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

"March"

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1898 - Laurence Lemarr Brasfield 1898-   1966, a.k.a. "Uncle Cyp" of Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap was born in Smithville, Mississippi.  Brasfield's wife, Neva was Aunt Sap.  Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap entertained for decades, and were cast members of the Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Missouri. Cyp's younger brother was Grand Ole Opry comedian Rod Brasfield. Both Cyp & Sap were Kentucky Colonels.

1901 - Tommy Jarrell 1901-1985, singer, fiddler, and banjo player, was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Tommy's music is preserved in the Library of Congress' American Folklife Division. Jarrell was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for The Arts in 1982.

1917 - Cliffe Stone 1917-1998, born Clifford Gilpin Snyder in Stockton, California. Played a huge role in West Coast country music after World War II as a media personality, musician, songwriter, artist manager, music publisher and recording artist.  Inducted into the CMHF in 1989.

1949 - Hank Williams recorded "Lost Highway" during a session at Nashville's Castle Recording Studio. The MGM single charted in October.

1949 - The Stanley Brothers recorded "White Dove" on Columbia Records.

1949 - The first 45-rpm record was released by RCA.

1950 - Connie Eaton , "Angel of the Morning" was born in Nashville, Tennessee.

1952 - Uncle Dave Macon made his last Grand Ole Opry appearance.  He became sick after the show and died three weeks later in a Murfreesboro, hospital.

1952 - Faron Young's first Capitol recording session was held today. Faron's first Capitol hit single was his self--penned "Goin' Steady" which charted in January, 1953 and climbed to #2.

1954 - Janis Oliver of Sweethearts of the Rodeo was born in Manhattan Beach, California. Janis and Vince Gill were married from 1980-1997, and had one child Jenifer.

1956 - Ray Price "The Cherokee Cowboy" recorded "Crazy Arms" at the Bradley Studio in Nashville. Steel Guitar legend Ralph Mooney wrote the song, and the Columbia single charted in May and spent almost five months at the top of the chart. This was Ray's first #1 record, and has been chosen as a Grammy Hall of Fame recording.

1956 - Curt Chapman Bluegrass bass player, born in Lancaster, Ohio, and raised in Nashville, Tennessee.

1957 - Buck Owens signed with Capital Records in Hollywood.

1957 - Kristine Oliver of Sweethearts of the Rodeo was born in Manhattan Beach, California. Kristine Oliver and Leonard Arnold were married January 26, 1980.

1957 - The Everly Brothers recorded their first sides for Cadence Records. "Bye Bye Love" and "I Wonder If I Care As Much," were recorded in Nashville, and written by the husband and wife team of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant. Bye Bye Love became the Everly's first #1 hit, and has been chosen as a Grammy Hall of Fame record.

1958 - Buddy Holly & the Crickets played the first concert of their British tour.

1961 - Davis Daniel, Mercury recording artist, born Robert Andrykowski in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Davis charted 7 hits on the country charts from 1991-1995.

1963 - Sara Hickman, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Jacksonville, North Carolina.

1964 - Jennifer McCarter of "The McCarters," born in Sevierville, Tennessee.

1965 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' album "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail."

1966 - Clinton Gregory, singer, fiddler, guitar, drums, banjo, and bass born in Martinsville, Virginia.

1968 - Columbia Records released "The Man In Black's" album "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison." The album went to #1, and remained on the Country Album chart for almost two years.

1968 - Johnny Cash and June Carter were married in Franklin, Kentucky.  Merle Kilgore was John's Best Man.

1969 - Barbara Mandrell signed her first, major label contract, with Columbia Records.

1970 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Raymond Burr, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Manna and Neil Diamond.

1972 - Merle Haggard was granted a full pardon by California Gov. Ronald Reagan.

1973 - MCA Records began operations in Universal City, California.

1975 - The 17^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening. In the Country Music category winners included: Record "I Honestly Love You" Olivia Newton-John; Female Vocal Performance Ann Murray "Love Song." ; Male Vocal Performance Ronnie Milsap "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends."; Best Country Song "A Very Special Love Sing" songwriters Norro Wilson and Billy Sherrill; Best Gospel Performance The Oak Ridge Boys "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor: Best Traditional Recording "Two Days In November" Doc & Merle Watson.

1976 - Dave Kapp 1904-1976, songwriter, publisher, and founder of Kapp Records, died at the age of 71.

1977 - Hank Williams' MGM album "24 Greatest Hits" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1989 - Pearl Butler 1927-1989, of "Carl & Pearl Butler" died at age 61. Carl & Pearl both appeared in the movie Second Fiddle to a Steele Guitar. They became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. Pearl Butler was laid to rest in Williamson Memorial Gardens, Franklin, Tennessee.

1989 - The Traveling Wilburys self-titled Warner Bros. album was certified 2 x Platinum by the RIAA.

1990 - The Highwaymen held a press conference in Nashville 1990.

1993 - Doug Stone 's self-titled Epic album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

1994 - The Grammy Awards were broadcast from New York City. Winners in the Country Music category included Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dwight Yoakam, Brooks & Dunn, Asleep At The Wheel, Reba McEntire & Linda Davis, Lucinda Williams (songwriter), The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Nanci Griffith, and Kathy Mattea. Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Chet Atkins, Bill Monroe, and Pete Seeger.

1995 - CBS-TV broadcast the Grammy Awards this evening. Country Music winners included Mary Chapin Carpenter (2), Vince Gill, Asleep At The Wheel with Lyle Lovett, Chet Atkins, Aaron Neville & Trisha Yearwood, Gary Baker & Frank J. Meyers (songwriters), Alison Krauss & the Cox Family, Johnny Cash, and Don Was.

2005 - The 3^rd season of "Nashville Star" premiered on the USA Network.

2005 - Jamie O'Neal released her 2nd CD "Brave," and Universal South released Shooter Jennings' CD "Put The O Back In Country."

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1884 - Otto Gray 1884-1967, born in South Dakota. Otto Gray was the first Western artist honored on the cover of Billboard magazine.

1907 - Arkie The Arkansas Woodchopper 1907-1981, singer, piano, guitarist and member of the WLS National Barn Dance, was born Luther W. Ossenbrink near Knob Noster, Missouri.

1923 - Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson, singer, songwriter, guitar and banjo, an American treasure, born in Deep Gap, North Carolina.

1929 - George Bingham and his Hogwallow Band made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry. It would be their last appearance.

1949 - Hank Williams recorded "Honky Tonk Blues."

1957 - Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" hit the country chart.

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

1959 - Larry Stewart, lead singer "Restless Heart," born in Paducah, Kentucky.

1959 - Johnny Cash left Sun Records in 1958, moved his family to the left coast and signed with Columbia. As soon as Columbia released Cash's first single, Sun began releasing John's songs that they had not released prior to his contract running out. Today Sun Records released Johnny Cash's single "Luther Played The Boogie" b/w "Thanks A Lot." Both sides of this single charted. Sun continued to release singles by Cash into the 1970's.

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1960 - Elvis Presley flew from Germany to Scotland (for refueling) and then home to America, after completing his military service. Elvis never appeared in concert outside the U.S. His manager Col. Tom Parker (a former carnival huckster) was an illegal immigrant and as a result was unable to apply for a passport.

1964 - Jim & Jesse McReynolds became members of the Grand Ole Opry.

1967 -   The 9^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening. Jeannie Seely won a Grammy for "Don't Touch Me." Other Country Music Grammy winners this year include David Houston, Billy Sherrill-Glen Sutton (songwriters), Anita Kerr Singers, Porter Wagoner & the Blackwood Brothers, and Ray Charles.

1974 - The 16^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented in California. Winners in the Country Music category included: Olivia Newton-John Best Female Vocal Performance "Let Me Be There" MCA; Charlie Rich Best Male Vocal Performance "Behind Closed Doors" Epic/Columbia; Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge Best Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group "From the Bottle to the Bottom" A & M; Eric Weissberg & Steve Mandell Best Instrumental Performance "Dueling Banjos" Epic; Kenny O'Dell (songwriter) Best Country Song "Behind Closed Doors."; Doc Watson Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording "Then and Now" United Artists. NOTE: Grammy Awards are presented for music released the previous year. 1973's music awards are presented in 1974.

1984 - The Whites became members of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2007 they remain one of the Opry fans favorites. Two members of the group are lovely, talented ladies. The third member is not lovely, on the outside anyway, however Buck White is one of the best men to ever set foot on the stage of what use to be the best showcase for country music on the planet. To know him, is to love him. God bless you Buck.

1984 - Roy Hall 1922-1984, age 61, Rockabilly pioneer died in Nashville.

1987 - Country Music was well represented this evening at the Grammy Awards Show. Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap, The Judds, Ricky Skaggs, Jamie O'Hara (songwriter), and Doc Watson received the highly prized Grammy Awards, and the Hall of Fame Award went to "Blue Suede Shoes" by Carl Perkins released on Sun Records in 1956; and "Cool Water" by the Sons of the Pioneers released on Decca in 1941. These recordings will now by referred to as Grammy Hall of Fame recordings for all time.

1988 - Grammy Awards went to K.T. Oslin, Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Ronnie Milsap, Kenny Rogers, Asleep At The Wheel, Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet (songwriters). Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, and Ray Charles.

1990 - Keith Whitley's Video for his RCA single "I Wonder Do You Think of Me" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1995 - Vern Gosdin was hospitalized and underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery in October of 1990, and suffered a stroke today. Later, while driving home from a meeting in June of 1999, Gosdin suffered a second stroke. Columbia Records cut him from their roster not long after he had the stroke in 1995.

1996 - Martina McBride's RCA single "Wild Angels," became her first #1 record.

1998 - Capitol Records released Steve Wariner's single "Holes In The Floor Of Heaven." The song charted a few days later, and topped out at #2. The songs was honored by the CMA as their Single of the Year.

1999 - Sony released Moe Bandy's album "Super Hits."

1999 - Rounder released Rosie Flores' album "Dance Hall Dreams."

2001 - Lonnie Glosson, age 93, singer, songwriter died in Searcy, Arkansas.

2001 - Singer-songwriter Guy Wood, age 89, died in New York City. Guy wrote "Rock-a-Bye Baby."

2002 - The new Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame opened in Ferriday, Louisiana.  Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, and Jimmy Swaggart were among the first inductees.

2002 - The CMA honored the Women of Country Music, during a luncheon for the "Country Radio Seminar," at the Nashville Convention Center. Four former CMA Female Vocalist of the Year winners were honored. Lynn Anderson 1971 , Tanya Tucker 1991, Trisha Yearwood 1997/1998, and Martina McBride 1999.

2004 - The Whites celebrated their 20^th anniversary as members of the Grand Ole Opry.

2005 - Joe Carter, co-founder of the Carter Family Fold, and son of A.P. & Sara Carter, died at age 78.

2006 - Jim & Jesse McReynolds became members of the Grand Ole Opry 42 years ago today. Jim Passed away in 2002.

2007 - The CRS (Country Radio Seminar) --38 "New Faces Show" featured Rodney Atkins, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and Jack Ingram. The Show was hosted by Kix Brooks and sponsored by Radio and Records, ABC Radio Network and The Country Music Association.

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1904 - Carrie Cash 1904-1991, mother of Johnny Cash was born on this date.

1909 - Johnny Barfield, Bluebird Recording artist, was born in Tifton, Georgia.

1922 - Jimmy Heap 1922-1977, Western Swing bandleader, singer, songwriter, guitarist and member of the Big D Jamboree in Dallas, was born in Taylor, Texas.

1951 - Bob DiPiero singer, songwriter was born in Youngstown, Ohio. Bob moved to Nashville in 1979 and found work as a session, and road musician. Eventually concentrating on his songwriting paid off for Bob. He was inducted into the NSHF in 2007.

1958 - Johnny Cash sat atop the charts with "Ballad of a Teenage Queen."

1959 - Lefty Frizzell recorded "The Long Black Veil" 1959.

1961 - William Hewlett Chitwood 1888-1961, of "The Georgia Yellow Hammers," died at age 72.

1963 - A fund raising concert for the family of Kansas City D.J. "Cactus Jack" Call, who was killed in a traffic accident was held today. Artists who volunteered their time, and paid for their own transportation included: Dottie West, Patsy Cline,  Billy Walker, Hawkshaw Hawkins, George Jones, Cowboy Copas and Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper. Three of these top country artists would not make it back to Nashville alive.

1966 - Buck Owens' "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line" topped the charts.

1970 - John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter Cash was born in Madison, Tennessee.

1971 - Ray Price's Columbia album "For The Good Times" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1971 - Brent Warren singer, songwriter of the Warren Brothers was born in Tampa, Florida.

1973 - Wanda Jackson, Frankie Laine, and Tony Booth were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1973 - The 15^th Annual Grammy Awards provided a great deal of happiness to the following Country Music artists this evening: Donna Fargo, Charley Pride, The Statler Brothers, Charlie McCoy, Ben Peters (songwriter), Elvis Presley, and Tom T. Hall..

1979 - PBS television broadcast a live Grand Ole Opry show.

1980 - Waylon Jennings album "What Goes Around," was certified Gold by the RIAA

1983 - Allen Massey 1907-1983, age 75, of "Louise Massey & the Westerners" died in Texas.

1984 - Roy Hall 1922-1984,   Rockabilly singer, songwriter, and pianist died at age 61.

1986 - Dwight Yoakam's first album "Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc." was released on the Reprise label. The album charted the following month and went to #1. Every album that Dwight has ever recorded has made the Top 10. One day soon the boy needs to go to work on his personality.

1986 - Boudleaux and Felice Bryant were inducted into the National Songwriters Hall Of Fame, In New York City. This husband and wife team was the first songwriters to move to Nashville, for the sole purpose of making their living by writing songs.

1989 - Al Clauser 1911-1989, Western Swing bandleader, songwriter, and guitarist, died at the age of 78.

1990 - The Highwaymen toured for the first time from the 3^rd through the 17^th. The opening venue for the tour was played in the Houston Astrodome.

1994 - Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson opened their Australia and New Zeland tour.

1996 - Kyle Bailes 1915-1996, of the "Bailes Brothers," died at the age of 80.

2001 - Jessica Andrews #1 single "Who I Am" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 Chart.

2001 - Diamond Rio's #1 hit "One More Day" charted.

2002 - George Strait played the last concert ever held at the Astrodome in Houston. 68,000 fans were in attendance, including President Bush #41 and Barbara. The show was recorded for a live album.

2002 - Harlan Howard 1927-2002, age 74, the "Dean of Country Songwriters," and a U.S Army Paratrooper, died in Nashville today, and Music City went into mourning. Harlan was laid to rest in the Old Nashville City Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee. He was inducted into the NSHF in 1973 and the CMHF in 1997. Just as a reminder of the genius this man possessed, and the extraordinary music he left behind for us, here are a few examples of songs Harlan wrote, or co-wrote. These songs were tearfully taken from a list provided by the Nashville songwriters Hall of Fame website. www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com

"Heartaches By the Number" * "I Fall to Pieces" * "The Chokin Kind" * "Busted" * "Why Not Me" * "Pick Me Up On Your Way Down" * "I Don't Believe I'll Fall in Love Today" * "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" * "Somebody Should Leave" * "Life Turned Her That Way" * "Streets of Baltimore" * "Foolin' Around" * "No Charge" * "Excuse Me (I Think I've Got a Heartache)" * "Second Hand Rose" * "She's a Little Bit Country" * "The Key's in the Mailbox" * and thousands more. Thank you Harlan Howard. Can there be a better gift than a great Country song? I pray that our grandchildren will be able to discover the music that you and I grew up with. How sad to know that a few greedy men were able to make this music go away, and replace it with what comes out of Rock Pop, Tennessee, today.

2005 - The Academy of Country Music announced the nominations for this years awards show. Tim McGraw led the field with six nominations, Alison Krauss has five.

2007 - The first leg of George Strait's arena tour was completed this evening in Denver, Colorado. The tour began on January 11^th in Lafayette, Louisiana.

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1928 - Frank Jones 1928-2005, music executive, born in Toronto, Canada.

1932 - Betty Jack Davis 1932-1953, one half of the legendary Davis Sisters, was born in Corbin, Kentucky. She and singing partner Mary Francis Penick a.k.a. Skeeter Davis met in High School and formed their act. In 1952 the girls appeared on numerous radio stations, including WJR in Detroit. They were signed to a recording contract by RCA Victor in 1953, and were scheduled to appear on the Grand Ole Opry. On August 1, 1953 the Davis Sisters appeared on the Wheeling Jamboree. On their way home they were involved in a car wreck in Cincinnati, Ohio, that took the life of Betty Jack Davis, and seriously injured Skeeter. Betty died as a result of her injuries on August 2, 1953, at the age of 21. Less than two weeks later the girls RCA single "I Forgot More That You'll Ever Know" hit the Billboard charts, and went to #1. The Cecil Null penned song remained on the charts for 26 weeks, 8 of those weeks at #1, however, Betty never knew. Betty Jack Davis was laid to rest at Highland Cemetery, in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

1934 - John Duffey 1934-1996, bluegrass singer, and mandolin player, of The Country

Gentlemen, and later Seldom Seen, was born in Washington D.C.

1949 - Carroll Baker singer, songwriter, born in Port Medway, Nova Scotia, Canada.

1951 - Eddy Arnold's "There's Been a Change in Me" topped the charts.

1954 - Bill Chapman Bluegrass musician was born on this date.

1957 - Marty Robbins released "A White Sport Coat" b/w "Grown Up Tears."

1962 - Catherine Irwin of "Freakwater," born in New Haven, Connecticut.

1967 - Johnny Cash and June Carter's "Jackson," charted.

1968 - The Academy of Country Music Third Annual Awards Show was presented from the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles. Awards presented this evening represent work product produced the previous year (1967). The winners: Female Vocalist Lynn Anderson; Male Vocalist Glen Campbell; Vocal Group Sons of the Pioneers; Vocal Duet Merle Haggard & Bonnie Owens; Song Of The Year "It's Such A Pretty World Today" Dale Noe songwriter; Album "Gentle on My Mind" Glen Campbell; Most Promising Female Vocalist Bobbie Gentry; Most Promising Male Vocalist Jerry Inman: Musician Category Best Fiddle player Billy Armstrong; Steel Guitar Red Rhodes; Keyboards Earl Ball; Bass Red Wooten; Guitar Jimmy Bryant; Drums Pee Wee Adams; Best Touring Band Buck Owens & the Buckaroos; Nightclub Palomino Club. Personal Observation: The CMA could learn a great deal from the ACM, if they had any interest at all in improving the method, and the reason, they honor people in Nashville. You CAN NOT ignore the songwriters, and the musicians and be a viable representative of the Country Music industry. Without those people there would not be any music. Money has always trumped common sense in Cashville. Build a house on that kind of foundation...and eventually your house will come tumbling down. Traditional Country Music R.I.P.

1969 - Tom T. Hall recorded "A Week In A Country Jail" b/w "Strawberry Farms."

1970 - Wanda Jackson and Sonny James were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1970 - Johnny Cash's ABC-TV show featured guests Roger Miller, the Carter Family, Statler Brothers, and Carl Perkins.

1972 - Tom T. Hall and Susan Raye were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1972 -Tammy Wynette's "Bedtime Story" was country music's #1 record.

1973 - The 15^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening in California. Winners in the Country Music category include: Female Vocal Donna Fargo "Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A." Male Vocal Charley Pride "Charley Pride Sing Heart Songs" album; Best Group or Duo The Statler Brothers "Class of '57"; Instrumental Performance Charlie McCoy; Best Song "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'" songwriter Ben Peters; Best Gospel Performance Blackwood Brothers "Love."

1973 - Calvin Scott Stoneman 1932-1973, of the "Stoneman Family," died at age 40.

1975 - Cal Smith's MCA single "It's Time to Pay the Fiddler" was #1.

1975 - The First Annual People's Choice Awards were presented this evening from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. Favorite Female Musical Performer "Olivia Newton-John; Favorite Male Musical Performer "Mac Davis." Other winners included John Wayne, Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore and the Osmond Brothers. The 34 ^th Annual Show will be broadcast in 2008.

1978 - PBS televised the Grand Ole Opry live. This was the first time the show was ever presented live on television.

1980 - " Coal Miner's Daughter," the movie, premiered in Nashville. Loretta Lynn thought she was the worst dressed person to attend the event.

1981 - Mac Davis' Casablanca album "It's Hard to Be Humble" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1983 - George Jones and Nancy Sepulveda were married in Woodville, Texas. This was the brightest day in the history of Classic Country Music. Thank You Nancy’Ķfor giving our favorite singer back to us.

1984 - Toby Keith and wife Tricia were married. They have three children, and live on a horse ranch near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1996 - Minnie Pearl, age 83, died from cancer in Nashville, Tennessee. Minnie joined the Grand

Ole Opry in 1940, and was a cast member on the Hee Haw TV-Show.  Inducted into the CMHF in

1975. This dear lady was laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery, Franklin, Tennessee. Minnie's

absence from Music City left a tremendous void that will never be filled.

1999 - Eddie Dean 1907-1999, age 91, a.k.a. Edgar Dean Glosup singer, songwriter, and actor, wrote "I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven," died in Los Angeles, California. He was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame 1993. Eddie Dean was laid to rest in Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park, in Westlake Village, California.

2003 - RCA released Lester Flatt "RCA Country Legends."

2004 - Brad Paisley was named the "Country Radio Broadcasters" Humanitarian of the Year.

2005 - The Chieftains performed with the Nashville Symphony at the Tennessee performing Arts

Center the 4^th-5^th.

2005 - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers were the featured artists at the Boulder Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2005 - The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Grand Ole Opry House. No longer able to fill the seats at the much larger Opry House in the winter months, the show has moved back to the Ryman Auditorium every fall for the past few years. The new Pop-Rock style of country music featured at the Opry won't fill the seats anymore. Who wants to pay those high prices to see bald guys wearing cowboy hats, and girls wearing almost nothing, and all the time knowing, you're not going to hear much real country music once you get to your over priced seat. Country Music R.I.P.

2006 - Lyric Street Records newcomer Trent Tomlinson made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

2008 - Alan Jackson's next Arista Nashville album, "Good Time," is scheduled to be released.

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1911 - Jesse Rodgers, singer, cousin of Jimmie Rodgers, born Waynesboro, Mississippi.

1918 - Murray Nash 1918-2000, record company executive, born Campbell, Nebraska.

1925 - Jimmy Bryant 1925-1980, guitar, fiddle, singer, songwriter, and actor, born John Ivy Bryant Jr. in Moultrie, Georgia. Wrote "Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line," for Waylon Jennings. Jimmy was a top session guitarist in Los Angeles, and played on many of the stars recording sessions. While Jimmy was a member of the Sons of the Pioneers, he appeared in 12 of Roy Rogers movies, and signed a contract   with Republic Studios as an actor. Jimmy joined Roy Rogers' Radio Show from 1949-1953. In 1954 Jimmy joined the cast of Cliffie Stones Hometown Jubilee TV-Show in Hollywood. He remained with that show for eleven years. Nicknamed " The Fastest Guitar in the Country" Jimmy began recording with steel guitarist Speedy West, and they recorded over a dozen singles together, and were named "Best Instrumental Group" in a poll conducted with disc jockeys.

1927 - M. H. Bowers fiddler, and String band leader along with W. B. Kingery, M. R. Hughes, Tom Givens, and W. B. McKay, Made their first, and last appearance on the WLS Barn Dance.

1939 - Raymond Fairchild singer, banjo, guitarist and recording artist, born Cherokee, North Carolina. Nicknamed "King of the Smoky Mountain Banjo Players."

1949 - Hank Williams' single "Lovesick Blues," charted. After going to #1, it remained in the top spot for 16 weeks.

1952 - Webb Pierce's Decca single "Wondering" topped the charts. This was Webb's first chart hit, and his first #1. He was a cast member of the Louisiana Hayride, and then joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1955. West Monroe, Louisiana's favorite son was inducted into the CMHF in 2001.

1954 - George Wilkerson 1895-1954, age 58, founder of the Grand Ole Opry's "Fruit Jar Drinkers, died today.

1960 - Sgt. Elvis Presley was discharged from the U. S. Army.

1960 - Jim Reeves' RCA Victor single "He'll Have to Go" was #1 on the country charts. This was Jim's 5^th #1. The record has been added to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

1963 - Patsy Cline 1932-1963, age 30, was killed in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. Patsy was a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Inducted into the CMHF 1973. Also killed in the crash were Cowboy Copas 1913-1963, age 49, Hawkshaw Hawkins 1921-1963, age 41, and Patsy's manager, Randy Hughes 1928-1963, age 34. Hughes was flying the plane. He was also Cowboy Copas' son-in-law, and Hawkins was married to Jean Shepard. Patsy Cline was laid to rest in Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester, Virginia. Hughes, Copas, and Hawkins were laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

During a sixteen-month period ranging from March 5^th, 1963 to July 31^st , 1964 the Grand Ole Opry Family lost the following:

3-5-63      Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hankins and Randy Hughes, all

died near Camden, Tennessee in a plane crash.

3-7-63      Jack Anglin of "Johnny & Jack," was killed in a car wreck en route to

Patsy Clines memorial service.

3-29-63 Texas Ruby, age 52, died in a trailer fire near Nashville.

7-31-64    Jim Reeves and Dean Manuel were killed in a plane crash near Nashville.

1964 - Johnny Cash recorded "Ballad of Ira Hayes."

1968 - Sydney Nathan 1903-1968, record company executive and founder of King Records died at age 64.

1969 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Bobby Goldsboro and Joe South.

1973 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "Ain't It Amazing, Gracie" b/w "The Good Ol' Days (Are Here Again)"

1973 - Wildcountry a.k.a. Alabama made their debut appearance, at the Bowery Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They learned their trade for the next seven years at this popular watering hole.

1975 -   Olivia Newton-John 's MCA single "Have You Never Been Mellow" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1976 - Waylon & Willie were #1 with their self penned RCA single "Good Hearted Woman." The record was named the CMA's Single of the Year. The two outlaws had several hit duets prior to their falling out. Willie did not attend Waylon's funeral in Arizona, or his Memorial Service at the Ryman Auditorium. Mama's’Ķdon't let you babies grow up to be outlaws.

1976 - Johnny Cash recorded "One Piece At A Time" in Nashville. Charlie Bragg and Don Davis produced the session, W. Kemp wrote the song. Session personnel included Johnny Cash-vocals & guitar; Bob Wooton-guitar; Marshall Grant-bass; W.S. Holland-drums; Jack Routh-guitar, Jerry Hensley-guitar; Larry McCoy-piano.

1977 - Glen Campbell's #1 Capitol single "Southern Nights" charted. Allen Toussaint wrote the song. This was Glen's 5 ^th #1.

1979 - MCA Records purchased, and then closed ABC Records.

1980 - Warner Bros. released Buck Owens' single "Love Is A Warm Cowboy" b/w "I Don't Want To Live In San Francisco."

1984 - Exile topped the charts with "Woke up in Love" 1984.

1991 - MCA released Vince Gill's album "Pocket Full Of Gold." That's exactly what this album became for the Gill household. The album sold millions of units.

1995 - The People's Choice Awards were presented this evening. Reba McEntire won Favorite Female Country Performer, and some guy named Garth won Favorite Male Country Performer. The awards presented this evening represent the music that was released last year...1994.

1996 - Warner Bros. released Steve Earl's "I Feel Alright" 1996

1997 - Zeke Campbell of the "Light Crust Doughboys," died today.

2004 - Anna Carter Davis 1917-2004, age 87, died in Fort Worth, Texas. A gospel music pioneer with the Chuck Wagon Gang, and widow of former Gov. Jimmie Davis of Louisiana,  Anna was laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas.

2005 - Loretta Lynn was the featured artist at the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.

2005 - Pat Green made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry tonight.

2007 - The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville was the setting, as the West Coast based Academy of Country Music announced the nominees for this years awards show. George Strait is nominated in 8 categories, followed by Brooks & Dunn with 7.

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1904 - Clifford Raymond Carlisle 1904-1983, singer, songwriter, guitar, dobro, and steel guitar player of The Carlisles, was born in Mount Eden, Kentucky. As one half of the brother duet, Cliff and Bill began their professional career in 1929 on the Louisville based Carlisle Family Saturday Night Barn Dance. The show was broadcast over a local radio station.

1905 - Bob Wills 1905-1975, born James Robert Wills, in Limestone County, Texas. He would come to be known as "The King of Western Swing."  

1909 - Floyd "Salty" Holmes 1909-1970, of "The Prarie Ramblers" born in Glasgow, Kentucky.

1922 - Carl Sauceman 1922-2005, of the Sauceman Brothers was born in Green County, Tennessee. Carl was a singer, guitarist, and bass player who, along with brother John Paul Sauceman were known as the Sauceman Brothers. They were early pioneers of Bluegrass music.

1925 - Jean Chapel 1925-1995, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born Opal Jean Amburgey in Neon, Kentucky. Along with her sisters Bertha and Irene in the late 1930's and '40's they appeared as The Sunshine Sisters, and later were billed as The Coon Creek Girls while they were cast members of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. After moving to the WSB Barn Dance in Atlanta, they called themselves the Hoot Owl Holler Girls.

1926 - A. J. Band and his Barn Dance Team appeared on the WSM Barn Dance this evening. It would be their last appearance.

1928 - Don Stover 1928-1996, Bluegrass banjo, was born today

1934 - Red Simpson, Capitol Recording artist, songwriter, and guitarist, born in Higley, Arizona. Red charted his first hit single on Billboards Country charts in 1966, with "Roll Truck Roll" written by Tommy Collins.

1934 ’Ä́ Ray Walker of the "Jordanaires" (1954-1982) was born in Centerville, Mississippi.

1937 - Douglas Flint Dillard, of "The Dillards," born in East St. Louis, Illinois. The Dillards appeared frequently on the Andy Griffith Show as the Darling Family.

1953 - Hank Williams topped the charts with "Kaw-Liga," almost two months after his death.

1953 - Tari Hensley Mercury recording artist, born Tari Hodges in Independence, Missouri.

1954 - George Jones released "No Money In This Deal," b/w "You're In My Heart." The single did not chart.

1958 - Marty Robbins recorded "Kaw-liga" in Nashville. Hank Williams & Fred Rose wrote the song, and the session was produced by Don Law. The session personnel included: Marty Robbins-vocals & guitar; Grady Martin-guitar; Hillous Butrum-guitar; Jack Pruett-guitar; James Farmer-steel guitar; Marvin Hughes-piano; Floyd Chance-bass; Louis Dunn-drums.

1961 - Ralph Mooney released "Moonshine," and "Release Me," (Instrumentals) in 1961.

1964 - Skip Ewing, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Donald Ralph Ewing in Red Lands, California.

1968 - Buck Owens' Capitol album "Best of Buck Owens" was certified gold by the RIAA.

1969 - Jerry Lee Lewis' single "To Make Love Sweeter for You" was #1 on Billboard's Country charts. The song was written by Jerry Kennedy and Glenn Sutton, and released on the Smash label. This was "The Killer's" 3^rd #1.

1974 - Jim Stafford's MGM single "Spiders & Snakes" was certified Gold by you know who.

1975 - Johnny Rivers' Imperial albums "A Touch of Gold Volume II" and "Johnny Rivers' Golden Hits" were both certified Gold by the RIAA today.

1976 - Emmylou Harris' first #1 single "Together Again" charted 1976.

1976 - The Bellamy Brothers single "Let Your Love Flow" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 Chart.

1980 - A big day for "The Red-Headed Stranger." Willie Nelson's Columbia album "Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson" was certified Gold by the RIAA, and his "Willie Nelson & Family Live" album was certified Platinum.

1981 - Dolly Parton's RCA Victor album "9 to 5 and Odd Jobs" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1983 - CMT, the Country Music Television network, broadcast their first program today.

1990 ’Ä́ Warner Records released Travis Tritt's first album "Country Club."

1999 - George Jones purchased a pint of vodka, and headed for his home near Nashville. A short distance from his home, he reached for something inside his SUV, while talking on his cell phone.   George crashed his new Lexus SUV, into a concrete bridge. His heart stopped beating twice in the ambulance enroute to the hospital. He spent the next eleven days in the ICU, near death.   Jones told CMT in an interview, that a short time prior to this accident, he had asked God to do to him, what ever it took to make him stop drinking. Well’Ķit worked, and Nancy Jones contributed a great deal to the process.

2000 - Scotty Moore Elivis' first guitar player was inducted into the R&RHOF.

2003 - George Jones was presented with the 2002 National Medal of Arts Award by President George W. Bush, at the White House.

2005 - Doug Supernaw, age 44, was arrested in Bryan, Texas.. The singer was charged with Public Intoxication and Fleeing a Police Officer. Supernaw was arrested in 2002 on felony charges of Assaulting a Police Officer. That case was set to be tried on March 31, 2005.

2005 - The Nashville Palace went out of business. Randy Travis was working as a dishwasher at the Palace, when he was discovered by Warner Bros. Records. The Nightclub has reopened under new management, and features top name entertainment, most from the Grand Ole Opry.

2007 - MCA Nashville released Gary Allen's "Greatest Hits" CD today. The CD went Gold by November.

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1924 - Riley Puckett and Gid Tanner had their first session for Columbia Records.

1944 - Townes Van Zandt 1944-1997, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Fort Worth, Texas.

1951 - Decca Records newest artist Webb Pierce recorded his first cuts for the label today. The early releases did not sell well. The second session was more fruitful.

1953 - Patsy Cline "Virginia Patterson Hensley" married her first husband, Gerald Cline . They divorced in 1957.

1958 - Bill Carlisle released "Dumb Bunny."

1960 - Hank Locklin's "Please Help Me I'm Falling" charted.

1961 - Buck Owens recorded "Heartaches By The Number."

1963 - Jack Anglin 1916-1963, age 46, of Johnnie & Jack, was killed in a traffic accident while en route to Patsy Cline's memorial service. He was the fourth member of the Grand Ole Opry cast to die in the past 48 hours.

1964 - Ernie Ashworth and Jim & Jesse, became members of the Grand Ole Opry.

1964 - Bobby Bare's single "Miller's Cave" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 Chart.

1971 - Gilley's club opened in Pasadena, Texas. The business failed in 1989 and closed. Arson destroyed the building within days, one arrest was made.

1971 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Seals & Crofts, Vikki Car, Mel Tillis, David Steinberg and Shecky Green.

1972 - Buck Owens recorded "Made In Japan."

1973 - Mac Davis' Columbia album "Baby, Don't Get Hooked on Me" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1980 - Crystal Gayle's United Artists album "Classic Crystal" was certified Gold by the RIAA, as was Kenny Rogers United Artists single "Coward of the County."

1983 - "Nashville Now" with Ralph Emery Hosting, aired their first broadcast on TNN from 8:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. Once again, Ralph Emery would expose the world; to the best Nashville had to offer. The early shows were broadcast from the Stagedoor Lounge at the Opryland Hotel.

1983 TNN, the "Nashville Network" debuted in seven million homes. Originally scheduled to begin in October 1982, technical problems resulted in a five-month delay.

1983 - Ricky Skaggs' Epic album "Watin' for the Sun to Shine" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1985 - Randy Travis made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1994 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that parodies that poke fun at an original work can be considered "fair use" and does not require permission from the copyright holder.

2000 - Edsel Records released Glenn Barber's album "Close But No Cigar."

2000 - Doug Stone was injured when his ultra-light aircraft crashed near Nashville. His guitarist, Rusty Van Sickle, rushed him to NorthCrest Medical Center in Springfield, Tennessee.

2000 - Pee Wee King 1914-2000, a.k.a. 'Julius Frank Kuczynski,' age 86, died from a heart attack in Louisville, Kentucky. He was inducted into the NSHF in 1970, and the CMHF in 1975.

2005 - Chad Brock began his new career as a disc jockey, at WTRS in Ocala, Florida, as one half of the "Chad & Dave" morning team.

2005 - Merle Haggard and Bob Dylan's first ever joint tour opened in Seattle, Washington.

2006 - Universal South released Lee Roy Parnell's latest album "Back To The Well."  The artist wrote or co-wrote every song on the album.

2007 - Ernie Ashworth celebrated his 43^rd anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

2008 - South by South West (SXSW) is scheduled for the 7^th-16^th in Austin, Texas.

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1898 - Homer "Slim" Miller 1898-1962, of the Cumberland Ridge Runners, was born in Lizton, Indiana.

1933 - Johnny Dollar, singer, songwriter, member of the Louisiana Hayride was born in Kilgore, Texas.

1937 - Oscar Jimmy Stoneman, of the "Stoneman Family," born in Washington D.C.

1939 - Lew Dewitt "Statler Brothers" born in Roanoke, Virginia.

1941 - Bob Timmers, founder of the "Rockabilly Hall of Fame," born in Appleton, Wisconsin.

1946 - Randy Meisner of the "Eagles" born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

1950 - Michael Lynn Owens, son of Buck and Bonnie Owens, was born on this date.

1960 - Jimmy Dormire of "Confederate Railroad," born in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

1966 - Robert Lunn 1912-1966, age 54, Grand Ole Opry comedian died today.

1969 - Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry's duet "Let It Be Me" charted.

1970 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests John Davidson, Glenn Ash, Mike Connors and Lily Tomlin.

1972 - Charley Pride's RCA Victor single "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'," was certified Gold by (you guessed it) the RIAA.

1980 - Willie Nelson's "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" went to #1.

1982 - The Oak Ridge Boys' MCA single "Elvira" was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

1984 - Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White Skaggs welcomed their first child Molly Kate.

1989 - Stuart Hamblen, age 80, singer, songwriter, and actor, died as the result of a brain tumor.

Stuart was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. Prior to finding

success in the music business Stuart worked as a schoolteacher, prizefighter, cowboy, and a

racehorse trainer. He was inducted into the NSHF and the Country/Western Hall of Fame in

1970. Won the Gene Autry Award for enrichment of our western musical heritage in 1976, and

was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that same year. Hamblen was presented with

the Golden Boot Award for contributions to the Motion Picture Relief Fund in 1988. In 1952 Stuart

ran for president of the U.S. on the Prohibition Party ticket.

1991 - The Judds RCA/Curb album "Love Can Build A Bridge: was certified Gold by Tootsie's.

Oops’Ķ I believe it was really the RIAA that did it.

1993 - Columbia Records released "David Allan Coe's Super Hits."

1993 - Ralph Emery celebrated his tenth anniversary as host of "Nashville Now." Ralph was inducted into the CMHF in 2007.

1993 - Vince Gill's RCA Victor album "Best Of Vince Gill" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1994 - Liberty Records released Suzy Bogguss' "Greatest Hits" album.

1994 - Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire lead the list of artists nominated for ACM awards this year. Also on the list Linda Davis, Clint Black and Travis Tritt.

1994 - Billy Dean released his "Greatest Hits" album.

2003 - Jeff Bates made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

2003 - Nashville Star appeared on the USA Network for the first time. Clint Black was the featured artist on the opening show. Contestants included Buddy Jewel and Miranda Lambert.

2005 - Deana Carter's new CD, The Story of My Life, which she wrote and produced, was released today. Rhonda Vincent's Ragin Live, and Craig Morgan's My Kind of Livin' were also released today.

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1925 - Ralph Sloan, founder of The Tennessee Travelers, was born in Wilson County, Tennessee.

1936 - Mickey Gilley singer, songwriter, and pianist born Mickey Leroy Gilley in Natchez, Mississippi. Between 1974-1989 Gilley  placed 17 #1 hits on the country charts. Mickey's cousins are Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.

1941 - Wiley Walker and Gene Sullivan recorded "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again."

1948 - Jimmy Fadden of the "Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, " was born in Long Beach, California.

1956 - The Louvin Brothers' "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby" was #1.

1957 - Jimmy Bowen's single "I'm Stickin' With You" debuted on the charts.

1957 - Columbia Records released Marty Robbins single "A White Sport Coat." The self penned tune charted the following month, went to #1. This was Marty's 3^rd #1 hit.

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

1959 - George Jones' first #1 record charted to day. "White Lightning" was written by disc jockey  J.P. Richardson, who died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly, and Richie Valens in Iowa, one month before this song was released. Richardson never knew that he wrote the first #1 hit for his friend George Jones.

1963 - A moment of silence was observed at the Grand Ole Opry in memory of Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and Patsy's manager and pilot Randy Hughes. All lost their lives in a plane crash on March 5, 1963. Opry member Jack Anglin of "Johnny & Jack" became the fourth member of the Opry to die in a 48 hour period, when he was killed March 7^th, enroute to Patsy's memorial service. Cowboy Copas' daughter was married to Randy Hughes, and lost her husband, and her father in the plane crash. On March 29, 1963, the Opry lost another member when Texas Rudy, age 52, died in a fire at her home.

1964 - Lefty Frizzell topped the charts with his Columbia single "Saginaw Michigan." Bill Anderson and Don Wayne wrote the song.

1965 - Wanda Jackson recorded "Oh, Blacky Joe."

1968 - The 10^th Annual Grammy Awards originally scheduled to be presented on February 29^th, were postponed until this evening due to the death of a black civil rights leader. Winners in the Country Music category included: Best Vocal Performance Female "Ode to Billie Joe" Bobbie Gentry; Best Vocal Performance Male "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" Glen Campbell; Best Instrumental Performance "Chet Atkins Picks the Best" Chet Atkins; Best New Artist Bobbie Gentry; Best Gospel Performance "More Grand Ole Gospel" Porter Wagoner & The Blackwood Bros. Best Folk Performance "Gentle on My Mind" John Hartford; Best Vocal Duo "Jackson" Johnny Cash & June Carter; Best Country Song "Gentle on My Mind" Songwriter John Hartford.

1969 - Jeannie C. Riley appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

1969 - Buck Owens recorded "Johnny B. Goode" at a live performance at the London Palladium, in England. Ken Nelson produced the album "Buck Owens In London," and the single was released on May 5, 1969. The players included Buck Owens-vocal & guitar; Don Rich -lead guitar & harmony; Jay Dee Maness-steel guitar; Doyle Holly-bass; and Jerry Wiggins-drums. The Capitol single charted four days after its release, and went to #1. This was Buck's 18 ^th #1.

1970 - Johnny Cash recorded "What Is Truth" in Nashville. Bob Johnston produced the session, John Cash wrote the song. Session personnel included; Johnny Cash-vocals & guitar; Carl Perkins-guitar; Bob Wooton-guitar; Marshall Grant-bass; W.S. Holland-drums; Norman Blake-dobro.

1974 - The Grand Ole Opry played their last Saturday night show at the Ryman, prior to moving to the new Opry House. This was a sad evening for a lot of artists and musicians. Tom T. Hall quit the Opry rather than move out to the new building at Opryland. Tom returned a few years later, after Ernest Tubb told him it was time for him to come home.

1988 - Alabama's "Face To Face" topped the charts 1988.

1989 - Kevin Hughes, age 23, was shot and killed as he left the Nashville, Music Row office of Evergreen Records, in 1989. Hughes' friend Evergreen recording artist Sammy Sadler, age 22, was shot twice and critically wounded. At the time of this ambush, Hughes was about to go public with information regarding an elaborate chart-fixing scheme at Cash Box magazine. Fourteen years later, on November 7, 2003, Richard D'Antonio, age 56, was convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison for the shootings. Cash Box, a part of the dark underside of Music Row, is no longer in business.

1990 - Reba McEntire's MCA Music Video of "Reba" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1993 - Columbia released Vern Gosdin's album "Nickels & Dimes."

1996 - George Burns 1896-1996, age 100, comedian, Oscar winning actor, singer died today at him home in Beverly Hills, California. George charted 3 country songs in the early 1980's on the Mercury label. "I Wish I Was Eighteen Again" "Willie, Won't You Sing A Song With Me" and  "The Arizona Whiz." George Burns was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.

1999 - Blue Hat released Charlie Daniels' album "Tailgate Party."

1999 - King released Charlie Feathers' album "His Complete King Recordings."

2004 - Anna Davis, age 88, widow of legendary singer Gov. Jimmie Davis, was buried in Fort Worth, Texas.

2005 - George Scott, age 75, founding member of the Gospel group "Blind Boys of Alabama" died at his home in Durham, North Carolina, less than a month after winning his fourth consecutive Grammy Award.

2005 - Chris LeDoux 1948-2005, age 56, singer, songwriter, guitarist and rodeo champion, died at the Casper, Wyoming, Medical Center as a result of complications from cancer treatment. Chris was cremated.

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1920 - Kenneth "Jethro" Burns 1920-1989, mandolinist of 'Homer & Jethro' was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1928 - Johnnie Allan , Cajun, born Rayne, Louisiana.

1933 - Walter "Ralph" Emery, disc jockey, recording artist, TV Talk Show Host, and country music's best friend, was born in McEwen, Tennessee. Inducted into the CMDJHF in 1989 and the CMHF in 2007.

1938 - Norman Blake, recording artist, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, born Chattanooga, Tennessee.

1941 - Jon Derek, of Country Fever, born in Harlech, North Whales.

1946 - Charles Austin Miles 1868-1946, Gospel Music songwriter died at the age of 82. Charles wrote one of the all time favorite Gospel songs "In The Garden." Mr. Miles was laid to rest in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville, New Jersey.

1947 - Alex Harvey, born in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

1949 - Eddy Arnold 's "Don't Rob another Man's Castle" topped the charts.

1955 - Ricky Simpkins, Bluegrass fiddler, was born today.

1957 - Johnny Cash's "There You Go" topped the country charts.

1958 - Columbia Records released Marty Robbins single "Stairway of Love" b/w "Just Married." Just Married went to #1 and Stairway topped out at #2. Just Married was recorded in New York City on February 26, 1958. Mitch Miller produced the session, and session personnel included: Marty Robbins-vocals & guitar; Billy Mure-guitar; Tony Mottola-guitar; Don Arnone-guitar; Frank Carroll-bass; Ed Shaughnessy-drums; Ray Conniff-session leader.

1959 - Roger Bennett 1959-2007, Gospel Music singer, songwriter, and pianist born in Strawberry, Arkansas.  Originally with the Cathedrals, Roger later co-founded the award winning Legacy Five. Inducted Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

1965 - Buck Owens went to #1 with "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail."

1971 - Daryl Singletary singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Wigham, Georgia.

1973 - Kitty Cora Cline the Opry's first female soloist (1928-1934) died at the age of 96. Mrs. Cline played the "hammered dulcimer."

1973 - Faron Young, Penny DeHaven, and Tennessee Ernie Ford were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1975 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "Weekend Daddy" b/w "41^st Street Lonely Hearts' Club."

1977 - Statler Brothers Mercury album "The Best of the Statler Brothers" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1979 - Porter Wagoner invited James Brown the black R&B superstar to appear on the Grand Ole Opry, and James did just that this evening. He sang three songs, including his hit "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag."  Roy Acuff and Porter Wagoner had a short talk later that night.

1981 - Eddie Rabbitt's Elektra single "I Love A Rainy Night" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1983 - Carrie Underwood winner of 2005 American Idol TV-Show, born today in Checotah, Oklahoma. Her first album debuted at #1 on the country charts.

1992 - Willie Nelson's Columbia album "Greatest Hits & Some That Will Be" was certified 3 x Platinum by the RIAA. Willie's album "Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson" was certified Platinum. All of this on the same day.

1993 - Travis Tritt's Warner Bros. album "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

2000 - Vince Gill and Amy Grant were married in Nashville, Tennessee.

2000 - Abe W. Mulkey 1926-2002, singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and fiddle player died at age 76. Abe worked with Lefty Frizzell, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and many other artists. His song catalog numbered in the hundreds, and his songs were recorded by the top artists of his day. Abe Mulkey was laid to rest in Norway Cemetery, Norway, Oregon.

2003 - Jeff Bates made his first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

2003 - Natalie Maines of the "Dixie Chicks" and a member of the ACLU, told an audience in London, England, that the Chicks were ashamed that President George Bush was from their home state of Texas. Her statement came less than a week, before the war in Iraq was to begin. The Dixie Chicks were an all girl band from Texas who use to sell lots of records.

2005 - Montgomery Gentry and Trace Adkins performed at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Virginia.

2005 - Private memorial services were held at Bustard's Funeral Directors and Cremation Service in Casper, Wyoming, for Chris LeDoux. Chris was a rodeo champion, and recording artist.

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1890 - Pappy O'Daniel founder of the "Light Crust Doughboys," was born in Malta, Ohio.

1911 - "Cowboy Slim" Rinehart, singing cowboy, born in rural Gustine, Texas.

1927 - Seeburg placed their first jukebox in California.

1939 - Flaco Jimenez, of the "Texas Tornados" born in San Antonio, Texas.

1950 - Columbia Records released Little Jimmie Dickens single "Hillbilly Fever." The George Vaughn penned tune climbed the charts to #3.

1955 - Jimmy Fortune singer, songwriter. of the "Statler Brothers," born in Williamsburg, Virginia.

1963 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "Act Naturally" b/w "Over and Over Again."

1967 - Ira Stripling 1898-1967, singer, guitarist, and fiddler of the Stripling Brothers, died at the age of 68.

1970 - Dottie West and George Jones were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1970 - The 12^th Annual Grammy Awards for 1969 were presented in California. Country winners included:   Songwriter  Joe South ("Games People Play); Female Vocal Performance Tammy Wynette (Stand By Your Man); Male Vocal Performance Johnny Cash (A Boy Named Sue); Best Group or Duo Waylon Jennings & The Kimberleys (Macarthur Park); Best Gospel Performance Porter Wagoner I The Blackwood Brothrers.

1970 - Johnny Cash's ABC-TV show featured guests Linda Ronstadt, Hank Williams Jr. and June Carter Cash.

1971 - Merle Haggard's "The Fightin' Side Of Me" was certified gold by the RIAA.

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

1972 - Freddie Hart's Capitol single "My Hang Up Is You" was #1 on the Country charts.

1974 - Charlie Rich's self penned RCA single "There Won't Be Anymore" was #1.

1976 - Willie Nelson's Columbia album "Red Headed Stranger" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1979 - The Johnny Cash Show toured Britain from the 11^th through the 21^st.

1982 - Ed Bruce's "You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had" topped the charts.

1986 - Sonny Terry a.k.a. Saunders Terrell, harmonica player, died today.

1986 - The People's Choice Awards were presented this evening in California. Country winners included Kenny Rogers and Barbara Mandrell.

1987 - William Lee Golden was asked to leave the Oak Ridge Boys.

1991 - Carrie Cash 1904-1991, mother of Johnny Cash, died at the age of 86. Mrs. Cash was laid to rest in Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

1993 - Jim Boyd 1914-1993, of the Cowboy Ramblers died at age 78. Jim was laid to rest in Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.

1993 - Sandi Patti's Word label album "Morning Like This" was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

1995 - Pete Pyle 1920-1995, of the "Blue Grass Boys, died today.

1997 - Sony released Chet Atkins' album "The Day Finger Pickers Took over the World."

2000 - Joe Diffie and Theresa Crump were married in Nashville.

2003 - Dolly Parton received the Tennessee Governor's Award for the Arts.

2003 - Sony released Mickey Gilley's "16 Biggest Hits" album.

2003 - Nominations for the 2^nd Annual CMT Flameworthy Video Awards were announced today. The nominees included: Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, and Martina McBride.

2005 - The George Strait Team Roping Classic opened for a two day run in San Antonio, Texas.

2005 - Tim McGraw's movie "Black Cloud" opened in theaters.

2007 - The North America Country Music Associations, International Tenth Annual Country Music Week and NACMAI Hall of Fame and Award Show was held March 5 - March 11, 2007, at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

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1900 - Zora Layman violinist, vocalist born Hutchinson, Kansas.

1951 - Eddy Arnold's "There's Been a Change in Me," topped the charts.

1952 - Marshall Wilborn, bassist for the Johnson Mountain Boys, born Austin, Texas.

1957 - Buddy Holly & the Crickets recorded "Maybe Baby."

1959 - Johnny Cash recorded "I Got Stripes" and "Five Feet High and Rising."

1964 - The 6^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening. Winners in the Country Music category included: Best Country Recording "Detroit City" Bobby Bare; and that's it for '64.

1966 - Eddy Arnold's #1 single "I Want to Go with You" debuted on the charts.

1967 - Merle Haggard's "The Fugitive" went to #1.

1969 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Leslie Uggams, Ken Berry, Merle Haggard, and John Hartford.

1969 - The 11^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening in California. Winners in the Country Music category included: Best Album "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" Glen Campbell; Best Song "Little Green Apples" songwriter Bobby Russell; Female Country Vocal "Harper Valley P.T.A." (Single) by Jeannie C. Riley; Male Country Vocal "Folsom Prison Blues" (Single) Johnny Cash; Best Performance Duo or Group "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" Flatt & Scruggs; Best Country Song "Little Green Apples" Songwriter Bobby Russell; Best Gospel Performance "The Happy Gospel of the Happy Goodmans" The Happy Goodman Family: Best Folk Performance "Both Sides Now" Judy Collins.

1974 - Herald Goodman of "The Vagabonds" died.

1975 - George Jones and Tammy Wynette "Mr. & Mrs. Country Music" became officially single again today. The couple sang so well together, but other than that their marriage can accurately be described as a disaster. Tammy got custody of Tamala, the couple's only child, and the very famous house they owned on Music Cities Franklin Road. Some nights when their relationship wasn't going well, the only dressing room back stage at the Ryman was the Jones domain, and the door remained closed. I never understood why the door was closed, no one would have purposely tried to entered that disaster in progress anyway. Except maybe George Morgan. He could make even that couple smile while the sparks were still in the air.

1977 - Charlie Pride topped the charts with "She's Just an Old Love Turned Memory."

1980 - Ralph Sloan, age 55, founder of the Grand Old Opry dance troupe, the Tennessee

Travelers died.

1981 - MCA released the Oak Ridge Boys single "Elvira." The song charted three weeks later and became the Boys 4^th #1 hit single, and has been certified Gold by the RIAA.

1983 - Willie Nelson's self penned Columbia single "Little Old Fashioned Karma" charted. The record topped out at #10.

1990 - Vern Gosdin's Columbia album "Chiseled In Stone" was certified gold by the RIAA. Columbia released 5 of the songs on this album as singles, including "Set 'Em Up Joe" and the title cut.

1991 - Alan Jackson's Arista album "Here in the Real World" was certified Platinum by the RIAA. This was Alan's first album.

1994 ’Ä́ Rick Trevino's self-titled debut Columbia album charted today. The album has been certified Gold by you know who.

1996 - Tracy Lawrence's Atlantic album "Time Marches On" was certified Gold by someone.  

1996 - Columbia Records released Chet Atkins' album "Almost Alone." This was Mr. Guitar's 32^nd chart album.

2001 - Vince Gill and Amy Grant Gill became the parents of a beautiful baby girl named Corrina.

2005 - George Jones performed in concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

2007 - The Recording Industry of America just certified Waylon's 1980 single "Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)."  a Platinum Mastertone for one million ringtones purchased. Waylon wrote and performed the song for the television series "Dukes of Hazzard." The Mastertones are ringtones that utilize the original recording rather than a synthesized instrumental version of a hit song.

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1903 - Bill Nettles 1907-1967, songwriter, recording artist, was born William E. Nettles in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Bill and his brother Norman were the talent behind the Dixie Blue Boys, and later founded the Nettles Brothers. They became stars while playing their music on KWKH radio in Shreveport, and record on Vocation and Bluebird, the low budget division of RCA from 1937-1945. Bill was a disabled veteran of World War I, having served in the Navy.

1926 - Maybelle & Ezra Carter were married.

1926 - Fiddler Henry Bandy, the pride of Petroleum, Kentucky debuted on WSM's Barn Dance. Also making their debut appearance that evening was The Carthage Fiddlers String Band, led by Jerry Gardenshire on harmonica, Robert King fiddle, T. K. Fort guitar, and J. F. Reed guitar.

1930 - Liz Anderson was born, "Elizabeth Jane Haaby," in Roseau, Minnesota. Liz and Lynn are mother and daughter, and both so very talented.

1930 - Jan Howard recording artist, born Lula Grace Johnson in West Plains, Missouri. Jan was married to Harlan Howard from 1957-1967. She joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1971. I know of no other Grand Ole Opry artist who has experienced more personal tragedy in their life that Jan Howard. Yet, back stage at the Opry, it is always Jan Howard who first displays a beautiful, and sincere smile for the next person who enters the room.

1945 - Michael Martin Murphy singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Dallas, Texas.

1956 - Elvis Presley's first album "Elvis Presley" was released.

1961 - Bobby Helms released "You're The One."

1961 - Ricky Nelson recorded "Travelin' Man."

1963 - Billy Yates, singer, songwriter, born in Doniphan, Missouri.

1965 - Dick Curless' Tower Records single "A Tombstone Every Mile" hit the Billboard Country chart. This was Dick's first chart record.

1965 - The mayor of Beaumont, Texas, officially proclaimed today "George Jones Day."

1967 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "Sam's Place" b/w "Don't Ever Tell Me Goodbye."

1975 - George Jones and Tammy Wynette divorced.

1980 - Marty Robbins released "She's Made of Faith" b/w "Misery in My Soul."

1980 - Dan Fogelberg's Epic album "Phoenix" was certified Gold and Platinum today by the RIAA.

1982 - Willie and Waylon's RCA duet single "Just To Satisfy You" hit the Country chart, and eventually went to #1.

1999 - Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

1999 - Chely Wright's MCA Nashville single "Single White Female" hit the Country charts today and fought it's way to the very top. This was Chely's first #1 record, and it remained on the chart for 8 months.

2001 - Benny Martin 1928-2001, age 72, recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, top session musician, and world class fiddle player died in Nashville.

2001 - BMG released Bobby Bare's double-disc set "Singles: 1959-1969."

2007 - Billy Joe Shaver's "Greatest Hits" album was released today.

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1889 - "Aunt Sap" 1889-1980, of Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap was born Neva Inez Fisher Greevi in Luther, Michigan. Her husband Laurence Lemarr Brasfield was Uncle Cyp, in their comedy duo. Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap entertained for decades, and were cast members of the Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Missouri. Cyp's younger brother was Grand Ole Opry comedian Rod Brasfield.

1904 - Carrie Rivers (Cash) 1904-1991, mother of Johnny Cash, born in Kingsland, Arkansas.

1931 - Bob Paisley, Bluegrass bandleader, born in Ashe County, North Carolina.

1945 - Michael Martin Murphey, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Oak Cliff, Texas.

1946 - Grandpa Jones, "Louis Marshall Jones, debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

1951 - Zella Lehr singer, born Burbank, California. Zella was a cast member of Hee Haw, and has charted 15 country singles on Billboards charts between 1977-1985.

1954 - Jann Browne, recording artist, songwriter born Anderson, Indiana. Jann was a member of Asleep At The Wheel from 1981-1983. Jann and songwriter Roger Sebner were married in 1985.

1956 - The movie "Rock Around the Clock" featuring Bill Haley made its premier in Washington, D.C.

1958 - The RIAA presented their 
first Gold Plaque to Perry Como for his RCA hit "Catch A Falling Star." The first Gold Album award was presented to Gordon Macrae in July for his Capitol album 
"Oklahoma." 

1958 - Buck Owens released "Sweet Thing."

1961 - Bob Woodruff, singer, songwriter born Suffern, New York.

1963 - Barney Pritchard, of the Georgia based "Scottdale String Band" died today at the age of 58.

1970 - Kristian Bush of Sugarland was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1990 - Ricky Van Shelton's Columbia album "RVS III" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1991 - Doc Pomus 1925-1991, age 65, songwriter, died from lung cancer in New York City.

1992 - The Redheaded Stranger presented Farm Aid V today in Irving, Texas.

1996 - Dale Potter, fiddler for Hank Williams Sr., died at age 66.
 

1998 - Jo Dee Messina made her first guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1998 - Ray Charles made his first solo performance since 1945 on QVC's Shopping Network.

2000 - Tommy Collins 1930-2000, age 69, a.k.a. Leonard Raymond Sipes, singer, songwriter, guitarist died from Emphysema in Ashland City, Tennessee. Tommy was inducted into the NSHF in 1999 . Tommy Collins was laid to rest in Cheatham Memorial Gardens, Ashland City, Tennessee.

2001 - Jeff Bates was arrested on numerous felony charges in Nashville, Tennessee.

2005 - Jimmy Martin 1927-2005, the "King of Bluegrass" died at the age of 77.

2006 - Nashville Star kicked off a new season on the USA Network. Wynonna Judd and Cowboy Troy were the hosts, and Phil Vassar and Anastasia Brown returned to the judge's chairs. Phil and Anastasia a.k.a. Mrs. Tony Brown, will be joined each week by a celebrity guest Judge. This years winner will be offered a contract to record for the RCA Label Group.

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1927 - Carl Smith, singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Maynardville, Tennessee. Carl was married to June Carter from 1952-56, Carlene Carter is their daughter. Carl later married Goldie Hill on September 7, 1957. Carl became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1950, and was inducted into the CMHF in 2003. The CMA refused to allow this country music legend to come to the stage, and thank his fans for their support after his was inducted. They did however, let him stand up in the audience so the camera could show a brief glimpse of this giant of country music past. If Carl had been allowed to speak to the world-wide audience, some Rock-Pop star would not have been able to sing their latest drivel they recorded on Music Row. What a shame that would have been.

1931 - D.J. Fontana, drummer for Elvis Presley, and a Nashville session player, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. D. J. Fontana played on all of my Empire Record releases in Nashville.

1931 - Ted and Tom LeGrade born MacKay, Australia.

1941 - Cowboy Loye, a.k.a. Loye Donald Pack died on this date.

1946 - Gunilla Hutton, "Hee Haw cast," was born in Goteborg, Sweden.

1947 - Ryland "Ry" Cooder, guitarist, composer and producer, born in Los Angeles, California.

1956 - Colonel Tom Parker signed a management deal with Elvis Presley, after sending Hank Snow's son to watch one of his shows. Parker was also managing Hank Snow at the time.

1966 - The 8^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening. Winners in the Country Music category include: Roger Miller won six Grammy's this evening. I am listing the categories that he didn't win: Best New Artist Tom Jones; Best Female Vocal Performance "Queen of the House" Jody Miller; Best Group or Duo Performance "Flowers On The Wall" The Statler Brothers. And that pretty much covers this evenings awards. Roger Miller was a genius, and the funniest man in Nashville. When other songwriters were in his presence they recorded, or took notes of the things that came out of Rogers mouth. The quickest mind I have ever observed in action.

1968 - The Byrds, featuring Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman appeared on the Grand Ole Opry and played two songs.

1969 - Glen Campbell's #1 country hit "Galveston" charted on Billboard's Top 40.

1970 - Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour featured guest Judy Collins, George Lindsey, Larry Storch and Al Martino.

1974 - The Grand Ole Opry presented its final Friday night performance at the Ryman Auditorium.   The new Opry House at Opry Land would open the following evening. A large group of Opry stars came on stage to sing the final song of the night, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."   This was a very sad night for many artists, and fans. The Ryman Auditorium represented lots of things to lots of people, and all of those things were good. Tom T. Hall resigned from the Opry in protest of the move, and the devastating affects it would have on businesses and friends on lower Broadway. Tom rejoined the Opry a few years later, after Ernest Tubb told him it was time for him to come home, where he belonged.

1975 - The first anniversary of the new Grand Ole Opry House was celebrated at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The Cumberland River had flooded the parking lot at Opryland, and came within inches of flooding the Opry building. The Opry set a new attendance record that evening. Over 7,000 fans attended the show and anniversary celebration.

1981 - Warner Bros. released Buck Owens' single "Without You" b/w "Love Don't Make The Bars."

1985 - Anne Murray's Capitol album "A Little Good News" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1987 - Barbara Mandrell was honored as best All-Around Female Entertainer at the People's Choice Awards.

1994 - RCA released Mike Henderson's album "Country Music Made Me Do It."

1996 - Bill Monroe gave his final performance on the Friday night Opry.

1997 - Tracy Lawrence and Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Stacie Drew were married today. Divorce proceeding were in place by September, and Tracy was convicted of spousal abuse in January 1998. His father-in-law sued him, and claimed in court that the marriage was nothing more than a publicity stunt for the singer.

1998 - Jackie Lee Cochran, age 56, Rockabilly singer, died in his sleep in Burbank, California.

1999 - Heirs of Buddy Holly's estate filed a suit charging MCA Records for allegedly not paying all royalties, forging contracts, and illegally producing albums without their consent. Imagine that, a recording company being charged with cheating one of their artists.

2001 - Natalie Maines, the Chick in the middle, gave birth to son Jackson Slade Pasdar in Austin, Texas. Natalie lives on the left coast now.

2003 - It was announced that the Grand Ole Opry House would undergo a renovation, costing 7. 5 million dollars. The work will take approximately one year to complete, but according to some sources, will not improve the quality of the Pop-Rock music provided to the audience.

2003 - Brad Paisley and actress Kimberly Williams were married in Malibu, California.

2005 - Hank Cochran, age 69, underwent triple by-pass surgery in Nashville. Cochran was inducted into the NSHF in 1974.

2005 - The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame announced that Naomi and Wynonna Judd, Sam Bush, John Conlee, and gospel singer Dottie Rambo are among the people who will be inducted into their Hall of Fame on February 23, 2006.

2005 - Hank Cochran, age 69, songwriter, underwent triple by-pass surgery in Nashville's Centennial Medical Center.

2006 - SXSW (South by South West) in Austin, Texas, opened today and runs through the 19^th.

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1906 - Buddy Starcher, singer, songwriter was born Oby Edgar Starcher, in rural Ripley, West Virginia.

1922 - WSB 750 AM went on the air in Atlanta, Georgia.

1942 - Jerry Jeff Walker, was born Ronald Clyde Crosby in Oneonta, New York.

1943 - David Briggs, singer, songwriter, publisher, and session musician, was born in Florence, Alabama

1943 - Shug Fisher joined the "Sons of the Pioneers" as Pat Brady's replacement, after Brady was drafted into the military.

1946 - Grandpa Jones played the Grand Ole Opry for the first time this evening.

1951 - Ray Benson founder of "Asleep At The Wheel," was born Ray Benson Siefert, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania..

1951 - Hank Williams recorded "Hey Good Lookin'," and "I Can't Help It."

1954 - Tim O'Brien, award winning singer. session player, and multi-instrumentalist, born in Wheeling, West Virginia.

1957 - Tommy Collins released "All The Monkeys Ain't In The Zoo."

1959 - Stan Thorn, keyboards, of "Shenandoah," was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

1962 - Marty Robbins released "Love Can't Wait" b/w "Too Far Gone."  

1965 - Waylon Jennings recorded his first session for Chet Atkins, and RCA.

1965 - Michael Halpin "Tramp" Lawing of the "Cactus Brothers," was born in Marion, North Carolina.

1967 - Ronnie McCoury of the "Del McCoury Band," was born today.

1971 - The 13^th Annual Grammy Awards were held this evening in California. Winners in the Country Music category include: Best Female Country Vocal Performance "Rose Garden" by Lynn Anderson; Best Male Contemporary Vocal Performance "Everything Is Beautiful" by Ray Stevens; Best Male Country Performance "For the Good Times" by Ray Price; Best Duo or Group "If I Were a Carpenter" by Johnny Cash & June Carter; Best Instrumental Performance "Me & Jerry" by Chet Atkins & Jerry Reed; Best Country Song "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife"        Marty Robbins songwriter; Best Gospel Performance "Talk About the Good Times" The Oak Ridge Boys. This was the first time the show was broadcast live on TV.

1974 - With President Nixon and the First Lady of the United States in attendance, the first show at the New Grand Ole Opry House was presented to the world. This was the first time a sitting President of the United States appeared on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Thirteen large dressing rooms were used for the first time. Dressing Room #1, permanently assigned to Roy Acuff displayed a small plaque on the door. The plaque, hung on the door by Mr. Acuff stated’Ķ. "Ain't nothin' gonna come up today that me and the Lord can't handle."

1974 - Nelson King voted America's best country DJ for 8 consecutive years, died at age 59. He was inducted into the CMDJHF in 1975.

1976 - Pure Prairie League's RCA Victor album "Bustin' Out" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1984 - Shug Fisher 1907-1984, of the Sons of the Pioneers, singing cowboy, songwriter, and actor died at age 76.

1987 - George Strait's MCA album "Ocean Front Property" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1991 - Seven members of Reba McEntire's band, and her tour manager, died in a plane crash near San Diego, California. The crash was attributed to Pilot error. Musicians who died: Chris Austin, Kirk Capello, Joey Cigainero, Paula Kaye Evans, Terry Jackson, Michael Thomas and Tony Saputo.

1999 - The RIAA initiated their Diamond Awards for record sales of singles and albums of 10 million units.

2003 - The North American Country Music Association, International, "NACMAI," inducted The Bellamy Brothers, Ferlin Husky, Razzy Bailey, Carol Lee Cooper, Don Helms, and Donnie Sumner into their Hall of Fame.

2005 - Kenny Rogers and Lionel Richie taped an episode of CMT Crossroads at the Ryman Auditorium.

2005 - Jo Dee Messina began this year's tour in Las Vegas, and will complete the tour August 7 ^th, in Maryland.

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1932 - Dick Curless 1932-1995, born Richard William Curless, in Fort Fairfield, Maine. Dick was known as the Baron of Country Music.

1943 - Jim Weatherly singer, songwriter, born in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

1945 - David Grisman mandolin, guitar, banjo, piano, singer, and songwriter

born David Jay Grisman in Passaic, New Jersey.

1948 - Eddy Arnold's single "I'll Hold You In My Heart," topped the charts.

1951 - Bill Monroe recorded "Kentucky Waltz."

1952 - Susie Allanson recording artist, singer, pianist, and actress born in Las Vegas, Nevada.

1953 - Bob Carlin, Bluegrass banjo player was born in New York City.

1955 - Paul Overstreet singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Newton, Mississippi.

1956 - Carl Perkins appeared on the "Ozark Jubilee."

1956 - Elvis was #1 on the Country chart with "Heartbreak Hotel."

1962 - Willie Nelson charted his first hit on Billboard's Country chart, a duet called "Willingly" with Shirley Collie and released on Liberty Records. Shirley Collie is one of Willie's ex-wives.

1964 - Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw, Michigan" topped the charts. The song was written by Bill Anderson and Don Wayne, and released on the Columbia label.  

1972 - Tanya Tucker recorded her debut single "Delta Dawn," at Columbia's 16^th Avenue studio.
Billy Sherrill produced.

1972 - Capitol Records released Freddie Hart's self-penned single "My Hang-up Is You." The record spent 6 weeks at #1.

1973 - George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and Patsy Sledd were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1980 - Hugh Farr 1903-1980, one half of the Farr Brothers, and a member of the "Sons of the Pioneers." died at the age of 76.

1984 - Eddy Raven's first #1 single "I Got Mexico" charted.

1985 - Jimmy Gately, age 53, died in Madison, Tennessee.

1987 - Anne Murray's Capitol album "Country" was certified gold by the RIAA

1988 - Sammy Pruett, guitarist for Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys died in Birmingham, Alabama.

1995 - Suzy Bogguss and husband Doug Crider became parents for the first time, when son Benton Charles Crider was born.

1996 - Terry Stafford, singer, songwriter died in Amarillo, Texas.

2003 - Bill Carlisle 1908-2003, age 94, died at his home near Nashville. Jumpin' Bill was a long time member of the Grand Ole Opry, and was inducted into the CMHF in 2002. Bill was cremated.

2004 - The Austin Music Awards were presented in Austin, Texas. Los Lonely Boys won the Band of the Year award. This years Hall of Fame inductees are Johnny Gimble and Ian McLagan.

2005 - Keith Urban and Katrina Elam performed at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium the 17^th and 18^th.

2005 - Saul Holiff, age 79, died at his home in Victoria, BC, Canada. Holiff was the long-time manager of Johnny Cash.

2007 - Roger Bennett 1959-2007, age 48, died in Houston, Texas, after losing his long battle with Leukemia. Gospel Music singer, songwriter, and pianist. Originally with the Cathedrals, Roger later co-founded the award winning Legacy Five. Roger was inducted into Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He was laid to rest in Williamson Memorial Gardens, Franklin, Tennessee.

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1911 - Smiley Burnette 1911-1967, actor, singer, songwriter, guitar, and accordion, born Lester Alvin Burnette in Summum, Illinois. Both of his parents were pastors (Church of Christ). During his career Smiley appeared in more than 300 movies, and wrote hundreds of songs. His songs have been recorded by George Morgan, Red Foley, Riders of the Purple Sage, Vaughn Monroe, Ferlin Husky, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and more. Smiley Burnette died in 1967 from leukemia. He was posthumously inducted into the NSHF in 1971, and his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 6125 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California.

1930 - Billy Armstrong, Texas Playboys and Sons of the Pioneers  born in Streator, Illinois.   Billy was named Fiddle Player of the Year 13 consecutive years by the ACM.

1938 - Charlie Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi. Inducted CMHF 2000.

1941 - Margie Bowes was born in Roxboro, North Carolina.

1949 - Eddy Arnold's RCA Victor single "Don't Rob Another Man's Castle," went to #1 on the charts and remained there for 12 weeks.

1950 - Moon Mullican's King Records single "I'll Sail My Ship Alone" hit the charts today. The song went to #1 for 4 weeks. Moon Mullican became a member of the Grand Ole Opry the following year. He was known as "King Of The Hillbilly Piano Players."

1957 - Bill Haley & The Comets completed a very successful world tour.

1957 - Johnny Cash's "There You Go" topped the charts.

1958 - Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper recorded "Big Midnight Special."

1965 - Waylon recorded "Stop The World And Let Me Off."

1965 - Buck Owens' "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail," topped the charts.

1970 - Johnny Cash's ABC-TV show featured guests Merle Haggard, Tommy Cash, Carl Perkins and the Carter Family.

1970 - Faron Young and Dolly Parton were the featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1971 - Buck Owens recorded "I'll Still Be Waiting For You."

1972 - Ferlin Husky and Barbara Mandrell were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1973 - Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" was #1 on the country charts.

1993 - Dolly Parton presented Chet Atkins with the NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award.

2000 - The U.S. Post Office issued a postcard featuring the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

2002 - Brenda Lee was inducted into the R&RHF.

2003 - Arista released Deana Carter's "I'm Just A Girl."

2003 - George Jones and June Carter Cash performed together at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, Washington.

2006 - The Grand Ole Opry's Signature Shows Series, "Women of Country" featured Loretta Lynn, Lorrie Morgan, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack and others at this evenings show.

2007 - Rosanne Cash performed with the Nashville Symphony this evening.

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1928 - Henry Ford Maddox 1928-1974, of "Maddox Brothers & Rose" born in Boaz, Alabama.

1928 - Tom Paley, banjo, guitarist, and vocals, of the "New Lost City Ramblers," born in New

York City.

1945 - Michael Martin Murphey, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born in Oak Cliff, Texas. He

appeared in the movies "Take This Job And Shove It," and " Hard Country."

1950 - Jerry Eubanks background vocals and horn player for the Marshall Tucker Band was born

on this date.

1957 - Elvis Presley purchased Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.

1960 - Tootsie Bess opened "Tootsie's Orchard Lounge," across the alley from the Grand Ole Opry, (Ryman Auditorium,)’Ķand the legend began.

1961 - Roy Orbison released "Running Scared" b/w "Love Hurts."

1966 - Buck Owens topped the charts with "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line."

1969 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Jim Nabors and Bobbie Gentry.

1976 - Columbia Records released Marty Robbins self-penned "El Paso City." The single charted the following month and went to #1.

1983 - Waylon Jennings' RCA single "Lucille" (a cover of Little Richard's hit) charted on Billboard's Country chart.

1983 - Gene Watson's MCA single "You're Out Doing What I'm Here Doing Without" hit the country charts today. The single topped out at #2

1980 - "Aunt Sap" 1889-1980, of Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap died in Raymondville, Texas. Her husband Laurence Lemarr Brasfield, was Uncle Cyp in their comedy duo. Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap entertained for decades, and were cast members of the Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, Missouri. Cyp's younger brother was Grand Ole Opry comedian Rod Brasfield. Both Cyp & Sap were Kentucky Colonels. Aunt Sap (Neva Brasfield ) was laid to rest in Raymondville Cemetery, Raymondville, Texas.

1988 - Fiddlin' Sid Harkreader died today.

1989 - George Biggar, director of Chicago's WLS National Barn Dance, died today.

1991 - Doc Pomus 1925-1991, a.k.a. Jerome Felder songwriter, musician, and recording artist, died in New York City from lung cancer.

1996 - Columbia released David Allan Coe's "Super Hits, Vol. 2."

1996 - Bear Family released Dick Curless' "A Tombstone Every Mile."

1999 - Ray Price was arrested by Mount Pleasant, Texas, police for possession of marijuana. Ray was released from custody after posting a $500 bond, and paying a $200 fine, after pleading no contest to one count of possessing drug paraphernalia.

1999 - George Jones was released from a Nashville hospital, after 13 days of treatment for injuries received in a one-vehicle accident. That accident almost claimed his life.

2000 - Comedian Speck Rhodes 1915-2000, died at the age of 84. Spec was a cast member of the Porter Wagoner TV-Show for twenty years. Gilbert R. "Speck" Rhodes was laid to rest in Spring Hill Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee.

2001 - Randall Hylton, age 55, Bluegrass singer-songwriter, died from an aneurysm in Nashville, Tennessee.

2002 - Rhino released "The Best of Crystal Gayle."

2004 - The Virginia Press Association named Ralph Stanley the Virginian of the Year.

2007 - Richie McDonald announced plans to leave Lonestar at the end of the year, and pursue a solo career.

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1897 - Frank Hutchison, vocals, guitarist and harmonica, born in Logan, West Virginia.

1926 - Benny Garcia Jr., legendary Western Swing guitarist, was born in Oklahoma City. Inducted Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2003.

1926 - The Southern Serenaders, led by Harry Bailey debuted on the WSM Barn Dance.

1927 - Dewey Balfa 1927-1992, Cajun recording artist, of the "Balfa Brothers," was born near Big Mamou, Louisiana.

1935 - "Your Hit Parade" debuted on network radio 1935.

1937 - Jerry Reed singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor was born Jerry Reed Hubbard in Atlanta, Georgia. Jerry was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1987.

1937 - Tommy Hunter singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist born London, Ontario, Canada. Tommy hosted the "Tommy Hunter Show," for twenty-seven years on CBC in Canada. This was the longest running network Country music show in history. Tommy is known as "Canada's Country Gentleman."

1938 - Jo Ann Campbell, singer, actress, born in Jacksonville, Florida.

1939 - Don Edwards, Western music singer, songwriter, born Boonton, New Jersey.

1939 - Samuel Wellington of "The Four Guys," born in Steubenville, Ohio.

1946 - Ranger Doug, "Douglas Bruce Green" of Riders in the Sky born Great Lakes, Illinois.

1948 - Eddy Arnold's #1 single "Anytime," charted.

1949 - Hank Williams recorded "Wedding Bells" and "I Just Told Mama Goodbye."

1954 - Jim Seales, guitarist, bassist, of "Shenandoah," born in Hamilton, Alabama.

1961 - Faron Young's single "Hello Walls" charted and eventually hit #1.

1963 - George Hamilton IV recorded his #1 single "Abilene."

1976 - The Governor proclaimed Johnny Cash Homecoming Day in Kingsland, Arkansas.

1984 - The Judds performed their first concert in Omaha, Nebraska, when they opened for the Statler Brothers.

1987 - Capitol released "The Very Best of Glen Campbell."

2001 - Cleveland International released David Allan Coe's album "Songwriter of the Tear."

2002 - Alison Krauss' CD "New Favorite" was certified gold by the RIAA

2006 - The Kennedy Center in partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum presented Country: A Celebration of America's Music March 20’Ä́April 9, 2006. This celebration featured performances by some of the greatest country music artists from across the nation.

2006 - The Roots of Country Music Concert was held in the Kennedy Center's Rehearsal Room. featuring Ralph Stanley, Jim Lauderdale, John Rumble, and James Shelton. Tickets were $15.00.

2007 - Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price's 2 CD set "Last of the Breed" was released today.

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1882 - Bascom Lamar Lunsford 1882-1973, singer, multi-instrumentalist born Mars Hill, North Carolina.

1936 - Stan Hitchcock singer, guitarist, author, DJ, TV host of the Stan Hitchcock Show, program director of CMT, born Kansas City, Missouri. Stan is one of Country Music's good guys.

1939 - Ronnie Haig, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born in Indiana. Ronnie is a member of the RHOF.

1940 - Gary Buck 1940-2003, of "The Four Guys," born Thessalon, Ontario, Canada.

1942 - Carol Lee Cooper, founder of the Carol Lee Singers, the Grand Ole Opry's vocal background group was born on this date. This talented lady is the daughter of Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper.

1953 - The Carlisles debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

1963 - Arthur Q. Smith, songwriter, a.k.a. James Arthur Pritchett songwriter, died at age 53.

1971 - Roy Blackwood 1900-1971, of The Blackwood Brothers died at age 70.

1971 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Burl Ives, Anne Murray and Don Rickles.

1976 - Tom T. Hall's single "Faster Horses" topped the country charts.

1977 - The Eagles Asylum single "New Kid in Town" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1979 - Buck Owens recorded "Play Together Again Again."

1983 - Waylon & Willie's RCA Victor album "WWII" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1984 - The Statler Brothers topped the charts with "Elizabeth."

1989 - Dick Clark announced that after 33 years as the host of American Bandstand, he would no longer continue in that position.

1991 - Clarence "Leo" Fender, maker of the Telecaster and Stratacaster guitars, died at age 81.

1993 - Anne Murray was inducted into the CCMAHF.

1997 - Wisconsin's favorite son Bob Timmers founded The Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

2001 - Loretta Lynn was hospitalized with pneumonia for two weeks.

2002 - Tommy Hill 1929-2002, age 72, a.k.a. John Thomas Hill, singer, songwriter, guitarist, session musician, label owner, and brother of Goldie Hill died in Nashville. Tommy Hill was laid to rest in Williamson Memorial Gardens, Franklin, Tennessee.

2003 - The ACM honored George Strait for his 50 ^th #1 hit. No artist, in any genre of music has ever had 50 #1 hits.

2003 - Toby Keith left the ACM Awards Show early with his friend Willie Nelson. When the Entertainer of the Year was announced, Toby was the winner. Reba McEntire and Vince Gill accepted the award for the absent T.K. Toby told the press later that he and Willie were in
Willie's bus writing songs. But I'll bet it was much too smoky in that bus to write songs. Boys will be boys.

2006 - Country: A Celebration Of America's Music: THE CELEBRATION-OPENING PERFORMANCE Four-time Grammy-winning banjo player Earl Scruggs performs with his "Family and Friends" band in a lively evening of bluegrass to kick off the Kennedy Center's country music celebration.

2006 - The 3^rd Annual Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Proceeds benefited the ACM's Charitable Foundation.

-22-

1892 - Charlie Poole 1892-1931, singer, and banjo player, was born in Randolph County, North Carolina.

1911 - Cecil Campbell 1911-1989, steel guitarist pioneer, banjo, bandleader, and actor in western movies was born in Danbury North Carolina.

1918 - Hoyle Nix 1918-1985, Western Swing fiddler, bandleader, and recording artist born Azel, Texas. Hoyle and his brother Ben formed the "West Texas Cowboys" in 1946.

1937 - Johnny Ferguson, singer, born in Nashville, Tennessee.

1945 - Jimmie Davis topped the charts with "There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder."

1952 - Uncle Dave Macon 1870-1952, age 81, died in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Inducted into the CMHF in 1966. Dave was the 2^nd entertainer hired by Judge George D. Hay in 1925, to play on WSM's Barn Dance. The first hired was Uncle Jimmy Thompson. David Harrison Macon was laid to rest in Coleman Cemetery, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

1953 - Gene Libbea, of the "Nashville Bluegrass Band," born in Pasadena, California.

1955 - Johnny Cash recorded "Hey Porter" at Sun Records in Memphis. John wrote the song, and Sam Phillips produced the session.

1956 - Carl Perkins and his brother, Jay, were seriously injured in a car crash while en route to New York City, for an appearance on the Perry Como Show.

1958 - Jerry Lee Lewis and Myra, his 13-year-old cousin, were married. This could have been the most expensive marriage in the history of the entertainment world. Jerry's concert fee went from $5,000 a show, to an eventual low of $300.

1958 - Hank Williams Jr., age 8, made his stage debut in Swainsboro, Georgia.

1962 - Tennessee Ernie Ford's Capitol album Nearer the Cross" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1969 - Sonny James' single "Only The Lonely" went to #1.

1970 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured Debbie Reynolds, Jeannie Seely, Gaylord & Holiday and Ken Berry.

1976 - Waylon recorded "Are You Ready For The Country."

1977 - Stoney Cooper 1918-1977, age 59, of Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper died today. Wilma Lee & Stoney joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1957.

1977 - ABC-TV aired John Denver's special "Thank God I'm A Country Boy."

1977 - Glen Campbell's "Southern Nights" topped the charts.

1980 - Ronnie Milsap's RCA single "Why Don't You Spend The Night" was #1 on Billboard's country chart. Bob McDill wrote the song, it was Ronnie's 13^th #1.

1985 - Exile's single "Crazy For Your Love" was the #1 song on Billboards Country chart.

1988 - K. T. Oslin's RCA Victor album "80's Ladies" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1988 - The Country Music Hall of Fame opened their "Johnny Cash" exhibit.

1988 - Restless Heart's RCA Victor album "Wheels" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1995 - A judge in Waco, Texas, dismissed marijuana possession charges against Willie Nelson ruling the police searched the singer's vehicle without probable cause.

2001 - Vince Gill, Roy Clark, and Garth Brooks appeared at a benefit for Grand Ole Opry star Johnny Russell raising funds for his medical bills.

2003 - Kenny Chesney's "Big Star" debuted on Billboard's Top 40.

2004 - Danny Bailey, age 84, of the Bailey Brothers, died Knoxville, Tennessee.

2004 - The Library of Congress announced it has added three more country music recordings to its "Registry of Historic Sound." Bob Wills' "New San Antonio Rose," Patsy Cline's "Crazy," and "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison."

2005 - Trace Adkins released his CD "Songs About Me," and future Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels released "Songs From the Longleaf Pine."

2005 - Universal South released "Nashville Star 2005 Finalists." This album contains cover songs recorded by the finalists of this years contest.

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1868 - Fiddlin' John Carson 1868-1949, country music pioneer, singer, fiddler, and guitarist,
1920's recording artist, born Fannin County, Georgia. Carson made his first recording for Ralph Peer on the Okeh label in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 14, 1923. His daughter Rosa Lee soon joined her fathers act. She was billed as Moonshine Kate. John was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1984 posthumously.

1913 - Jim Anglin, writer of "Ashes of Love" and "One By One," born in Franklin, Tennessee.

1915 - Homer "Pappy" Sherrill born Sherrill's Ford, North Carolina.

1917 - Smokey "Eugene" Rogers 1917-1993, musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, born McMinnville, Tennessee. Smokey hosted his own TV show in San Diego in the 1950's.

1935 - Ray and Carrie Cash moved their family from Kingsland Arkansas to Dyess, Arkansas.

1935 - The Ard Sisters made their debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1945 - David Grisman, bluegrass, mandolinist and composer born Hackensack, New Jersey.

1946 - Al Dexter's "Guitar Polka" topped the charts.

1951 - Hank and Audrey Williams recorded "The Pale Horse and His Rider."

1954 - Webb Pierce sat atop the country charts with "Slowly."

1957 - Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, perform for the last time as members of the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree. They then took a pay cut and joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1959 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "Second Fiddle" b/w "My Everlasting Love."

1963 - Jimmy Skinner signed with Starday Records.

1969 - Merle Haggard recorded "Jesus, Take A Hold."

1973 - Ken Maynard 1895-1973, age 77, Singing Cowboy, actor, age 77, died in California. Ken was laid to rest in Forest Lawn-Cyprus, Cyprus, California.

1978 - Waylon & Willie's "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow up To Be Cowboys," topped the charts.

1985 - Willie Nelson and Ray Charles' "Seven Spanish Angels" went to #1.

1988 - Emmylou Harris' Warner Bros. album "Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town," was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1996 - J. D. Miller, age 73, Record Label owner, and songwriter, died in Lafayette, Louisiana.

1997 - Barbara Mandrell gave a farewell concert at the Grand Ole Opry House. She then retired from the music industry, and moved to California to pursue a career in acting.

2002 - The Ryman Auditorium hosted a memorial service for Waylon Jennings. Travis Tritt and Billy Ray Cyrus embraced on stage, ending a long running feud. Waylon's guitar was stage front, with a spot light shinning on it. Many tears were shed, a ticket was required, and Willie was a no show.

2004 - Roy "Pop" Lewis Sr.1905-2004, singer, guitarist, fiddler, and mandolin player of The Lewis Family died at the age of 98.

2005 - Miranda Lambert became the 6^th artist in history to have their debut album enter Billboard's Country Album Chart at #1. The name of Miranda's album is "Kerosene."

2006 - Kenny Chesney's "The Road & The Radio" tour opened in Dayton, Ohio, and will finish up in Columbus May 27^th. Dierks Bentley and Sugarland will appear on every show.

2006 - Cindy Walker 1918-2006, songwriter, singer, age 88, died of natural causes at her home in Mexia, Texas. Charter member of the NSHF, she was inducted into the CMHF in 1997, and the Texas CMHF in 1998. Cindy was laid to rest in the Mexia City Cemetery, Mexia, Texas.

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1928 - Mrs. C. R. Cline and her hammer dulcimer made their debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, accompanied by her husband on guitar.

1947 - Peggy Sue singer, songwriter born Peggy Sue Webb in Kentucky. Sister of Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gale, and Jay Lee Webb.

1947 - Merle Travis topped the charts with "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed."

1952 - Marty Robbins released "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" b/w "Tomorrow You'll Be Gone."

1954 - Wanda Jackson recorded "I'm Gonna Walk Out Of Your Life."

1955 - Webb Pierce's "In The Jailhouse Now" was #1 on the country charts.

1955 - Wanda Jackson recorded "Don't Touch Me."

1957 - Carson J. Robison 1890-1957, singer, songwriter and guitarist died at age 66. Elected NSHF 1971.

1958 - Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army.

1961 - Howard Dixon, 1903-1961, singer, and steel guitarist for the "Dixon Brothers" died at the age of 57. The brothers recorded for Bluebird Records in the 1930's.

1961 - Willie Narmour 1889-1961, of Narmour & Smith, fiddler, recording artist, died at age 71. This duo was a popular instrumental recording duo in the 1920's.

1966 - Roy Orbison's Monument album "Roy Orbison's Greatest Hits" was certified gold by the RIAA.

1973 - Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and Ray Griff were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1973 - Tanya Tuckers Columbia single "What's Your Mama's Name" charted. Dallas Frazier and Earl Montgomery wrote the song, and it became Tanya's first #1 hit. Tanya Tucker and LaCosta are sisters.

1976 - Waylon recorded "Jack-A-Diamonds."  

1977 - Waylon Jennings' RCA Victor album "Dreaming My Dreams" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1984 - Toby and Trica Keith were married.

1992 - Diamond Rio's self-titled Arista album was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1993 - Diamond Rio's self-titled Arista album was certified Platinum by you know who.

1995 - Irene Williams Smith, sister of Hank Williams, died in Dallas, Texas. Irene went to prison in 1970 for bringing cocaine across the Mexican border into Texas. She moved to Dallas after her release.

1996 - Maggie Cavender 1918-1996, age 78, died in Nashville, Tennessee. Maggie was the first executive director of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2000 - Joe Talbot 1927-2000, age 72, country music executive, died in his Nashville home.

2001 - Toby Keith's father, age 67, was killed in a hit & run auto accident. The incident occurred on I-35 outside Norman, Oklahoma. The female driver of the hit & run vehicle was located and arrested several weeks later.

2007 - Henson Cargill 1941-2007, age 66, died as a result of complications after surgery. A former Deputy Sheriff in Oklahoma County, Cargill released his signature song "Skip A Rope" on the Monument label in 1967. The song became his first chart single, and his first #1 hit. Johnny Cash was originally offered the song; however he didn't think his fans would like it. Henson Cargill was laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.                             

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1923 - Bonnie Guitar, singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, and Record label executive, born "Bonnie Buckingham," in Seattle, Washington.

1927 - Joe Talbot 1907-2000, country music executive, born in Nashville, Tennessee.

1934 - Johnny Burnette 1934-1964, Rockabilly singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Memphis, Tennessee.

1935 - Leon McAuliffe and his steel guitar joined the Texas Playboys.

1938 - Hoyt Axton 1938-1999, singer, songwriter and actor was born in Duncan, Oklahoma.

1939 - Billboard published its first "Hillbilly Records" chart.

1947 - Johnny & Jack recorded together for the first time in 1947, the same year they joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1949 - Jack Kapp 1901-1949, age 47, co-founder of Decca Records, died today. Jack was laid to rest in Temple Israel Cemetery, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

1953 - Webb Pierce recorded "There Stands The Glass" in 1953. The Decca single charted in October and went to #1.  

1960 - Roy Orbison recorded "Only The Lonely" 1960.

1961 - Minnie Pearl opened for Elvis Presley at the Bloch Arena in Hawaii 1961. Minnie and Elvis were good friends; her husband Henry Cannon flew Elvis to his concerts prior to Elvis buying his own airplane.

1963 - Johnny Cash recorded "Ring Of Fire" in Nashville. June Carter and Merle Kilgore writers, Don Law and Frank Jones produced. Session players: Johnny Cash-Vocals; Luther Perkins-Guitar; Marshall Grant-Bass; W.S. Holland-Drums; Bill Purcell-Piano; Jack Clement-Rhythm guitar; Karl Garvin & Bill McElhiney-Trumpet; The Carter Family Vocal background.

1963 - Robbie Fulks, singer, guitarist, born in York, Pennsylvania.

1966 - Buck Owens and the Buckaroos played to a sold out Carnegie Hall audience in New York City.   Capitol records taped the show and released a live album "Carnegie Hall Concert," that spent 5 weeks at #1. On the 40^th anniversary of this very special day in Buck Owens life, he would lose his life to a heart attack, while sleeping in his bed at home. Buck was 76. A few months prior to Buck's death, he was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame along with Mayf Nutter. The induction was held in Bakersfield, at Buck's Palomino Club. Bob Timmers, founder of the Hall of Fame conducted the ceremony.

1970 - Johnny Cash's ABC-TV show featured guests Jackie DeShannon, Waylon Jennings and Michael Parks.

1970 - Connie Smith and Stan Hitchcock were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1971 - Lynn Anderson's Columbia album "Rose Garden" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1972 - Jody Miller and Buddy Alan were featured guests on "Hee Haw."

1972 - Columbia Records released Merle Haggard's self-penned single "Grandma Harp," his twelfth # 1 record.

1972 - Freddie Hart topped the charts with "My Hang-up Is You."

1978 - Buddy Holly's MCA album "Buddy Holly:The Crickets 20 Golden Greats" topped out at #20, on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. The album went to #1 in England.

1981 - Eddie Rabbitt's Elektra single "Drivin' My Life Away" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1993 - Lyle Lovett's MCA/Curb album "Joshua Judges Ruth" was certified Gold by you know who.

1995 - Rick Trevino's Columbia album "Looking For The Light" charted today.

1997 - Edsel released Jack Greene's "Jolly Green Giant" album.

2003 - Bill Anderson was arrested in Wilson County, Tennessee, on a charge of Aggravated Assault. The charges were filed by Anderson's girl friend, Deborah Marlin. Anderson was released on $1500.00 bond.

2003 - Capitol released Rosanne Cash's album "Rules of Travel."

2003 - The WB Network renewed Reba McEntire's sitcom "Reba," for a third season.

2004 - The Georgia House of Representatives, voted to name a stretch of Interstate 85 the Alan Jackson Highway.

2006 - Buck Owens 1929-2006, age 76, singer, songwriter, guitarist, session musician, radio station owner, co-host of " Hee Haw" died from a heart attack in his sleep. Buck was laid to rest in the Owens Family Mausoleum at Green Lawn Southwest Cemetery, Bakersfield, California. In case you didn't know Bonnie Owens and Buck Owens are Together Again. Bonnie's ashes are located next to Buck in the Mausoleum.

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1917 - Billy Wallace, singer, songwriter, born Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1928 - Bud Isaacs, inventor of the pedal steel guitar, born Bedford, Indiana.

1942 - Larry Butler award winning producer born Pensacola, Florida.

1949 - Red Foley topped the charts with "Tennessee Saturday Night."

1950 - Ronnie McDowell singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Fountain Head, Tennessee, and raised in Portland.

1952 - Hank Williams, The Carter Family, and Roy Acuff, appeared on" The Kate Smith Show."

1952 - Sun Records released their first single "Selling My Whiskey" by Jackie Boy and Little Walter.

1953 - Michael Bonagura of "Baillie and the Boys," born Newark, New Jersey.

1955 - Dean Dillon, a.k.a. Dean Dalton, legendary songwriter, and singer born in Lake City, Tennessee. Inducted into the NSHF in 2002.

1956 - Charly McClain was born Charlotte Denise McClain in Jackson, Tennessee, and raised in Memphis. Charly was a cast member of the Memphis based Mid-South Jamboree 1973-1975.

1957 - Ricky Nelson had his first recording session. His first country chart hit was "Stood Up" released on Imperial Records. The single climbed the chart to #8.

1963 - Sheb Wooley's MGM single "Hello Wall No. 2"  hit the Country chart today. Sheb a.k.a. Ben Colder was the CMA's Comedian of the Year in 1968, and penned the Hee Haw theme song.

1967 - Ralph Emery and Joy Kott were married. Ralph Emery was inducted into the CMHF in 2007.

1968 - Kenny Chesney was born in Lutrell, Tennessee.

1971 - Tom T. Hall recorded his self-penned Mercury single "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died." The song charted on July 10^th, and went to #1. This was The Story Teller's 2 ^nd #1.

1973 - Barbara Fairchild's "Teddy Bear Song" was the #1 song on the country charts.

1977 - Harold John Breau 1916-1977, age 60,  of "Lone Pine & Betty Cody" died in Maine. Harold (Lone Pine) was a singer, and guitarist.

1979 - Bill Haley's last recording session was completed today.

1990 - Rodney Crowell's Columbia album "Diamonds and Dirt" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1992 - Trisha Yearwood's self-titled MCA album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

2002 - Phil Vassar and Julie Wood were married in Florida.

2003 - Toby Keith and Darryl Worley performed at the request of President George W. Bush, at MacDill Air Force base in Tampa, Florida. The families of military personnel were entertained as well as the president.

2004 - Jan Berry, of Jan & Dean died at the age of 62.

2005 - Grand Ole Opry Live was broadcast for the first time on American Forces Television. The show was viewed live by U.S. troops in Iraq.

2006 - The Grand Ole Opry brings its signature blend of music and entertainment to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall,  with performances by Travis Tritt, Marty Stuart, The Del McCoury Band, Eddie Stubbs, and others.

2007 - The 15^th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival was held in Nashville the 26^th-31^st,

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1912 - Bill Callahan, of the 'Callahan Brothers' born in Madison County, North Carolina.

1926 - J. W. Deason and his Barn Dance Orchestra made their first, and last appearance on the WSM Barn Dance this evening.

1936 - David Rogers 1936-1993, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born in Houston, Texas. David joined the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree in 1967.

1940 - Janis Martin, singer, guitarist, and RCA recording artist, born Sutherlin, Virginia.

1940 - Melvin Sloan, founder of the Melvin Sloan Dancers, born in Wilson County, Tennessee.

1947 - Tex Williams recorded "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette." Capitol released the record in June, and it hit the charts on July 5^th. Merle Travis and Tex Williams co-wrote the song, and watched it climb to #1. This was Tex's 2 ^nd chart hit, and Capitol Records first release to sell a million copies.

1950 - Johnny & Jack recorded "Poison Love," 1950.

1951 - Red Foley recorded the first million-selling gospel song, "Peace In The Valley."

1966 - Buck Owens topped the charts with "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line."

1971 - Glen Campbell's single "Dream Baby" charted.

1971 - Jan Howard became a member of The Grand Ole Opry.

1972 - Elvis recorded "Burnin' Love."

1973 - Kenny Rogers the First Edition's Reprise album "Greatest Hits" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1975 - Tom T. Hall recorded "I Like Beer."

1975 - Billy Gray 1924-1975, age 50, Western Swing bandleader, singer, and guitarist died during heart surgery.

1989 - Buck Owens & Ringo Starr recorded "Act Naturally" at Abbey Road Studios, in London, England. Jerry Crutchfield and Jim Shaw produced the session, Johnny Russell and Voni Morrison wrote the song. Session personnel included: Buck Owens-vocals; Ringo Starr-vocals; Reggie Young-lead guitar; Terry Christofferson-rhythm guitar; Jim Shaw-piano; Doyle Curtsinger -bass; Jim McCarty-drums. The single was released by Capitol Records June 21, 1989, and topped out at #27. Capitol released the LP/CD "Act Naturally" October 24, 1989. Buck was quoted as saying after he returned to the U.S. that if he had thought about it at the time, he would have asked Ringo to play drums on the session too. Buck enjoyed this project very much, he was a Beatles fan, and being in the studio where the group recorded all of their big hits, was something special to him.

1990 - k.d. Lang's Sire label album "Absolute Torch & Twang" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1990 - Kenny Rogers' Reprise Album "Something Inside So Strong" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1992 - Alabama's RCA album "Greatest Hits Volume II" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

2001 - ASV released "Johnny Bond & His Red River Valley Boys."

2001 - Delta Disc released the Bellamy Brothers album "The 25 Year Collection, Vol.1."

2001 - Columbia Records released John Anderson's album "Nobody's Got It All."

2006 - NSAI's 14^th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival opened today in Nashville, and ran  through April 1^st.

2006 - Country Music Guitar Master Class was held at the Kennedy Center. A discussion of guitar playing and more with Marty Stuart, Kenny Vaughan, and Bill Lloyd. Several local guitarists performed in front of these talents and received critiques.

2007 - Tim McGraw's Curb Record's CD "Let It Go" was released today.

2007 - Jan Howard celebrated her 36^th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

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1920 - Marion Sumner "Fiddle King of the South" was born in Vicco, Kentucky.

1924 - Arlie Duff, singer, songwriter born in Jack's Branch, Texas.

1924 - WGN-AM broadcast for the first time in Chicago, Illinois.

1937 - Roy Dean Webb of "The Dillards," born in Independence Missouri. The Dillards appeared frequently on the Andy Griffith Show as the Darling Family.

1941 - Charles Ray "Charlie" McCoy, harmonica player, born Oak Hill, West Virginia. Charlie was an award winning Nashville studio musician, and the musical director of "Hee Haw." Charlie played on over 5000 sessions from 1960-1975.

1948 Gerry House D.J. and songwriter, born in Covington, Kentucky.

1950 - Hank Snow recorded his first #1 single, the self-penned "I'm Movin' On" for RCA Victor. This was the Singing Ranger's 2 ^nd chart hit, and the recording is now in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Hank became a member of the Grand Ole Opry this year, with the help of Ernest Tubb.

1953 - Marty Robbins' self-penned Columbia single "I Couldn't Keep From Crying" charted. The song topped out at #5. This was Mr. Teardrops 2^nd chart hit. Marty joined the Grand Ole Opry later this year.

1954 - Reba Nell McEntire singer, actress, industry executive born in Chockie, Oklahoma. Reba and rodeo champion Charlie Battles were married 1976-1987. She married Narvel Blackstock in 1968. Seven members of her band were killed in a plane crash in 1991.

1959 - Eddie Cochran recorded "Summertime Blues."

1960 - The Browns single "The Old Lamplighter" charted today.

1960 - Brenda Lee recorded her International hit "I'm Sorry" for Owen Bradley, and Decca Records. This record would become Brenda's career song, after its release two months later.

1964 - Connie Smith flew to Nashville, to appear on the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree.

1966 - Roy Orbison played a concert date in England and was introduced to two of his biggest U.K. fans Ringo Star and George Harrison. Roy's biggest fan in the U.S. was Elvis Presley.

1968 - Eddy Arnold's RCA album "The Best of Eddy Arnold" was certified gold by the RIAA.

1969 - Rodney Atkins was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1970 - Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan's #1 hit "Tennessee Bird Walk" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 Chart.

1971 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Bobby Goldsboro, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Paul Lynde.

1974 - Arthur Crudup died in Virginia. A short time later The Crudup Brothers, sons of Arthur, retired the band.

1974 - John Denver's RCA Victor single "Sunshine on My Shoulder" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1975 - Freddy Fender topped the charts with "Before The Next Teardrop Falls."  This was Freddy's first chart hit, and his first #1 record. The CMA named this recording their Song of the Year.

1980 - Johnny Cash recorded "The Last Time" in Nashville. Earl Poole Ball produced the session, the song was written by Kris Kristofferson. Session personnel included: Johnny Cash-vocals & guitar; Bob Wooton-guitar; Joe Allen-bass; W.S. Holland-drums; Earl Poole Ball-piano; Jerry Hensley-guitar & harmony vocals; Marty Stuart-mandolin & harmony vocals; Shane Keister-syntheizers.

1980 - Tom T. Hall rejoined The Grand Ole Opry. He had quit in 1974 when the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium, to Opryland. Ernest Tubb told Tom to "come on home where you belong." A short time later The Story Teller was entertaining Opry audiences once again.  

1983 - Don Henley's Asylum single "Dirty Laundry" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1995 - Lyle Lovette and wife Julia Roberts separated.

2000 - Capitol Nashville released John Berry's "Greatest Hits" album.

2001 - Richard Byron Hays, songwriter, and guitarist, age 45, died from a heart attack.

2003- Rusty Draper 1923-2003, age 80, died in a Seattle, Washington hospital. The singer songwriter, guitarist, suffered from heart disease and cancer of the throat. Rusty Draper was laid to rest in Mount Si Memorial Cemetery, North Bend, Washington.

2003 - Carolyn Dawn Johnson married Matt Fisher in Canada 2003.

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1909 - Moon Mullican 1909-1967, "King of the Hillbilly Piano Players," born in Corrigan, Texas.

Moon joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1951. It was Hank Williams who first brought Mullican to the

Opry.

1920 - Jerry Byrd 1920-2005, steel guitarist born Lima, Ohio. Inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame 1978.

1943 - Randy Barlow singer, songwriter born in Detroit, Michigan.  

1948 - Johnny Dowd, singer, songwriter born in Fort Worth, Texas.

1956 - Hawkshaw Hawkins recorded "Sunny Side Of The Mountain," for RCA.

1963 Texas Ruby 1909-1963, age 52, of Curly Fox & Texas Ruby, died in a trailer fire near Nashville. Ruby and Curly Fox were married in 1939, both were members of the Grand Ole Opry.

1968 - Jack Grant, of the "Tenneva Ramblers" died at the age of 64.

1969 - Brady Seals of "Little Texas" born in Hamilton, Ohio.

1970 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Fess Parker, Sammy Shore, Willie Nelson and Lily Tomlin.

1971 - Jerry Reed's RCA single "Amos Moses" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1976 - Bruce Springfield climbed over a fence at Graceland and tried to get a look at Elvis.

1978 - Tom T. Hall recorded "The Son Of Clayton Delaney."

1978 - MCA released Jimmy Buffett's "Son of a Son of a Sailor."

1982 - Lee Davis "Honey" Wilds 1902-1982, age 79, of the Grand Ole Opry team of "Jamup and Honey" died today.

1982 - Columbia released Lacy J. Dalton's album "16^th Avenue."

1989 - Roy Orbison's Virgin label album "Mystery Girl" was certified Gold & Platinum by the RIAA.

1993 - Liberty Records released "The Best of Lacy J. Dalton."

1998 - Shania Twain gave the opening concert of her first headlining tour of Canada, in Sundbury, Ontario.

1998 - Emma Justine McBride, daughter of John and Martina, was born.

2005 - The Bellamy Brothers released their CD "Angels & Outlaws," and Billy Dean latest "Let Them Be Little." hit the local record shops.

2006 - Bill Kirchen & Too Much Fun with the Rosslyn Mountain Boys perform at the Kennedy Center's Celebration of America's Music. Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer, and songwriter Bill Kirchen leads the band Too Much Fun, drawing upon country music's origins in blues and bluegrass, as well as the western swing of Texas and California honky tonks. Regional favorites the Rosslyn Mountain Boys add their roots music flair, celebrating their new CD Different Sky Line.

2007 - Randy Owen of Alabama, Dobie Gray, and Blaine Larsen performed at The 5th Annual Lane Brody Charity Concert , along with The Pirates of the Mississippi, Michael Peterson, Lynn Marie, and Lane Brody at The Gibson Showcase in Opry Mills at 7:00PM. All proceeds went to Walden's Puddle, a wildlife rehabilitation center located in Joelton, Tennessee helping homeless or injured animals.

2008 - Legendary country artist Gene Watson is scheduled to perform in concert at the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana, at 8:00 PM.

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1895 - Amos Binkley 1895-1985, of the Binkley Brothers Dixie Clodhoppers, born in Cheatham County, Tennessee. Members of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry, the Binkley Brothers were the first to record commercial records in Nashville.

1935 - Paul Williams, of the "Lonesome Pine Fiddlers" born Wytheville, Virginia.

1942 - Bobby Wright singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor was born in Charleston, West Virginia, to Johnny Wright and Kitty Wells.

1944 - Al Dexter's self-penned Okeh single "So Long Pal" was the Top Country record in America. Al's band the Troopers (Holly Hollinger, Aubrey Gass, and Paul Sells) backed Al in the studio.

1949 - Hank Williams took his first ride in an airplane. Based on the huge success of "Love Sick Blues," MGM wanted Hank back in the studio A.S.A.P. Hank flew from Shreveport to Nashville to record.

1955 - Connie Cato, Capitol recording artist was born Connie Ann Cato in Carlinville, Illinois. Connie had eleven hit singles between 1974-1980.

1956 - Johnny Cash recorded "I Walk The Line," at Sun Studio.

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

1961 - Marty Robbins single "Don't Worry About Me" was #1.

1963 - George Jones was hospitalized, after being injured in a tour bus accident in Oregon.

1968 - Anita Carter 1933-1999, (daughter of Maybelle and Ezra Carter) and Waylon Jennings' RCA Victor duet "I Got You" charted today. The record topped out at #4. Anita's other duet partners during her career included Hank Snow and Johnny Darrell.

1974 - Moe Bandy debuted on the charts with "I Just Started Hatin' Cheatin' Songs Today."

1974 - Tanya Tucker's "Would You Lay With Me" climbed to #1.

1976 - Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser's RCA Victor album "Wanted! The Outlaws" was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

1977 - Glen Campbell topped the charts with "Southern Nights."

1977 - John Denver's RCA Victor album "Greatest Hits, Volume II" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1987 - Sandi Patti's Benson label album "Songs From the Heart" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1989 - Gilley's nightclub in Pasadena, Texas closed. A fire of questionable origin destroyed the structure a few days later. A young man was later charged with arson.

1999 - Columbia released David Allan Coe's album "Recommended for Airplay."

2005 Billy
 Joe Shaver's biography "Honky Tonk Hero" was released by the publisher today.

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1922 - Howdy Forrester 1922-1987, fiddler with The Blue Grass Boys, and The Smokey

Mountain Boys and president of Acuff-Rose Artist Corporation was born in Vernon, Tennessee.

Howdy won the Fiddler Trophy at the Grand Masters Fiddle Contest in Nashville, in 1987.

1926 - Tommy Jackson 1926-1979, fiddle virtuoso, and session musician born in Birmingham, Alabama.

1927 - Hoyt Hawkins 1927-1982, of the Jordanaires was born in Paducah, Kentucky.

1928 - Lefty Frizzell 1928-1975, singer, songwriter, and guitarist born Corsicana, Texas. Lefty joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1951, at the request of Hank Williams. He quit the Opry a short time later, saying that he didn't enjoy doing the show. Inducted NSHF in 1972, and the CMHF in 1982.

1933 - Anita Carter 1933-1999, daughter of Ezra and Maybelle Carter, and member of the "Carter Sisters," born Maces Springs, Virginia.

1934 - John D. Loudermilk, entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, and master songwriter, was born in Durham, North Carolina. John was Charlie and Ira Louvin's cousin. He was inducted into the NSHF in 1976. A few samples of this master songwriters work product includes: "A Rose and A Baby Ruth" "Waterloo" -- co-writer Marijohn Wilkin "Tobacco Road" "Talk Back Trembling Lips" "Bad News" Break My Mind" "Abilene" --co-writer Bob Gibson, and many more. John is a Grammy winner, a charter member of the CMA, and recorded under the names Johnny Dee and Ebe Sneezer.

1934 - The Opry career of Kitty Cora Cline, ended in 1934, after she observed a traffic accident on a bridge crossing the Cumberland River, while traveling to the Grand Ole Opry. The accident was so bad that Mrs. Cline (the first female soloist the Opry ever had,) vowed never to ride in a car again.

1945 - Spade Cooley's "Shame On You" topped the charts.

1954 - Greg Martin of the "Kentucky Headhunters," was born in Louisville, Kentucky.

1956 - Brenda Lee sang professionally for the first time on Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee TV Show in Springfield, Missouri. Brenda was eleven years old.

1956 - Elvis made his final appearance on the Louisiana Hayride, after his manager Col. Tom Parker bought out the last six months of Elvis' contract at the Hayride for $10.000.

1958 - Bonnie Guitar released "Love is Over, Love is Done."

1959 - The Jimmie Rodgers Show first aired on the ABC-TV network. This was a Musical Variety show and some of the regular cast members were: Connie Francis; the Kirby Stone Four; Lyle Waggoner; and Vicki Lawrence.

1962 - Patsy Cline's single "She's Got You" topped the charts.

1968 - Enos William "Skeets" McDonald 1915-1968, age 52, singer, songwriter, and guitarist died from a heart attack in California. Skeets wrote "Don't Let the Starts Get in Your Eyes. He was laid to rest in Mitchell Cemetery, Greenway, Arkansas.

1972 - Tom Jones' Parrot album "Tom Jones Live AT Caesars Palace" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1979 - The House of Cash opened for the first time today.

1986 - Lee Greenwood topped the charts with "Don't Underestimate My Love for You."

1986 - Alabama's RCA Victor "Greatest Hits" album was certified Platinum by the RIAA, and Presley's single "Crying In The Chapel" was certified Gold.

1990 - Travis Tritt's debut Warner album "Country Club" charted today. Five singles were released from this album. All five charted and "Help Me Hold On" became Travis' first #1 record. The album has sold millions of copies, and at last report was certified as 2 x Platinum by the RIAA.

1995 - Carl Story, age 78, Bluegrass fiddler died today.

1998 - Mercury Records released Eddy Arnold's "The Hits" album.

2006 - The Country Salutes Country Concert at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. SOLD OUT!    Vince Gill, Naomi Judd, Wynonna, Kris Kristofferson, and Ray Price came together to highlight the many roots of the art form. Tickets: $15.00 - $150.00