003 - Darryl Worley sang his freshly penned “Have You Forgotten” on the Friday and Saturday night Opry. He received a standing ovation from the patriotic Opry audience each time he sang the song. His record company began pressing large numbers of the song the following week, and the single went to #1 five weeks later.

2005 - Spencer Dryden formerly of New Riders of the Purple Sage died from cancer, in Petaluma, California. Dryden was Charlie Chaplin’s nephew.

2005 Carl West, age 69, steel guitarist for Wynn Stewart, and many others, died at his home in La Habra, California, from cancer.

2006 - The Peoples Choice Awards were presented at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Tim McGraw received the Favorite Male Performer Award.

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1911 - Tommy Duncan 1911~1967, featured vocalist with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, born Hillsboro, Texas.

1933 - Goldie Hill 1933~2005, born “Argolda Voncile” Kanes County, Texas. Goldie was knows as the “Golden Hillbilly.” Joined the Grand Ole Opry in1953. Goldie and Carl Smith were married in 1957.

1946 - Naomi Judd, born “Diana Ellen Judd” in Ashland, Kentucky.

1951 - Lefty Frizzell recorded “I Want To Be With You Always” his first #1 single.

1952 - Teddy Wilburn was sworn into the U. S. Army.

1956 - Robert Earl Keen, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Houston, Texas.

1964 - Roger Miller recorded “Dang Me” and “Chug-A-Lug” in Nashville at the same session. “Dang Me” was released on the Smash Label, and charted in June, climbing to #1 for 6 weeks. The Roger Miller penned tune remained on the country charts for a total of 25 weeks, and won Roger 3 Grammy Awards. The song is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Smash released Chug-A-Lug” in September 1964. This song, also written by Roger became his 5^th country chart hit and topped out at #3. Roger Miller was inducted into the NSHF in 1973 and the CMHF in 1995.

1964 - Johnny Cash’s album “Ring of Fire” became the first country music album to go to #1 on Billboard’s Pop chart.

1967 - Johnny Cash and June Carter recorded “Jackson” in Nashville. The session was produced by Don Law and Frank Jones. Session players; Johnny Cash~Vocals; June Carter~Vocals; Luther Perkins~Guitar; Marshall Grant~Bass; W.S.Halland~Drums; Carl Perkins~Guitar. The Columbia single topped out at #2, and John and June won a Grammy for Vocal Duo.

1971 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ single “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”

1972 - The Glen Campbell “Goodtime Hour” featured guests, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Johnny Cash.

1975 - John Denver’s #1 hit “Sweet Surrender” debuted on Billboard’s Top 40 chart.

1975 - Molly Bee, Charley McCoy, and Buddy Alan were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1979 - Don Williams’ “Tulsa Time” topped the charts.

1982 - The soundtrack for “Coal Miners Daughter” certified Gold.

1986 - Mel McDaniel joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1986 - Kenny Rogers’ album “Heart of the Matter” certified gold.

1989 - Ralph Emery conducted an interview with Keith Whitley 1955~1989, on Ralph’s syndicated radio show. Keith died a few weeks later as a result of a cocaine and alcohol overdose.

1991 - Garth Brooks’ single “Unanswered Prayers” topped the charts, becoming his fourth #1 hit.

1997 - Wade Hays made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

2004 - Max D. Barnes 1936~2004, age 67, singer, Hall of Fame songwriter, died today. Inducted NSHF in 1992. Max was laid to rest in Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

2004 - Toby Keith’s album “Shock ‘N Y’all” was certified 3 x platinum.

2004 - The People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Musical Performer went to Tim McGraw.

2005 - James Arthur “Jimmy” Griffin, age 61, singer, songwriter and guitarist died at home in Nashville. Jimmy was a founding member of Bread, and country group The Remingtons.

2005 - Spencer Dryden, age 66, drummer for New Riders of the Purple Sage, and Jefferson Airplane, died in California.

2005 - Chad Cameron Brock was born to singer Chad and wife Natalie.

2005 - Andy Griggs and wife Renee were married in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

2005 - James Arthur (Jimmy) Griffin 1943~2005, age 61, singer, songwriter and guitarist died at home in Nashville from cancer. Jimmy was a founding member of The Remingtons.

2007 - Stonewall Jackson age 74, and member of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, filed suit against the Opry, in the amount of $10,000,000. The legal documents charge breach of contract, and age discrimination. The Opry has been removing as much gray hair from the show as they can for several years now, including staff band members. I believe that you will see some new gray headed folks appearing on the Opry before this lawsuit comes to trial. Without a doubt that would be one of a defense lawyers first tactics in addressing the age discrimination charges. We’ll see what happens. After the Opry and WSM were sold a few years ago, things like loyalty, and tradition went flying out the back door, right along with some of the greatest country music artists and musicians the world has ever seen. Welcome to the new Music City U.S.A., what’s your dream?

2008 - Phil Vassar kicked off his first ever acoustic tour in Tucson, Arizona Jennifer Hanson was billed as the opening act.

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1905 - Woodward Maurice ‘Tex’ Ritter 1905~1974, born Panola Country, Texas. Joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, Tex was inducted into the CMHF 1964, NSHF 1971, and the Texas CMHF 1998. Tex has also been inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

1926 - Ray Price was born in Perryville, Texas. During Ray’s recording years he charted 109 country music hit singles on Billboards Country charts, and 34 albums Ray joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1952, and was inducted into the CMHF 1996. Ray was one of Hank Williams best friends. You can still see Ray Price in concert. He is 81 years young and just appeared down the street from my house two weeks ago with Willie, and Merle.

1939 - William Lee Golden, of the “Oakridge Boys,” born in Brewton, Alabama.

1949 - Tommy Duncan recorded his first session for Capitol Records.

1952 - Ricky Van Shelton singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Danville, Virginia, and raised in Grit, Virginia. Ricky’s first chart record was on the Columbia Label “Wild-Eyed Dream” in 1986. Ricky became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1988. That same year he was honored by the CMA as their Horizon Award Winner, The following year He was the CMA Male Vocalist of the year. Ricky’s last chart record was “The Decision” released on Audium in 2000.

1953 - LaWanda Lindsey recording artist was born in Tampa, Florida. During her career she recorded for Chart, Capitol, and Mercury Records.

1953 - Kitty Wells recorded “Paying For That Back Street Affair.”

1953 - Johnny & Jack recorded “Hank Williams Will Live Forever.”

1957 - Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper joined the Grand Ole Opry 1957.

1959 - Marty Robbins released “The Hanging Tree" b/w/ "The Blues Country Style.”

1959 - Ferlin Husky released “My Reason For Living.”

1962 - Claudia Church singer, songwriter, born in Lenoir, North Carolina. Claudia recorded for Reprise Records, and married Rodney Crowell in 1997.

1965 - NBC-TV’s musical variety show “Hullabaloo” aired for the first time.

1971 - Roger Miller, Peggy Little, and Bobby Murcer were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1972 - Jerry Lee Lewis’ single “Would You Take Another Chance On Me” topped the charts.

1974 - Tex Ritter, Catherine McKinnon, Gunilla Hutton and Don Rich were featured guest on Hee Haw.

1976 - “Wanted! The Outlaws” the first country album to sell a million units was released today.

1978 - Paul Warren, age 59, fiddler, for Flatt and Scruggs, died in Nashville.

1980 - Willie Nelson’s “My Hero’s Have Always Been Cowboys,” charted.

1991 - Johnny Paycheck was released from an Ohio prison, after serving two years of a seven-year sentence for shooting a man in a tavern. The Governor of Ohio commuted the singer's sentence.

1993 - Marty Stuart is presented with his first gold album for “This One’s Gonna Hurt You.”

1998 - Gene Vincent inducted into the R&RHF.

1999 - Mike Henderson released his album “Thicker Than Water.”

2001 - The very popular movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou” opens in theaters across the nation. As a result of this film and the soundtrack, bluegrass music gets a real shot in the arm.

2003 - The 29^th Annual Peoples Choice Awards in Pasadena, California presented Faith Hill with their “Favorite Female Musical Performer” award.

2006 - Sugarland was among the featured guests on the NBC Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

2006 - Brad Paisley’s Time Well Wasted Tour, featuring Sara Evans and Billy Currington, played their first concert in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

2007 - Wilma Lee Cooper joined the Grand Ole Opry 50 years ago today. After suffering a career ending stroke in 2001 while on the Opry stage, this very talented lady was greeted with a standing ovation when she walked on the stage in 2005 to say hello to the fans.

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1884 - Stephen Foster 1826~1864, age 37, songwriter, died today. Stephen wrote many songs that were recorded by the early pioneers of country music. Stephen’s health was ruined by a long time addiction to alcohol.

1907 - Ezra Cline of the “Lonesome Pine Fiddlers,” born Baisden, West Virginia.

1915 - Jenny Lou Carson 1915~1978, a.k.a. “Lucille Overstake,” singer, songwriter, cowgirl, born Decatur, Illinois. Cast member of the WLS National Barn Dance, along with her sisters Eva and Evelyn as The Three Little Maids. Inducted NSHF 1971.

1926 - Wally Varner 1926~2004, pianist for The Blackwood Brothers was born today.

1930 - H.S. “Buck” White founder of “The Whites” born in Oklahoma.

1930 - Rual Yarbrough, Bluegrass singer, banjoist, born Lawrence County, Tennessee.

1944 - Ernest Tubb recorded his #1 single “Soldier’s Last Letter.”

1948 - Buck Owens married fifteen-year-old Bonnie Campbell.

1948 - WLW’s Midwestern Hayride debuted their TV broadcasts from Cincinnati.

1957 - Marty Robbins’ “Singing The Blues” topped the charts.

1957 - Ed Bruce debuted on the charts with “Walkers Woods.”

1962 - Sheb Wooley's first chart song was his self-penned MGM single "That's My Pa." The song went to #1 for this singer, songwriter, and actor. Sheb also recorded under the name Ben Colder.

1962 - Trace Adkins, recording artist, member of the Grand Ole Opry, born in Springhill, Louisiana. Trace played football for Louisiana Tech.

1963 - Brenda Lee appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1964 - Johnny Cash’s single “Ring of Fire” became the first country song to go to #1 on the Pop charts.

1966 - Shayne Morrison, of “Perfect Stranger” born Athens, Texas.

1968 - Farris Coursey 1911~1968, age 56, session musician, and WSM staff drummer, died as the result of a heart attack.

1968 - Johnny Cash recorded his Columbia album “Live at Folsom Prison.” The show included the Tennessee Three, June Carter, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers.

The live session was produced by Bob Johnston. One of the songs recorded that day was "Cocaine Blues" a song written by T.J. Arnall. Session players included: Johnny Cash~vocals & guitar; Luther Perkins~lead guitar; Marshall Grant~bass; W.S. Holland~drums; Carl Perkins~lead guitar; The Carter Family~backing vocals. The album went to #1 on the Billboard chart, and remained on the chart for 92 weeks. The only single released from this album was "Folsom Prison Blues" penned by the singer. This recording also brought John another #1 single, as well as a Grammy for Best Male Vocal. The album sold over 2 million copies, and was named the CMA Album of the Year.

1971 - Tommy Overstreet recorded “Girl You Came and Eased My Mind” at Clement’s Studio. The song was Hall of Fame songwriter Charlie Black’s, first song to be recorded.

1973 - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Sammi Smith, Charlie McCoy, and the Nashville Edition were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1974 - Brad Hawkins, singer, actor, born Dallas, Texas.

1994 - Tammy Wynette released from a hospital in Pittsburgh, following treatment for infection.

1996 - Terri Clark made her debut appearance as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. Eight years later on June 12, 2004 she became a cast member of the show.

1998 -Mark Collie released his album “Even the Man in the Moon is Cryin’.”

2002 - People’s Choice Awards were presented to Reba McEntire (TV role in “Reba”), Garth Brooks (Favorite Male Entertainer) and Faith Hill (Favorite Female Entertainer) 2002.

2003 - Tim McGraw received the “Favorite Male Country Artist,” award at the 30^th Annual American Music Awards 2003. Martina McBride received the award for “Favorite Female Country Artist.”

2003 - Odell ‘Mac’ McLeod, age 86, singer, songwriter died Benton Harbor, Michigan.

2005 - Brothers Donnie and Johnny Van Zant signed a recording contract with Columbia Records.

2007 - Doyle Holly 1936~2007, age 70, member of Buck Owens' Buckaroos died as the result of prostate cancer.

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1913 - Luderin Darbone of the “The Hackberry Ramblers,” born Evangeline, Louisiana.

1922 - Al Terry country, rockabilly singer born “Allison Joseph Theroit” in Kaplan, Louisiana.

1929 - “Billy” Marvin Walker 1929~2006, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Ralls, Texas. Billy was a cast member of the Big D Jamboree, before joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1960.

1937 - Billie Jo Spears born Beaumont, Texas. Billie was a cast member of the Louisiana Hayride in 1950, and made her first recordings in 1953 on the Abbott label under the name Billie Jean Moore. During her career Billie Jo placed 34 country hits on Billboards Country singles chart, and ten of her albums charted.

1938 - Allen Toussaint singer, songwriter, and producer were born in New Orleans.

1948 - T-Bone Burnett, ‘Joseph Henry Burnett’ singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer born St. Louis, Missouri.

1950 - The Delmore Brothers’ single “Blues Stay Away From Me” topped the charts, and became their last #1 hit.

1950 - Little Jimmy Dickens' Columbia single "A-Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed" charted today. Luther Patrick and Gene Wilson wrote the song, it topped out at #6, and was Jimmy's 5^th chart hit in the past nine months. In 2007 Little Jimmy Dickens continues to be one of the most popular artists on the Grand Ole Opry. Jimmy will celebrate his 60th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on November 6, 2008. Jimmy Dickens is one of the nicest people to ever set foot in Music City U.S.A.

1959 - Jesse Hunter singer, songwriter, born today.

1970 - Hank Thompson, Lynn Anderson, and Buddy Alan were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1973 - An estimated one Billion people tuned in as Elvis’ TV special “Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii,” was broadcast live.

1984 -The Kendalls Mercury single "Thank God For The Radio" hit the charts. Hall of Fame songwriter Max D. Barnes, and Robert Jones wrote the song, it went to #1, and remained on the singles chart for 23 weeks. This was the Kendalls (Royce and Jeannie) a father & daughter duo's 24^th chart single, and their 3^rd #1 hit. From 1970~1989 the Kendalls charted 37 singles on the country charts.

1986 - Reba McEntire joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1986 - The Grand Ole Opry’s “60^th Anniversary” Show was broadcast.

1989 - Hubert Gregory, Grand Ole Opry musician died today. Played with “The Fruit Jar Drinkers” and with “Sam & Kirk McGee.”

1992 - Charles “Gabe” Ward 1904~1992, age 87, of the “Hoosier Hot Shots” died.

1992 - Epic released Joe Diffie’s second album “Regular Joe.”

1997 - The Amazing Rhythm Aces released their album “Ride Again.”

1999 - Garth Brooks appeared on Sesame Street.

2000 - The Music City News, a country music magazine based in Nashville, went out of business after 37 years. Faron Young founded the magazine.

2003 - Mercury Nashville released Terri Clark’s album “Pain to Kill.”

2003 - CMH released “Essential Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass” 2003.

2004 - The Recording Academy announced that recordings by Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Floyd Cramer and the Everly Brothers are among the new additions to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

2005 - Don Helms, former steel guitarist for Hank Williams Sr. was hospitalized with a stroke.

2005 - Tim McGraw presented a concert in Nashville, for season ticket holders of the Nashville Kats, arena league football team. McGraw is part owner of the team. The Warren Brothers opened the show.

2006 - George Strait scores his 40th #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with "She Let Herself Go."

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1915 - Happy Fats, was born “Leroy LeBlanc,” Rayne, Louisiana.

1948 - Jack Guthrie 1915~1948, age 32, Capitol recording artist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, cousin of Woody Guthrie, died in Livermore, California from tuberculosis. Jack’s friend Ernest Tubb helped him get a part in the movie “Hollywood Barn Dance.”

1949 - Flatt and Scruggs released their single “I’m Going To Make My Home In Heaven.”

1949 - Tommy Magness played fiddle on “Black Mountain Rag” with Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys at today’s recording session.

1950 - David Lynn Jones, singer, songwriter was born in Bexar, Arkansas.

1952 - Hank Williams wrote “Your Cheatin’ Heart” today. The MGM single charted the following month, and spent 6 weeks at #1. This song is now a Grammy Hall of Fame song.

1958 - Kurt Howell keyboards, member of Southern Pacific, born today in Winter Haven, Florida.

1959 - Ray Price’s “City Lights” was the #1 song on the country charts. The Columbia single charted in July 1958, topped the charts for 13 weeks, spending a total of 34 weeks on the charts. Bill Anderson wrote the song.

1966 - Ray Charles’ #1 hit “Crying Time” charted.

1967 - Roy Orbison and Sheb Wooley’s movie “The Fastest Guitar Alive” premiered in New York City.

1972 - Merle Haggard’s “Carolyn” was Billboard’s #1 record.

1972 - Sonny James and Jody Miller were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1976 - The Roy Clark Show featuring Buck Trent, and the Oakridge Boys began a two week tour of the Soviet Union.

1983 - John Anderson charted his second #1 single “Swingin’.” The song was the CMA Single Of The Year.

1983 - The Wheeling Jamboree USA unveiled its “Walkway of Stars.”

1992 - Johnny Cash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1995 - Vic Willis 1922~1995, age 72, of “The Willis Brothers,” died in a car wreck in Hohenwald, Tennessee. The Willis Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946.

1999 - For the first time in a quarter of a century, the Grand Ole Opry was performed on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium this weekend. Trisha Yearwood was invited to become a member, she said yes, and joined the cast in March.

2000 - Ralph Stanley became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

2002 - The Statler Brothers announced their intention to retire from the road, at the completion of this year’s tour.

2002 - Chad Brock and wife Natalie announced that they were expecting a child.

2002 - Robert Lee Castleman, writer of Allison Krauss’ “The Lucky One,” learned of the songs Grammy nomination, while at work on his full time job as a truck driver.

2003 - Joe Zinkan 1918~2003, multi-instrumentalist, back-up singer, and session player, died in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Joe played in the bands of Pee Wee King, Kitty Wells and Johnny & Jack. He joined Roy Acuff’s Smokey Mountain Boys in 1943 and remained with the group for a decade. Joe played on Roy Acuff’s 1947 version of “Wabash Cannonball.”

2004 - Tim McGraw’s album “Greatest Hits” was certified 4-x platinum.

2005 - Leslie Wilburn, age 79, brother of Teddy & Doyle, and a member of the Wilburn Family Band, died today.

2005 - Tootsie’s Lounge customers had a special treat on this night, when Grand Ole Opry stars (and guest artists) entertained the customers at the world’s most famous country music watering hole. Between Opry shows at the Ryman Auditorium, Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Buddy Miller, and Patty Griffin all performed. Terri Clark and Mindy Smith were just a few of the Opry entertainers seen sitting in Tootsie’s upper room enjoying the show, just a few steps from the Ryman’s stage door.

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1923 - Roy Lanham “Sons Of The Pioneers,” born Corbin, Kentucky.

1943 - Ernest Tubb sang on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. That night E.T. played Jimmie Rodgers guitar, a gift from Jimmie’s widow Carrie. Mrs. Rodgers was E.T.’s strongest supporter, and was responsible for getting Ernest’s first two recording contracts. RCA, and shortly after Ernest found out they had no intention of releasing any of the songs he had recorded for RCA, Carrie contacted the new country division at Decca Records. They signed Ernest, and the rest is history. The songs that Ernest recorded for RCA were all released by that label after he had become a star.

1943 - Ronnie Milsap born in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Ronnie joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1976. Three years earlier, Ronnie and his group were the house band at Roger Miller’s King of the Road, a favorite hangout of Music City’s artists.

1944 - James Wayne “Jim” Stafford singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Eloise, Florida. Jim and Bobbie Gentry were married at one time.

1946 - Ruby Falls 1946~1986, singer, songwriter, recording artist born in Jackson, Tennessee. Ruby was one of the most successful black female country singers in the genre’s history. She traveled as a part of Justin Tubb’s road show, and was a huge success in Las Vegas. Although she was never able to obtain a major label recording contract, Ruby placed 9 country singles on the Billboard country charts between 1975~1979. All of her hits were on the 50 States label.

1947 - James Sanford “Sandy” Pinkard Jr., of “Pinkard & Bowden,” born Abbeville, Louisiana.

1949 - Little Jimmy Dickens began his recording career at Columbia Records.

1949 - George Morgan recorded his #1 country hit “Candy Kisses” today in Nashville. This Columbia single was hit first #1 record, and his first chart hit. George became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1948 (replacing Eddy Arnold). The very talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist was inducted into the CMHF in 1998.

1953 - Bill Monroe was injured in a car wreck in Tennessee. He received numerous injuries and required four months of healing before he would appear on stage again.

1959 - Corky Owens steel guitarist, born today.

1961 - Buck Owens recorded “Loose Talk/Mental Cruelty” with Rose Maddox.

1968 - Jan Howard and Bill Anderson’s duet “For Loving You,” topped the charts.

1973 - Merle Haggard recorded “If We Make It Through December.”

1974 - John and Doug Brown were arrested for the murder of Stringbean, and wife Estelle.

1976 - ABC-TV aired their musical variety show “Donny & Marie” for the first time.

1978 - Glen Campbell co-hosted the broadcast of the fifth annual American Music Awards this evening. Country artist winners included Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, and Conway Twitty.

1982 - Alabama’s #1 single “Love in the First Degree” debuted on Billboards Top 40 Chart.

1984 - Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Alabama, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers were all honored at the eleventh annual American Music Awards. Alabama was awarded three trophies.

1993 - Tanya Tucker’s “It’s a Little Too Late” hit the country singles chart today. Roger Murrah and Pat Terry wrote the song, and watched it top out at #2. This was Tanya’s 55^th chart single.

1996 - Jamaican drug enforcement officers fired on Jimmy Buffett’s private plane. Police reports indicate they believed the plane belonged to drug traffickers. Buffett and his passenger Bono, of U2 were not injured.

1998 - Steve Wariner requested his release from Arista Records. Arista complied with his request.

2001 - Tammy Wynette’s widower, record producer George Richey, married Sheila Slaughter in College Grove, Tennessee. The 34-year-old bride is a former Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

2001 - Bloodshot Records released Johnny Bonds’ “Country & Western.”

2002 - Emil Hofner, age 83, steel guitarist, died from a stroke.

2005 - Brad Paisley's Mudstock in the Valley concert in Wheeling, West Virginia, raised over $102,000 for flood victims in the Upper Ohio Valley.

2005 - Leslie Wilburn, age 79, brother of Teddy & Doyle, member of the Wilburn Family Band, died today.

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1920 - Walter Bailes 1920~2000, of “The Bailes Brothers,” born Kanawha County, West Virginia.

With the assistance of Roy Acuff, the Bailes Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1944.

1921 - Si Siman, producer, promoter, and entertainment executive born in Springfield, Missouri.

1929 - Thomas “Grady” Martin 1929~2001, session guitarist, born Marshall County, Tennessee.

1936 - Bill and Charlie Monroe began their recording career for Bluebird Records.

1955 - Steve Earle singer, songwriter, and producer born in Fort Monroe, Virginia.

1956 - Blind Alfred Reed 1880~1956, age 75, singer, songwriter, fiddler, and recording artist, died. Ralph Peer discovered Reed during his legendary recordings sessions in Bristol, Tennessee, in 1927.

1964 - Flatt & Scruggs recorded “Petticoat Junction.”

1966 - Marty Robbins released “Private Wilson White/Count Me out.”

1972 - Bellevue Street a.k.a. Hwy 51 South in Memphis was re-named Elvis Presley Boulevard.

1972 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ single “I’ll Still Be Waiting For You.”

1973 - Epic Records released Charlie Rich’s monster hit “Behind Closed Doors.” The Kenny O’Dell penned tune charted the following month, and went to #1. This was Charlie’s first #1 record, and his 10^th hit single. The recording won Grammy’s for Song of the Year, Male Vocal Performance, and is now a Grammy Hall of Fame song. The CMA honored the song as their Single of the Year. The “Silver Fox” began his music career in 1958 at Sun Records in Memphis as a session musician.

1976 - Merle Haggard’s “Roots Of My Raising” charted.

1979 - Loretta Lynn brought actress Sissy Spacek to the Grand Ole Opry. Sissy was doing research for her upcoming role in the movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

1981 - Eddie Rabbit’s #1 single “I Love A Rainy Night” charted. This was Eddie’s 18^th chart single, and his 8^th #1. Eddie died of cancer at the age of 56. His family did not announce his passing until after he had been buried.

1981 - Elvis Presley's version of "Guitar Man" charted today. Jerry Reed wrote the song, and played guitar on the session. The song went to #1 on the country chart, and was Elvis' 77^th country chart single.

1982 - Amanda Wilkinson of The Wilkinsons was born today in Belleville, Ontario.

1983 - Waylon Jennings recorded “Lucille.”

1983 - The 10^th annual American Music Awards were presented this evening. Country artist winners included Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Barbara Mandrell, and Willie Nelson.

1986 - Reba McEntire joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1995 - Shania Twain’s single “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” was released by the Mercury label. The song was written by Shania’s husband Mutt Lange, with a little help from the Mrs.

1998 - Cliffie Stone 1917~1998, age 80, media personality, musician, artist manager, and songwriter died in his California home from a heart attack. Cliffe was inducted into the CMHF in 1989.

2003 - Hylo Brown 1922~2003, age 81, Bluegrass vocalist, died today in Mechanicsville, Ohio. Brown was laid to rest in Rose Hill Cemetery, in Springfield, Ohio.

2004 - Martina McBride’s album “Martina” was certified platinum.

2006 - Sugarland announced that Kristen Hall was leaving the group, and would now focus on her songwriting career.

2007 - Hank Williams Jr. filed for divorce for his fourth wife Mary Jane. The couple were married in 1990. If Junior lives long enough he's going to have more ex-wives than Jerry Lee.

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1912 - Linda Parker 1912~1935, cast member of the WLS National Barn Dance as a part of the Cumberland Ridge Runners, was born Covington, Kentucky. Parker was the first female artist to have a successful solo career in country music.

1926 - Bobby Edwards singer, songwriter was born” Robert Moncrief” in Anniston, Alabama. Bobby has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

1938 - Hargus “Pig” Robbins, session pianist, born in Rhea County, Tennessee.

1941 - Bobby Goldsboro singer, songwriter, guitarist and TV host, born Marianna, Florida. Between 1968~1982 Bobby charted 24 country singles on Billboards chart, including “Honey” which went to #1 in 1968 and provides Bobby with a gold record.

1954 - Jim Reeves’ single “Bimbo” topped the charts. The Rod Morris penned tune remained at #1 for 3 weeks, and on the charts for 21 weeks. At this point in his career at Abbott records Jim was batting 1,000. His first song for Abbott was “Mexican Joe” a #1 hit for 9 weeks, and Bimbo was his second release. His next hit came on Fabor Records “I Love You” a duet with Ginny Wright in 1954 that only made it to #3. During Jim’s lifetime he charted 48 hit singles 1953-1964. After his death he charted another 34 hit singles, all on RCA 1964-1984. As you can see, RCA had some very creative employees working for Chet Atkins.

1956 - George “Mark” Collie singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor was born in Waynesboro, Tennessee.

1960 - Columbia released Johnny Horton’s “Sink The Bismarck.” Tillman Franks and Johnny Horton wrote the song, and it topped out at #6, remaining on the charts for 15 weeks. This was “The Singing Fisherman’s” 10^th chart single. Tillman Franks was Johnny’s manager, and played in his band. He was in the car when Johnny was killed in a car wreck while returning home from a gig in Texas. Johnny Horton died in 1964. He should have been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame forty years ago. He had the talent, but no political connections on Music Row.

1960 - The Louvin Brothers released “Nellie Moved To Town.”

1972 - Loretta Lynn's Decca album "Loretta Lynn's Greatest Hits" was certified Gold by the RIAA. This album was released in 1968, and topped out at #6, remaining on the charts for 40 weeks. One single from this album, "Don't Come Home A 'Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)" went to #1 on the singles chart.

1975 - Bob Luman, Boots Randolph, Lulu Roman, and Barbi Benton were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1978 - Roy Orbison had open heart surgery on multiple blocked arteries in Nashville. Roy died as the result of a heart attack in 1988, at age 52. Roy Orbison was laid to rest in Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California. The Roy Orbison story is one of pain and heartbreak. His first wife Claudette was killed while riding her motorcycle a short distance in front of Roy, when a truck ran over her. Roy wrote a song about Claudette, and it was recorded by the Everly Brothers. He lost two of his children in a house fire, while he was on tour in Europe. At that time he lived next door to John and June Carter Cash at Old Hickory Lake. His faith carried him through a lot of hard times, but I believe Roy was ready move on. Roy Orbison was Elvis Presley’s favorite singer. I believe that was an excellent choice.

1978 - Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job and Shove It” topped the charts. John charted 60 hit singles on Billboards Country charts over the years, but this David Allan Coe penned tune was his only #1. Johnny Paycheck died broke in 2003 from emphysema, at the age of 64. George and Nancy Jones provided a gravesite for their friend in Nashville’s Memorial Park Cemetery.

1980 - Capricorn Records filed for bankruptcy.

1980 - The 7^th annual American Music Awards show was broadcast from California. Country music artists winning trophies included Crystal Gayle, Barbara Mandrell, Kenny Rogers, and the Statler Brothers.

1993 - Capitol Records released Hoyt Axton’s album “American Originals.”

1994 - Atlantic Records released John Michael Montgomery’s single “I Swear.” The song had charted in December 1993, after disc jockeys had discovered the song on John’s album “Kickin’ It Up.” The single and the album both went to #1.

1994 - Eddie Hill 1921~1994, age 74, singer, songwriter, musician, DJ, and TV host, died today. Eddie was inducted into the CMDJHF 1975.

1996 - Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson.

2005 - Darryl Worley’s single “Awful Beautiful Life” topped the charts.

2008 - Martina McBride continued her Waking Up Laughing tour with a string of nationwide arena dates starting tonight in Evansville, Indiana. Jack Ingram and Lady Antebellum are opening the shows.

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1904 - Leo Soileau Cajun fiddler, born Ville Platte, Louisiana.

1911 - Ken Nelson, Capitol Records producer, author, radio announcer and founding member of the Country Music Association was born in Caledonia, Minnesota. Ken was inducted into the CMHF 2001.

1919 - Rollin “Oscar” Sullivan, of “Lonzo and Oscar,” born Edmonton, Kentucky.

1933 - Stu Phillips of the Grand Ole Opry was born Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

1939 - Phil Everly was born Philip Everly in Chicago, Illinois. Along with brother Don, the Everly’s found fame in multiple genres. They became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1957. They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, the NSHF 2001, the CMHF in 2001, and finally the RHOF. The brothers were presented with the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

1946 - Dolly Parton, born Locast Ridge, Tennessee. Dolly became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1969, Inducted into the NSHF 1986, and the CMHF 1999. Dolly was presented with The National Medal of Arts by President Bush in 2005.

1953 - Marty Robbins moved to Nashville, and joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1954 - George Jones, age 22, recorded his first session for Starday Records.

1957 - Pat Boone, son-in-law of Red Foley, and father of Debbie Boone, sang at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Inaugural Ball.

1957 - Johnny Cash made his network TV debut on The Jackie Gleason Show on CBS.

1958 - Stephanie Davis singer, songwriter, born in Bridger, Montana.

1958 - Carl Perkins left Sun Records and signed with Columbia. Carl became Columbia Record’s first Rockabilly artist.

1959 - Johnny Cash self-penned Columbia single “Don’t Take Your Guns To Town." hit the country chart today. The song went to #1 where it remained for 6 weeks. This was John's 20^th chart hit, and his 4^th #1. The Man In Black joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1956. He met his second wife June Carter backstage at the Ryman Auditorium.

1960 - Ralph Peer 1892~1960, age 67, recording pioneer, talent scout, publisher, and industry executive died in Hollywood. Ralph was the first to record Jimmy Rodgers, the Carter Family, Pop Stoneman and many others. Inducted CMHF 1984.

1966 - Charlie Stripling 1896~1966, age 69, of the “Stripling Brothers” died.

1967 - Dennis Crouch of the Nashville Bluegrass Band, born Strawberry, Arkansas.

1970 - Charley Pride's RCA Victor album "The Best of Charley Pride" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1971 - Marty Robbins and Connie Smith were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1974 - Loretta Lynn, Kenny Starr, Stoney Edwards and Jerry Clower were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1977 - Charlie Daniels and The Marshall Tucker Band performed at Jimmy Carter’s Inaugural Ball.

1980 - Vic McAlpin, songwriter, died in Nashville. Vic served on the first CMA board of directors, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

1990 - Reba McEntire’s first movie "Tremors” opens in theaters across America.

1993 - One day before Bill Clinton is sworn into office as President of the United States, for his second term, the Presidential Inaugural Gala was held in Washington D.C. Entertainers hired to perform for the Gala included Barbara Streisand, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, and Chuck Berry.

1998 - Carl Perkins 1932~1998, age 65, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, died following a series of strokes at County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee. Elected into the NSHF 1985, the R&RHF in 1987. He was a member of the Johnny Cash Show for ten years. Carl was laid to rest in Ridgecrest Cemetery, in Jackson, Tennessee. His wife Valda died November 15, 2005, and now rests next to her darling Carl. After Carl’s death, Valda placed a pair of Carl’s pajamas on the bed next to her, every night before going to sleep.

1998 - The National Association of Chiefs of Police awarded Pat Boone their first annual “Michael The Angel Award.”

2001 - Travis Tritt performed at the Republican Texas Senators Ball in Washington DC, as part of President George Bush’s inauguration celebration.

2005 - Sara Evans performed at the Black Tie & Boots Texas presidential inaugural event in Washington D.C. Also appearing at the Black Tie & Boots event were Lyle Lovett, Asleep at the Wheel, Robert Earl Keen, Gary P. Nunn, Clay Walker and gospel singer Yolanda Adams.

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1924 - Otis Dewey “Slim” Whitman, singer, guitarist, born in Tampa, Florida. Nicknamed “The Smilin’ Star Duster,” Slim was a cast member of the Louisiana Hayride.

1957 - Sonny James made a guest appearance on the very popular “Ed Sullivan Show” on the CBS-TV network. Over the years many popular country music acts were invited as guests of the show, which was based in New York City. The first broadcast of the variety show was presented on June 20, 1948, and the last on June 6, 1971.

1958 - Elvis Presley was ordered to report for duty with the U. S. Army. The Pentagon allowed him a sixty-day deferment so that he could finish the movie “King Creole.”

1960 - The U.S. Army promoted Elvis Presley to the rank of Sergeant.

1962 - Patsy Cline released “She’s Got You,” on Decca.

1965 - John Michael Montgomery singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Danville, Kentucky. John is the younger brother of Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. He recorded for Atlantic from 1992~2001. In 2002 he was signed by Warner Records. John has placed 34 country hits on the charts, including 6 #1’s.

1968 - Henson Cargill’s #1 country hit “Skip A Rope” charted.

1969 - Flat & Scruggs played at Richard Nixon’s inauguration.

1972 - Merle Haggard’s “Carolyn” was #1 on the charts.

1973 - Jerry Lee Lewis made his debut guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1973 - Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and Johnny Bench were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1979 - Tanya Tucker’s “Not Fade Away” hit the Pop charts.

1979 - Kenny Rogers’ album “The Gambler” went to #1.

1984 - Mike Snider debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

1989 - Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gale, Lee Greenwood, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Randy Travis were among the country music artists performing at the George Bush Inauguration.

1990 - Clint Black’s single “Nobody’s Home” became his first #1 song.

1995 - The Americana Record Chart debuted, with less than fifty radio stations reporting.

1998 - Checkered Past Records released Johnny Dowd’s “Wrong Side of Memphis.”

2001 - Sara Evans single “Born To Fly” topped the charts.

2001 - Another George Bush is sworn in as President of the United States. George and Laura Bush danced at each of the inauguration balls to “Waltz Across Texas.”

2001 - Mark McGuinn debuted on the charts with “Mrs. Steven Rudy.”

2004 -Toby Keith’s album “Unleashed” was certified 4 x platinum.

2005 - John Conlee hosted the Patriot Ball in Washington, D.C. following President George W. Bush’s inauguration.

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1889 - Huddy Ledbetter a.k.a. “Leadbelly” was born in rural Louisiana.

1919 - Louis Innis 1919~1982, singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Seymour, Indiana.

1942 - Mac Davis, singer, songwriter, record label executive, publishing company executive and actor was born in Lubbock, Texas.

1947 - Jim Ibbottson, of the “Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,” was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1949 - Tennessee Ernie Ford’s first session for Capitol Records was held at their Hollywood recording studios. Ernie recorded his first hit record at this session “Tennessee Border.” The song was written by Jimmy Work and it hit the Billboard charts in April. The song topped out at #8.

1950 - Red Foley’s single “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” topped the charts. This was Nashville’s first million-selling record.

1956 - Sun Records released Carl Perkins “Blue Suede Shoes.” The song climbed the country charts to #1, and remained on the charts for 24 weeks. The record is now a Grammy Hall of Fame song.

1957 - Patsy Cline made her debut on national TV, and sang ‘Walking After Midnight’ on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts. Patsy won the competition, and was hired as a regular on the TV show for the next 18 months.

1961 - Patsy Cline appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, and gave birth to son Randy two weeks later.

1967 - Dolly Parton debuted on the Billboard country charts with “Dumb Blonde” #24 and “Something Fishy” #17, both released on the Monument label.

1967 - Jim Reeves’ RCA Victor single “I Won’t Come In While He’s There” hit the charts. Gene Davis wrote the song, it went to #1, and remained on the chart for 16 weeks. This was Jim's last #1 record, and it came two and a half years after he died in a plane crash. Jim Reeves charted 46 single hits during his career, and another 34, after his death.

1970 - Howard Watts 1913~1970, a.k.a. Cedric Rainwater, age 56, former bass player in Hank Williams Driftin’ Cowboy’s band, died today in Nashville. Watts also played for Bill Monroe and Flat & Scruggs.

1970 - Sonny James and Tammy Wynette were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1973 - Donna Fargo received 3 Grammy nominations, and two of her songs are in the running for Song of the Year.

1981 - Eddie Rabbit’s single “I Love A Rainy Night” topped the charts. This was Eddie’s 18^th chart hit, and his 8^th #1 country single.

1987 - Carl Perkins, Rick Nelson, Bill Haley, and Roy Orbison were among the artists inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

1987 - Jim Anglin, age 73, of the “Anglin Brothers” died on this day.

1987 - Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc.” was certified Gold. This was Dwight’s first gold album.

1995 - Bashful Brother Oswald joined the Grand Ole Opry as a single act.

1996 - Wynonna Judd and Arch Kelley III were married 1996. Wynonna would file for divorce two years later.

1997 - Colonel Tom Parker, age 87, Elvis Presley’s 50% manager and illegal immigrant, died in Las Vegas. When Parker went to Graceland to attend Elvis’ funeral, he was wearing a flowered short sleeve shirt, and did not approach the casket to look at Elvis. He was the only man present at the funeral who was not wearing a black suit and tie.

1997 - Ray Campi & Rosie Flores released their duet album “A Little Bit Of Heartache.”

2000 - Brian Prout rejoined Diamond Rio on the road, after a 3 month absence. Brian was not on vacation, he had been recovering from surgery.

2002 - Peggy Lee, age 81, died in Bel Air, California, as the result of a heart attack. Peggy was laid to rest in Westwood Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California.

2003 - Jasmine Records released Johnny Bond’s “I Like My Chicken Fryin’ Size.”

2004 - Vince Gill told the Country Music Foundation that he would not host the CMA Awards Show this year. Gill had hosted the program for the past 12 years.

2006 - Kix Brooks replaced Bob Kingsley as host of American Country Countdown.

2007 - Darryl Worley, an American patriot, entertained during halftime at the AFC Championship football game in Indianapolis, and received a standing ovation.

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1914 - Dickie McBride 1914~1971, recording artist, Western Swing bandleader, born New Baden, Texas. Married to Laura Lee Owens, Bob Wills’ first female vocalist, daughter of Tex Owens, and Texas Ruby was her aunt.

1938 - Bill Emerson, banjo player, born Washington D.C.

1941 - Bennie Fields of “The Fields Brothers” born Kermit, West Virginia.

1949 - J. P. Pennington, singer, songwriter, founder of “Exile” born Berea, Kentucky.

1950 - Red Foley’s single “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” topped the charts.

1952 - Teddy Gentry vocals, bassist, and member of “Alabama,” born Teddy Wayne Gentry in Fort Payne, Alabama. Inducted CMHF 2005.

1954 - Little Jimmy Dickens recorded “Out Behind The Barn,” for Columbia.

1955 - The Ozark Jubilee debuted on ABC television with Red Foley as host. The final one-hour show was broadcast September 22, 1961. By that time the name had changed to Jubilee U.S.A.

1955 - Porter Wagoner debuted as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry.

1958 - The Killer’s “Great Balls of Fire” topped the charts.

1965 -Regina Nicks of “Regina Regina” was born today.

1966 - Red Sovine’s “Giddyup Go” was at the top of the charts.

1969 - Glen Campbell’s Capitol single “Wichita Lineman” was certified Gold by the RIAA. This was Glen's first gold record.

1969 - Elvis recorded “Suspicious Minds” at American Studios in Memphis.

1972 - Tammy Wynette and George Jones were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1975 - Ezra “Eck” Carter, Maybelle’s husband, and June Carter Cash’s father died.

1978 - “Fifty Years of Country Music,” a three-hour TV special was broadcast on NBC.

1988 - Paul Rice, age 68, of “The Rice Brothers” died.

1988 - Donna Fargo’s house was heavily damaged by fire.

1990 - The American Music Awards presented trophies to country music artists Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Alabama, and Randy Travis received three.

1991 - The RIAA certified Shenandoah’s Columbia album “The Road Not Taken” as a Gold album. This was the groups first.

1994 - Hal Ketchum became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

1999 - Hal B. Cook, age 80, former publisher of Billboard Magazine died in Palm Desert, California.

1999 - Jimmy Day 1934~1999, age 65, died in Houston, Texas. Jimmy was a member of the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, and the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame.

2003 - Sara Evans welcomed her second child Olivia into the world. Olivia was born in Sara’s hometown Franklin, Missouri.

2005 - The “2005 Grand Ole Opry Caribbean Cruise” set sail today. Featured artists on this years cruise were; Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, and Hall of Fame members Little Jimmy Dickens and Bill Anderson.

2006 - Janette Carter, age 82, daughter of A.P. and Sara Carter (of the Carter Family), died at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.

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1911 - Fields Ward 1911~1987, fiddler, born in Buck Mountain, Virginia. Fields was the son of fiddler Davy Crockett Ward, and recorded with his band in the late 1920's and later for the Library of Congress as a member of the Bog Trotters.

1920 - Herman Barrier 1920~1988, of the Barrier Brothers, a Bluegrass Band was born in Harden County, Tennessee.

1932 - The first dressing room was constructed backstage at the Ryman Auditorium.

1937 - Polly Lewis Copsey, of “The Lewis Family” was born in Lincoln County, Georgia.

1940 - Johnny Russell 1940~2001, singer, songwriter, guitarist and TV actor, born in Sunflower County, Mississippi, and raised in Fresno, California. Johnny became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1985. He was billed as “The Biggest Act in Country Music.” He recorded for RCA Victor and Mercury, and charted 28 country single hits on Billboard’s Country Chart.

1940 - Joe Dowell, recording artist, born in Bloomington, Indiana.

1947 - Merle Travis recorded “Steel Guitar Rag.”

1949 - Ernest Tubb recorded the Vaughn Horton penned "Till The End Of The World" and the Troy Martin-Ernest Tubb penned "Daddy, When is Mommy Coming Home" at Castle Studios, in Nashville. Paul Cohen produced the session, which required adding a second day (January 24^th) to complete the project. The session personnel included Ernest Tubb~Vocals; Jack Drake~Bass; Bill Drake~Rhythm guitar; Hal Smith~Fiddle; Don Davis~Steel guitar; Tommy Paige~Lead guitar; Banjo Murphy~Banjo. Till The End Of The World charted in March, topped out at #4, and remained on the chart for 9 weeks. This was Ernest's 20^th chart hit. Daddy, When is Mommy Coming Home charted in May, topped out at #15, and was on the chart for 1 week. This was Ernest's 23 chart hit.

1956 - Harley Allen, son of Red Allen, singer, songwriter born today in Dayton, Ohio.

1957 - Gerald Cline, Patsy Cline’s first husband, filed for divorce.

1959 - Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and Dion began their ill-fated “Winter Dance Party” tour. Less than two weeks later (February 3, 1959) all but Dion would be dead, the result of a plane crash.

1969 - Elvis Presley recorded “Suspicious Minds” in Memphis at the American Studios, for his album “From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis.” The two record album hit the Billboard Country Album chart in December, and topped out at #5.

1972 - T. Texas Tyler 1916~1971, age 55, a.k.a. David Luke Myrick died from cancer in Springfield, Missouri. Tyler was known as “The Man with a Million Friends.”

1976 - Donny and Marie Osmond debuted their “Donny & Marie Show” on the ABC network.

1982 - Ricky Skaggs’ “Cryin’ My Heart Out Over You” charted, and became Ricky’s first #1 single.

1986 - Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at their first ever ceremony.

1987 - Reba McEntire’s MCA album “Whoever’s in New England” was certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. This was Reba’s first Gold album.

1990 - Texas Jim Lewis 1909~1990, singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor, leader of the “Lone Star Cowboys” died at the age of 80.

1990 - Clint Black’s RCA album “Killin’ Time” was certified Platinum by the RIAA This was Clint’s first Platinum album.

1991 - The IRS auctioned off Willie Nelson’s property, to satisfy his tax debt. Most of the items that Willie cared about were purchased by friends and returned to him.

1993 - Wayne Raney 1920~1993, disc jockey, recording artist, and sideman, known as “The Harmonica Wizard,” died at the age of 72. Wayne was inducted into the Country Music D.J. Hall of Fame 1993.

1993 - Thomas A. Dorsey, age 93, writer of “Take My Hand Precious Lord” and “Peace In The Valley” died in Chicago from Alzheimer’s disease.

1995 - Alan Jackson’s single “Gone Country” went to #1 on Billboard’s country chart. The song charted 23 weeks earlier. No song in Billboard history ever took that long to reach the top.

2004 - Josh Gracin signed his first recording contract with the Lyric Street label.

2005 - Bill Simmons, age 80, keyboardist with the Light Crust Doughboys died in Texas. Inducted Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

2005 - Kenny Alphin, the ‘Big’ of “Big & Rich,” and Christiev Carothers were married in Deadwood, South Dakota.

2005 - Johnny Carson, age 79, host of NBC’s Tonight Show died in a California hospital from emphysema.

2005 - Art Stamper former fiddle player for Ralph Stanley’s Clinch Mountain Boys died in a Louisville, Kentucky hospital.

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1936 - Doug Kershaw, singer, and fiddler known as “The Ragin’ Cajun,” was born in Tiel Ridge, Louisiana. Doug wrote “Louisiana Man,” which has been recorded over 800 times.

1936 - Jack Scott born Windsor, Ontario.

1939 - Ray Stevens, singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer was born “Harold Ray Ragsdale” in Clarksdale, Georgia. Inducted NSHF 1980.

1941 - Neil Diamond singer, songwriter, and actor, born today.

1945 - Curtis Burch, “New Grass Revival,” born Montgomery, Alabama.

1950 - Becky Hobbs, the “Beckaroo,” born Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

1953 - Hank Williams’ MGM single “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” went to #1 on Billboards country chart today (3 weeks after Hank died.) This was the last record released by Hank prior to his death.

1953 - Carl Perkins and Valda Crider were married.

1953 - Eddy Arnold’s #1 single “Eddy’s Song” charted.

1954 - Glenn Worf, bassist, session musician, born Dayton, Ohio. Glenn was named Bass Player of the Year, by the Academy of Country Music in 1992 & 1993.

1955 - Bob Wills’ first Decca recording session.

1957 - Mel Tillis’ first Columbia recording session.

1963 - Keech Rainwater, drummer, for “Lonestar” was born in Plano, Texas.

1980 - The People’s Choice Awards were broadcast on the CBS-TV network. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were both winners.

1991 - Shot Jackson 1920~1991, age 70, a.k.a. Harold Bradley Jackson, multi-instrumentalist, and session musician, died in Nashville. Inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 1986.

1992 - Ken Darby, songwriter “Love Me Tender,” died in California.

1998 - Justin Tubb 1935~1998, age 62, died following surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. Justin was a member of the Grand Ole Opry for forty-three years, and recorded for Decca and RCA.

2002 - Freddy Fender underwent successful kidney transplant surgery at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Step daughter Maria, donated the kidney.

2003 - Terri Clark’s Mercury album “How I Feel” was certified Gold by the RIAA

2005 - “True Country” from the Jones Radio Network debuted today.

2005 - Lynn Anderson was arrested in Taos, New Mexico, and charged with shoplifting and assaulting a police officer.

2006 - MCA Records released Josh Turner’s album “Your Man.”

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1923 - Rusty Draper 1923~2003, singer, and guitarist was born Farrell Draper, Kirksville, Missouri.

1924 - Wesley Webb “Speedy” West 1924~2003, pedal steel guitar pioneer, born in Springfield, Missouri. Inducted SGHF 1980.

1932 - Claude Gray singer, songwriter, and guitarist nicknamed “The Tall Texan” born Henderson, Texas. Claude’s first chart single was “Family Bible” written by Willie Nelson, and released on Mercury in March 1960.

1938 - The Dixon Brothers recorded “Wreck On The Highway.”

1945 - Tex Ritter’s “I’m Wastin’ My Tears On You” topped the charts.

1950 - Lazy Jim Day recorded “When I Worked On The Farm.”

1954 - Marty Robbins released “My Isle Of Golden Dreams" b/w/"Aloha Oe.”

1955 - Mike Burch drummer for “River Road” was born on this date.

1956 - RCA released Elvis Presley’s debut single on their label. Three months later the kid from Memphis had his first #1 record.

1963 - Disc jockey “Cactus Jack Call,” was killed in a car wreck. On March 3^rd, a fund raising show for his family was held in Kansas City. It was on the trip back to Nashville on March 5^th, that Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and Randy Hughes, were killed in a plane crash, near Camden, TN.

1969 - Johnny Cash’s single “Daddy Sang Bass” w/Jan Howard topped the charts.

1970 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS-TV included guests Ray Charles, George Gobel, and Gloria Loring.

1975 - Gene Watson made his chart debut with “Bad Water.”

1975 - Johnny Russell and Lawanda Lindsey were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1982 - The American Music Awards were presented this evening. Winners in the country category included Willie Nelson, Anne Murray, The Oak Ridge Boys, Barbara Mandrell, and Kenny Rogers who took home three trophies.

1985 - Reba McEntire’s “How Blue” topped the charts.

1989 - Laura Lee McBride 1920~1989, age 68, recording artist, and Bob Wills’ first female vocalist, died in Bryan, Texas from cancer. Laura Lee was the daughter of Tex Owens, and her aunt was Texas Ruby. Laura Lee was known as “The Queen of Western Swing.” She was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame in 1989.

1989 - The Judds RCA/Curb album “Heartland” was certified Platinum by the RIAA

1992 - Emmylou Harris joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1992 - Tracy Lawrence’s single “Sticks and Stones” became his first #1 hit.

2000 - Rebel Records released Mike Auldridge’s album “This Old Town.”

2000 - King released “David Frizzell Sings Lefty’s Greatest Hits.”

2003 - Emerson Drives’ “Fall Into Me” debuted on Billboard’s Top 40 Chart.

2003 - Gabe Tucker 1915-2003, recording artist, musician, artist manager and author, friend of Col. Tom Parker, died at the age of 87.

2003 - Terri Clark’s single “I Just Wanna Be Mad” crossed over to Billboard’s Top 40 Chart.

2005 - Ray Peterson, age 65, recording artist, “Tell Laura I Love Her” died from cancer in Smyrna, Tennessee.

2006 - Brad Paisley's Arista Nashville album "Time Well Wasted" was certified Platinum by the RIAA. Brad's #1 single "Alcohol" was one of the songs on the album.

2006 - Carrie Underwood's Arista single "Jesus Take The Wheel" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

2007 - Emmylou Harris celebrated her 15^th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

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1893 - Dennis McGee 1893~1989, Cajun fiddler, and recording artist born Bayou Marron, Louisiana.

1899 - Howard Doc Hopkins 1899~1988, singer, banjo, and guitarist of the “Cumberland Ridge Runners” born in Wallins Creek, Harlan County, Kentucky.

1900 - Clayton McMichen 1900~1970, champion fiddler, bandleader, born Allatoona, Georgia.

1928 - James O’Gwynn, “The Smilin’ Irishman of Country Music,” born Winchester, Minnesota.

1937 - Patsy Montana recorded “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”

1937 - Teddy Lundy born Galax, Virginia.

1942 - Dave Rowland “Dave & Sugar,” born Sanger, California.

1945 - Bob Willis recorded his hit “Rolly Poly.”

1953 - Grammy winner Lucinda Williams born Lake Charles, Louisiana.

1958 - Buddy Holly & The Crickets appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1958 - B. James Lowry, session guitarist was born on this date.

1959 - Goebel Reeves, age 59, died in Long Beach, California.

1960 - Janice Rogers files for divorce from Kenny Rogers. They were married in 1958, and have one child Carole Lynne.

1962 - Leroy Van Dyke’s single “Just Walk On By,” topped the charts.

1963 - Skeeter Davis’ biggest hit of her career “The End of the World” made Billboard’s Top 100.

1971 - Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and Billy Jo Spears were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1974 - Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jody Miller, Tommy Overstreet, and Larry Scott were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1979 - The CBS-TV series “Dukes of Hazard” debuted, featuring the hands and voice of Waylon Jennings. The final show aired July 26, 1985.

1980 - Kristine Oliver of “Sweethearts of the Rodeo,” married Leonard Arnold.

1981 - Barbara Mandrell’s ABC album “The Best of Barbara Mandrell” was certified Gold by the RIAA

1992 - Hillary Clinton, appearing on CBS-TV during the presidential campaign, made a comment about Tammy Wynette that caused the country music super-star to fight back. Hillary later apologized to Tammy, for the comment.

1997 - Super Bowl XXXI featured Mary Chapin Carpenter during the pregame show in the Voodoo Capital of America. a.k.a. New Orleans.

2001 - Reba McEntire made her Broadway debut with the starring role in “Annie Get You Gun.”

2005 - Roy Clark announced that he will be taking a medical leave of absence during the first six months of the year, to recuperate from hip surgery scheduled in February.

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1904 - Frankie Marvin, singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in Butler, Indian Territory, Oklahoma.

1910 - Joe Callahan 1910~1971, of “The Callahan Brothers” born Madison Country, North Carolina.

1911 - Joe Attlesey, of “The Shelton Brothers” born in Reilly Springs, Texas.

1925 - Doc Pomus 1925~1991, songwriter, recording artist, born Jerome Felder in Brooklyn, New York.

1937 - Buddy Emmons, session musician, vocals, steel guitar, piano, bass born Mishawaka, Indiana. Buddy has played in the bands of Jimmy Dickens (brought Buddy to Nashville), Roger Miller, Ray Price and many others. Inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame 1981.

1947 - Ernest Tubb’s “Rainbow At Midnight” topped the charts.

1949 - Cowboy Copas recorded “It’s Wrong To Love You But I do.”

1953 - Lee Carroll of “Exile” born in Glasgow, Kentucky.

1955 - Cheryl White of “The Whites,” born in Wichita Falls, Texas.

1955 - Richard Young, Kentucky Headhunters born Glasgow, Kentucky.

1968 - Waylon’s “Walk On Out Of My Mind” charted 1968.

1968 - Tracy Lawrence singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Atlanta, Texas, and raised in Foreman, Arkansas. From 1991~2004 he charted 30 singles on the country charts, and was only shot one time during that period. Tracy was shot in Nashville in 1991.

1970 - Marty Robbins underwent successful heart by pass surgery.

1971 - Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” topped the charts.

1973 - Johnny Paycheck, Sandy Posey, Ruby Davis, and George Lindsey were featured guests on “Hee Haw” 1973.

1976 - Marty Robbins recorded “El Paso City.”

1976 - Kevin Dunney, recording artist, was born on this date.

1979 - Ann Murray's Capitol single "I Just Fall In Love Again" hit the Billboard Country chart. The record went to #1 for 3 weeks, and remained on the char for a total of 15 weeks. This was Anne's 22^nd American country chart record, and her 2^nd #1.

1979 - Loretta Lynn introduced actress Sissy Spacek to the Grand Ole Opry audience. Spacek was researching her upcoming role in “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”

1992 - Wynonna made her solo debut performance at an award show. Her mother, and singing partner, Naomi, had retired the previous year.

1997 - The American Music Awards were broadcast from Los Angeles. Winners in the country music category were George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Shania, Garth, and LeAnn Rimes.

1998 - Columbia Records released Jimmy Dean’s “Greatest Hits” album.

2003 - Mike Oatman, co-founder of Great Empire Broadcasting died in Houston, Texas. Mike has been inducted into the Country Radio Broadcasters DJ Hall of Fame.

2004 - Gary Allan’s debut album “Used Heart For Sale” was certified gold by the RIAA.

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1929 - Acker Bilk musician and composer born today.

1936 - Bill Phillips born in Canton, North Carolinas.

1938 - Jim Rooney Grammy winning producer was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

1947 - Roy Acuff recorded “Wabash Cannonball” in Hollywood. Tommy Magness played fiddle on the session.

1949 - Eddie Bayers, top studio drummer, born Pautaxant, Maryland. Eddie won the ACM’s top Drummer award, five consecutive years.

1950 - Red Foley released “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy.”

1956 - Elvis debuted on National Television, on the Dorsey Brothers “Stage Show,” along with Scotty Moore and Bill Black.

1964 - Buck Owens recorded “Together Again,” and “My Heart Skips A beat” 1964. Both sides of this single went to #1.

1965 - Greg Cook of Ricochet was born today.

1970 - Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard were featured guests on “Hee Haw.

1972 - Merle Haggard’s “Carolyn” topped the charts.

1974 - Johnny Cash recorded “Ragged Old Flag.”.

1976 - Skeeter Willis 1917~1976, age 58, of “The Willis Brothers” died. The Willis Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946.

1982 - Jimmy Fortune debuted with the Statler Brothers.

1984 - Al Dexter 1905~1984, age 78, Okeh and Columbia recording artist, died from a heart attack in Lewisville, Texas.

1984 - Earl Taylor, age 54, singer, songwriter, and musician died today.

1985 - The American Music Awards were broadcast from Los Angeles. Winners in the Country music category included Loretta Lynn who won the Merit Award, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Double winners included Anne Murray, and Willie Nelson

1985 - Tommy Jarrell 1901~1985, singer, fiddler, and banjo player, died on this date. In the 1960's Alan Jabbour director of the Library of Congress' American Folklife Division, recorded Jarrell's music while visiting Tommy at his home. Jarrell was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for The Arts in 1982.

1991 - Reba McEntire won two American Music Awards.

1993 - MCA released Reba McEntire's duet with Vince Gill "The Heart Won't Lie." The record charted the following month and went to #1. Kim Carnes and Donna Weiss wrote the song, and it was Reba's 51^st chart single.

1997 - Clive Davis president of Arista Records became the first active president of a record label to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 1997.

1998 - Tracy Lawrence was convicted of spousal abuse in a Las Vegas Court. The court ordered Lawrence to pay a shelter for battered women $500. His record label suspended any further recording, and his wife Stacie, a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, filed for divorce.

1999 - Pat Boone opened his new record label “Gold Records” 1999. Only artists 45 years old, and older, will be offered contracts.

2003 - Capitol released Glen Campbell’s “All the Best” 2003.

2005 - Carl Sauceman 1922~2005, age 82, of the Sauceman Brothers died in Gonzales, Louisiana. Carl was a singer, guitarist, and bass player who, along with his brother John Paul Sauceman were known as the Sauceman Brothers. They were early pioneers of Bluegrass music.

2006 - Country In The Rockies opened in Crested Butte, Colorado, and ran through February 1^st.

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1908 - Al Stricklin, piano player with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, was born in Antioch, Texas.

1917 - Lloyd Wilson Perryman, “Sons of the Pioneers,” born Ruth, Arkansas.

1928 - Little Jimmy Sizemore born Paintsville, Kentucky. Little Jimmy became a cast member of the Grand Ole Opry at age five, working with his father Asher Sizemore.

1943 - Tanya Tuckers parents, Beau Tucker and Juanita Cunningham, were both 15 years old when they married in 1943.

1944 - Johnny Wakley, singer, guitarist, born Hollywood, California.

1944 - Patsy Sledd singer, and pianist, was born Patricia Randolph in Falcon, Missouri. Patsy's first chart single was on the Mega label, and it charted in September 1972. "I'm Still Your Fool" was written by George Jones, and Roger Miller.

1954 - Theron E. Hale, age 70, Grand Ole Opry member died today.

1957 - Irlene Mandrell was born in Corpus Christi, Texas.

1959 - Ray Price recorded "Heartaches By The Number" at Owen Bradley's Studio in Nashville. Harlan Howard wrote the song, and the Columbia single topped out at #2, remaining on the charts for 40 weeks. This was Ray's 19^th chart single for Columbia.

1965 - Sonny James’ “You’re The Only World I Know,” topped the charts.

1969 - Bobby Gentry & Glen Campbell's Capitol album "Gentry/Campbell" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1969 - “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour,” debuted on CBS-TV. The final show was aired June 13, 1972.

1972 - Bobby Goldsboro and Susan Raye were featured guests on “Hee Haw.”

1973 - Donna Fargo's Dot album "The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A." was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1977 - Kenny Rogers “Lucile” debuted on the charts.

1983 - Kenny Rogers & Sheena Easton’s #1 duet “We’ve Got Tonight” charted 1983.

1986 - TNN’s Talk Show “Crook and Chase,” debuted.

1988 - Randy Travis’ Warner Bros. album “Always & Forever,” was certified double platinum by the RIAA

1990 - EMI America released “Legendary Masters: Eddie Cochran.”

1996 - Garth Brooks refused to accept an American Music Award naming him Favorite Overall Artist. Garth felt that Hootie and the Blowfish deserved the award.

2002 - Jeff Bates gave a showcase for RCA executives, and was offered a contract.

2004 - Martina McBride and Alan Jackson opened their joint tour in Moline, Illinois.

2005 - Christy Sutherland appeared on the Grand Ole Opry 2005. This was the first time she appeared on the Opry when it was being broadcast from the Ryman Auditorium.

2006 - The Telestra Country Music Festival in Tamworth, Australia, was held the 20^th~29^th.

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1931 - Harold Ralph Morrison, bluegrass musician, comedian, born Highlonseome, Missouri.

1934 - Melvin Endsley 1934~2004, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist born Drasco, Arkansas.

1937 - Jeanne Pruett was born “Norma Jean Bowman,” in Pell City, Alabama. Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1973.

1938 - Norma Jean, born “Norma Jean Beasler,” rural Wellston, Oklahoma.

1940 - Jerry Bradley, music executive, born Nashville, Tennessee.

1956 - Doug Kahan of “The Gibson Miller Band,” was born in Detroit, Michigan.

1956 - Sun Records session pianist Jerry Lee Lewis played on Billy Lee Riley’s single “Red Hot.”

1958 - Merle Haggard was found guilty on a burglary charge in California.

1966 - Red Sovine’s “Giddyup Go” topped the charts.

1970 - Tammy Cochran singer, songwriter, and Epic recording artist born in Austinburg, Ohio.

1981 - The American Music Awards were broadcast from Los Angeles. Winners in the Country music category included Barbara Mandrell, The Eagles, The Statler Brothers, The Gambler, Kenny Rogers took home four trophies.

1985 - Randy Travis recorded his first #1 record for Warner Records today. "On The Other Hand" hit the charts in August, climbed all the way to the top and remained on the chart for 35 weeks. Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, two of Music City's finest wrote the song.

1988 - Kathy Mattea’s first #1 Mercury single “Goin’ Gone” charted. Pat Alger, Bill Dale, and Fred Koller wrote the song, and it remained on the chart for 24 weeks.

1989 - Willie Nelson received the Award of Merit from the American Music Awards this evening.

1994 - Ott Devine 1910~1994, WSM executive, Grand Ole Opry manager, died at age 83.

1996 - BNA released John Anderson’s album “Paradise.” The album topped out at #6 on the chart.

1996 - RCA released “The Essential Jim Ed Brown & The Browns.”

2000 - Travis Tritt performed at the Super Bowl pre-game show, and Faith Hill sang the National Anthem.

2002 - Freddy Fender was released from a San Antonio Hospital, after successful kidney transplant surgery.

2005 - Connie Sue Landers, recording artist with Mercury, and Roulette Records died at age 60.

2006 - Giantslayer released Danny Green's debut single "Martin Leedy."

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1931 - Jimmy Rodgers recorded “T.B. Blues.”

1949 - Kitty Wells recorded her first record for RCA. "The Queen of Country Music" began her career with Decca in 1952 when she released her career song "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels." Joe Miller wrote the song, it climbed the chart to #1 were it remained for 6 weeks. Prior to joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1952, Kitty was a cast member of the Louisiana Hayride. She married Johnny Wright in 1937.

1949 - Johnny and Jack began their RCA Victor recording career. "Poison Love" became their first chart hit in 1951. Elmer Laird wrote the song, it topped out at #4. The Duo joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1947.

1949 - The Blue Sky Boys recorded “Alabama.”

1959 - Jim Reeves topped the charts with “Billy Bayou.” The song was recorded and released in 1958, charting in November. Roger Miller wrote the song which was the flip side of Jim’s hit single “Blue Boy” in 1958.” Blue Boy” topped out at #2, and the flip side spent 5 weeks at #1. Both sides of the single spent a total of 47 weeks on the Billboard charts.

1962 - Lynwood Lunsford of “Lost and Found” born in Roxboro, North Carolina.

1966 - Jack Greene’s single “There Goes My Everything” topped the charts. The Dallas Frazier penned tune was Jack’s 2^nd hit single, and his 1^st #1. The CMA named this Decca release The Single of the Year in 1967, and honored Jack as their Male Vocalist of the Year. It was at the top of the chart for 7 weeks, and brought The Jolly Green Giant a membership in the Grand Ole Opry that same year. Ernest Tubb had to talk Jack into leaving the Texas Troubadours, and pursuing his solo career. That’s how much Jack cared about E.T.

1968 - Merle Haggard recorded “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde.” The session was produced by Ken Nelson at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood. Merle wrote the song; it charted in March and became The Hag's 4^th #1 hit.

1970 - Stephen Parker of “South Sixty-Five,” was born today.

1970 - Glen Campbell’s single “Honey Come Back” charted 1970. This was Glen’s 17^th chart single, and it topped out at #2 on Billboards Country chart. Hall of Fame songwriter Jimmy Webb wrote the song. You know folks, everything in country music starts with a song. God bless our great Nashville songwriters.

1977 - The American Music Awards were presented in Los Angeles. Johnny Cash became the first artist in the Country music category to win the Award of Merit.

1981 - Scotty Wiseman 1909~1981, age 71 of “Lulu Belle & Scotty”, a.k.a “Skyland Scotty,” husband of LuLu Belle, died from a heart attack. Inducted NSHF 1971. Two of the top country music entertainers in the history of the genre. Will they ever be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame? Not a chance. They weren’t a part of Music City’s money machine.

1981 - Warren Smith, age 47, Sun recording pioneer, died of a heart attack 1981.

1984 - Johnny Cash was released from the Betty Ford Center today. John checked himself in last month after undergoing a series of operations for ulcers, and a serious cut on his hand. In addition to his surgery related pain, John has been taking pain killers for back spasms, and his stay at the Center is a precautionary measure. John is not now addicted to the pain medication, and he wants to make sure that doesn't happen again.

1990 - Buck Owens released “Tijuana Lady/Brooklyn Bridge” in 1990. The songs didn’t chart, but that’s okay. It was Buck Owens, and he left us 90 chart hit singles, and 45 albums that lit up the Billboard Charts the way Buck Owens music lit up our hearts. Buck Owens…Thanks for the memories. By the way, in case you didn’t know, Buck and Bonnie Owens are Together Again in the Owens Family Mausoleum, in Greenlawn Southwest Cemetery, in Bakersfield, California.

1997 - Ricochet's Columbia album "Ricochet" was certified Gold by the RIAA. This was the group's first album. It charted in March 1996, went to #14 and remained on the chart for 69 weeks. Ricochet's members include: Heath Wright~singer, guitarist; Junior Bryant~fiddle; Eddie Kilgallon~keyboards; Teddy Carr~guitarist; Greg Cook~bass; and Jeff Bryant~drums.

1998 - The Kinleys made their first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1999 - Reba McEntire played the last concert of her first European tour in Munich, Germany.

2000 - Jimmy Haggett Rockabilly singer, guitarist died in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

2003 - LeAnn Rimes was injured as the result of a motor vehicle accident in Hollywood, California.