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Compiled by Bill Morrison - billmorrison2002@hotmail.com

“May”

 

-1-

 

1894 - Sam McGee 1894~1975, of the Grand Ole Opry's "The McGee Brothers" was born in Williamson County, Tennessee.

 

1910 - Ott Devine 1910~1994, WSM executive, Grand Ole Opry manager, was born in Gadsden, Alabama.

 

1926 - Dr. Humphrey Bate, a Nashville M.D. and leader of the Possum Hunters appeared on the WSM Barn Dance this evening. Dr. Bate was known as "The Dean Of the Opry," after the Barn Dance was renamed the Grand Ole Opry in late 1927. Dr. Bate played the harmonica, and was a practicing physician in Music City. Also appearing on this evenings program were the Carthage Fiddlers.

 

1929 - Sonny James singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born James Loden in Hackleburg, Alabama. Sonny joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, and was inducted into the CMHF in 2006.

 

1931 - Jimmy Gately was born in Springfield, Missouri.

 

1938 - Vernon Dalhart the first country artist to sell a million copies of a record, ("The Prisoner's Song") on the Victor label in 1924, recorded his last recording session today.

 

1944 - Rita Coolidge singer, songwriter, pianist, and actress was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Rita and Kris Kristofferson were married from 1973~1980.

 

1954 - Andy Griffin the pride of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1954 - Don King singer, songwriter was born in Fremont, Nebraska.

 

1960 - Johnny Horton appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

 

1965 - Wayne “The Train” Hancock, was born in Dallas, Texas.

 

1967 - Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married in Las Vegas, Nevada. Priscilla filed for divorce on August 11, 1972, and the divorce became final on October 11, 1973.

 

1967 - Tim McGraw was born in Delhi, Louisiana. He grew up as “Tim Smith,” not knowing who his father was until he was twelve years old.

 

1973 - Tammy Cochran was born in Geneva, Ohio.

 

1973 - Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Max D. Barnes moved to Nashville.

 

1976 - Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter's RCA duet single "Suspicious Minds" charted today for the second time in their career. The song was first released by RCA in 1970, and it topped out at # 25. Six years later the duo had become a little more famous, and the 1976 release topped out at #2 on the Billboard charts.

 

1979 - Wynonna and Naomi Judd moved to Nashville. Their first residence was at the Music City Motor Inn.

 

1980 - Loretta Lynn was named “Artist of the Decade,” by the Academy of Country Music. Larry Gatlin won three awards; Male Vocalist, Top Album "Straight Ahead," and Top Single "All The Gold In California."

 

1982 - Randy Parton's RCA single "Oh, No" hit the country charts today. The song was written by Lionel Richie. Randy is the brother of Dolly, and Stella Parton. He charted five songs for RCA between 1981-1983.

 

1993 - Charley Pride became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1993 - Tracy Lawrence’s Atlantic single “Alibis” went to # 1.

 

1999 - Charlie and Emily Robison were married.

 

2001 - Nashville police arrested Terri Clark for DUI. Clark was released after posting a $2,000 bond.

 

2003 - Record producer, Tony Brown, was flown from UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, to Nashville’s Centennial Medical Center. Tony was recovering from a head injury received in a fall on April 11^th in Los Angeles.

 

2004 - Tim McGraw’s new movie “Black Cloud,” debuted at the Nashville Film Festival. This was Tim’s first acting role.

 

2004 - Joe Diffie, age 45, and wife Theresa welcomed daughter Kylie Tarissa Diffie into the world.

 

2004 - Brad Cotter, age 33, was selected as the winner of the USA Network’s Nashville Star, Season 2, contest. Prior to the contest, Brad was a demo singer in Nashville…sound familiar? Last year’s winner Buddy Jewel, also came from the ranks of Nashville Demo Singers.

 

2008 - Charlie Pride celebrated his 15^th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

 

2008 - Jim Hager 1946 - 2008, one half of the Hager Twins, was found dead in a Nashville coffeehouse parking lot. He was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from natural causes. Jim and his twin brother Jon joined the cast of Hee Haw in 1969, and remained with the show until 1988. A Memorial Service was held for Jim Hager at the Ryman Auditorium, and his body was cremated.

 

-2-

 

1881 - George Oscar “Uncle Bud” Landress 1881~1966, of “The Georgia Yellow Hammers,” was born in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

        

1903 - Margaret “Sally” Waters, of “Sarie and Sally,” was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

 

1916 - “Two Ton” Baker 1916-1975, pianist, bandleader, and disc jockey (WGN Chicago), was born Richard Baker in Chicago, Illinois. Baker’s recording of “Sioux City Sue” with the Hoosier Hot Shots hit the country charts in 1946. The Decca single topped out at #2, and remained on the charts for 16 weeks.

1933 - Glenn Honeycutt, Rockabilly artist, was born in Belzoni, Mississippi.

 

1945 - R.C. Bannon singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born Daniel H. Shipley in Dallas, Texas. R.C. recorded for Columbia, Epic, and RCA, and was married to Louise Mandrell from 1979-1991.

 

1948 - Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers, was born in Seminole, Texas. The brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1976. Between 1973-1989 Larry charted over 40 country singles.

 

1954 - Webb Pierce's Decca single "Slowly" topped the charts, and remained at #1 on Billboard magazines chart for 17 weeks. This was Webb's 6^th #1 record in the past two years.

 

1956 - Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, signed Sonny Burgess to a recording contract, and recorded Sonny and his band “The Pacers,” on the same day. Sonny was a singer, songwriter, lead guitarist, and went on to become a Rockabilly legend.

 

1956 - The Louvin Brothers recorded “Cash On The Barrelhead." The Top Ten Capitol single was written by the brothers, and remained on the country charts for 11 weeks.

 

1960 - Merle Haggard watched smoke rising from a smoke stack inside San Quentin prison.
This was a signal that an inmate on death row had been executed. On this day, it was Caryl

Chessman who died.

 

1960 - WLS Radio changed from its 36-year farm and country format, which featured some of the best live country and western music in America, to a Top 40 Rock & Pop station in 1960. With the growth of Rock music since 1955, WLS targeted a new and younger audience. Program Director Sam Holman and station owners made the decision, and thus began the demise of country music in the Windy City, and the WLS National Barn Dance became just another memory.

 

1962 - Ty Herndon singer, guitarist, was born Boyd Tyrone Herndon, in Meridian, Mississippi.

 

1966 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ album “Dust On Mother’s Bible.”

 

1974 - Roy Lee Centers, age 29, of the Clinch Mountain Boys, was shot and killed in a fight.

 

1978 - The Marshall Tucker Band's Capricorn album "Together Forever" was certified Gold.

 

1985 - Amy Grant's Myrrh album "Straight Ahead" was certified Gold.

 

1986 - Anne Murray’s Capitol single “Now and Forever” topped the charts.

 

1988 - Clint Black signed a recording contract with RCA records. His first RCA single hit the charts in February 1989. Clint's first nine singles included one #7, one #4, One #3, and six #1's. RCA knows how to pick'em.

 

1992 - Brenda Lee, Jim & Jesse and Exile made guest appearances on Hee Haw.    

 

1993 - Millie Good a.k.a. Mildred Fern Goad 1913~1993, of the “Girls of the Golden West,” died at age 86.

 

2001 - Robert M. Douglas, age 101, died in Dayton, Tennessee. Douglas was a past winner of the Smithsonian Institutions national fiddling contest.

 

2001 - Denny Brewington, age 54, died in Nashville. Brewington was an attorney, specializing in entertainment law.

 

2003 - The front cover of Entertainment Weekly displayed a nude photo of the very classy Dixie Chicks.

 

2003 - Sony Nashville cleaned house on “Black Friday.” Terminating President & CEO Allen Butler, VP & producer Blake Chancey and VP & General Manager Mike Kraski. Sony hired John Grady to replace Butler, a short time later.

 

2003 - George Wyle, age 87, writer of the theme for “Gilligan’s Island,” and music director for the “Andy Williams Show,” died in California.

 

2004 - Edward Curtis Gordon, age 73, RCA recording artist, died in Moultrie, Georgia.

 

2005 - Eddie Montgomery has surgery in a Lexington, Kentucky, hospital after injuring his left wrist during a concert.

 

2008 - Larry Gatlin celebrated his 60^th birthday.

 

-3-

 

1910 - Curtis Massey 1910~1991, of “Louise Massey & the Westerners” was born in Midland, Texas.

 

1928 - Dave Dudley 1928~2003, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and disc jockey was born David Pedruska in Spencer, Wisconsin.

 

1931 - Jerry Chestnut, singer, songwriter, was born in Harlan County, Kentucky.

 

1947 - Merle Travis’s “So Round, So firm, So Fully Packed” topped the charts.

 

1952 - Kitty wells recorded “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” at her first session for Decca. The session was held at Castle Studio, in the Tulane Hotel in Nashville. Owen Bradley produced the session, Jack Anglin played rhythm guitar, Shot Jackson played steel guitar, Johnnie Wright played bass, and Paul Warren played fiddle on the session. Joe Miller wrote the song, it charted two months later, went to #1, and is now a Grammy Hall of Fame song.

 

1954 - Marty Robbins released “Your Hearts Turn To Break" b/w "Pretty Words."

 

1955 - Web Pierce’s Decca single “In The Jailhouse Now” topped the country music charts. The record stayed at #1 for 21 weeks. The song was written by Jimmie Rodgers. This was Webb's 9^th #1 hit in the past four years.

 

1956 - Jim Beck 1916~1956, age 39, owner, operator of Beck’s Recording Studio in Dallas, Texas, died of exposure to carbon tetrachloride.

 

1957 Scott “Cactus” Moser, drummer for “Highway 101” was born in Montrose, Colorado.

 

1963 - Less than two months after dying in a plane crash with Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and pilot Randy Hughes, Hawkshaw Hawkins topped the charts with “Lonesome 7-7203." Hawkshaw was married to Grand Ole Opry star Jean Shepard.

 

1968 - Shane Minor was born in Modesto, California. He charted three singles for Mercury Records in 1999-2000.

 

1974 - Joe Stampley’s Epic single “Roll On Big Mama” was # 1 on Billboard magazines chart. The song was written by Dan Darst. This was Joe's second #1 single.

 

1977 - Eric Church singer, songwriter was born in Granite Falls, North Carolina. Eric Church and music publisher Katherine Blasingame were married January 8, 2008 in a private ceremony at the Westglow Spa & Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

 

1979 - Charlie Pride’s RCA single “Where Do I Put Her Memory” sat atop the charts. The song was written by Jim Weatherly, and was Charlie's 21^st #1 single. Charlie Pride was inducted into the CMHF in 2000.

 

1983 - Alabama’s RCA Victor album “The Closer You Get” was certified Gold & Platinum today.

 

1986 - Dollywood opened for the first time.

 

1987 - Red Taylor, fiddler, former member of the Blue Grass Boys died today.

 

1987 - T. Graham Brown topped the charts with “Don’t Go To Strangers."

 

1989 - Dave Stogner 1920~1989, Texas Swing bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist, Dave died today at the age of 68. Dave Stogner has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

1991 - Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree celebrated its 50^th Anniversary, with a street party in downtown Nashville.

 

1996 - Patsy Montana 1908~1996, age 87, died in 1996. Patsy was the first major female recording artist (I Wanna Be A Cowboys Sweetheart.) Patsy Montana was inducted into the CMHF in 1996. She is one of seven female solo artists to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the past 46 years.

        

2003 - Buddy Jewel, age 42, won the “Nashville Star” talent show, broadcast on the USA Cable TV network. The Grand Prize: Recording contract with Sony Music Nashville.

 

2006 - Lynn Anderson was arrested for DWI in New Mexico after causing a traffic accident. She was released on bond the following day.

 

2008 - The Stagecoach Festival, was held the 3^rd & 4^th, in Indio, California.

 

2008 - Cumberland University honored Charlie Daniels and wife Hazel, at the University's Commencement ceremony. The Daniels' were presented with the University's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, for selfless community service.

 

-4-

 

1899 - Cloet Hammons, guitarist for the East Texas Serenaders was born today.

 

1905 - Al Dexter 1905~1984, singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born Clarence Albert Poindexter, in Jacksonville, Texas.

 

1922 - Nelle Poe of the “Poe Sisters” was born in Mississippi.

 

1922 - Glen Snoddy, chief engineer of Owen Bradley’s Quonset Hut Studio, was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

 

1929 – Bob Money founding member of the “Jordanaires” (1948~1951) was the groups’ first piano player. Bob was born today in Mount Vernon, Missouri. He was replaced by Gordon Stoker in 1951.

 

1933 - Bobby Austin singer, songwriter, was born in Wenatchee, Washington.

 

1948 - Tim DuBois, songwriter, producer, record company executive, was born in Grove, Oklahoma.

 

1949 - Stella Parton was born in Sevierville, Tennessee.

 

1952 - J.L. Joe Frank 1900~1952, promoter and talent manager, died at age 52. Inducted into the CMHF in 1967.

 

1955 - Robert Ellis Orrall, singer, songwriter, born Winthrop, Massachusetts.

 

1956 - Gene Vincent recorded “Be Bop A Lula,” in Nashville.

 

1956 - Carl Perkins topped the country charts with “Blue Suede Shoes."

 

1959 - Randy Travis was born Randy Bruce Traywick in Marshville, North Carolina.

 

1959 - The 1^st Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening. The Kingston Trio won the first ever Country Music Grammy for “Tom Dooley,” NOTE: Music awards presented in 1959, honor the music of 1958 etc. That applies to all music awards, and if you think about it you will understand that it has to be presented in that manner, so as to give the music released late in any given year, an opportunity to be considered. If you have any questions…ask your wife.

 

1963 - The Wilburn Brothers nationally syndicated television show debuted.

 

1966 - Ray Pillow joined the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1974 - Merle Haggard's self-penned Capitol single “Things Aren’t Funny Anymore" sat atop the Billboard magazine chart.

 

1975 - Marty Robbins wrecked his racecar in the Winston 500 at Talladega, Alabama.

 

1975 - “Two Ton” Baker 1916-1975, pianist, bandleader, and disc jockey (WGN Chicago), died at age 59.

 

1987 - Warner Records released Randy Travis' second album "Always & Forever." The album charted on May 30^th, and climbed the chart to #1 where it remained for 43 weeks. The album contained four #1 singles "Forever And Ever, Amen" "Too Gone Too Long," "I Won't Need You Anymore" and "I Told You So." This was Randy's biggest selling ablum.

 

1988 - Rodney Crowell & Rosanne Cash went to # 1 with “It’s Such A Small World."

 

1991 - Travis Tritt made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1992 - Hubert Davis, Banjo player, died today.

 

2003 - The Country Music Foundation’s annual medallion ceremony, which honors new Hall of Fame inductees, saluted Porter Wagoner and Bill Carlisle at the Hall of Fame in 2003.

 

2004 - Erv Woolsey’s “The Trap” nightclub in Nashville, hosted a benefit concert for Grand Ole Opry fiddler Greg Perkins in 2004. Erv Woolsey is George Strait’s long time manager.

 

2006 - Ray Pillow celebrated his 40^th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

 

2008 - Tim McGraw is scheduled to appear in concert at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California.

 

-5-

 

1911 - Bill E. “Cousin Wilbur” Wesbrooks, country comedy, and bassist born Gibson County, Tennessee.

 

1922 - J. D. Miller, record company owner, songwriter, and producer was born in Iota, Louisiana. Miller wrote Kitty Wells’ first # 1 single, “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Alice “Al” Montgomery originally released the song on Miller’s Feature Records label.

 

1926 - Thurston Moore, publisher, was born in Kentucky.

 

1934 - Ace Cannon, of Bill Black’s Combo, saxophone, songwriter, and session musician, was born in Grenada, Mississippi.

 

1935 - The Carter Family recorded their first sides for ARC.

 

1938 - Roni Stoneman member of the Stoneman Family and cast member of Hee Haw, was born in Washington, D.C.

 

1938 - Samuel Morris Allred of the “Geezinslaw Brothers” was born in Austin, Texas.

 

1942 - Tammy Wynette 1942~1998, singer, songwriter, was born Virginia Wynette Pugh in Itawamba County, Mississippi. Tammy became the sixth female solo artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

 

1942 - Wayne Carson, songwriter, was born Wayne Carson Thompson in Denver, Colorado. Inducted NSHF 1997.

 

1949 - Hank Williams’ MGM single “Lovesick Blues” topped the charts. This was Hanks first #1 record.

 

1955 - Glen Duncan member of “Lonesome Standard Time,” was born in Columbus, Indiana.

 

1957 - Ferlin Husky's Capitol Records single “Gone," climbed the charts to #1. This was Ferlin's second #1 hit.

 

1962 - Claude King’s Columbia single “Wolverton Mountain” charted and went to #1. This was King's first #1 record, and his first million seller.

 

1965 - Jim Reeves RCA Victor single "This Is It" went to #1 on the country charts. This was Jim's second release to hit #1 after his death in a plane crash in 1964, and the seventh #1 of his career.

 

1969 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ single “Johnny B. Goode."

 

1974 - Marty Robbins finished 15^th at the NASCAR Winston 500, at Talladega, Alabama.

 

1977 - Loretta Lynn was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

 

1978 - Willie Nelson's Columbia album "The Sound in Your Mind" was certified Gold.

 

1979 - John Conlee’s ABC Records single “Backside Of Thirty” topped the charts. This was Conlee's second consecutive #1 release.

 

1981 - Willie Nelson's Columbia album "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was certified Gold.

 

1981 - James Taylor's Columbia album "Dad Loves His Work" was certified Gold.

 

1982 - Jennifer Gill, only child of Vince and Janis Gill, was born on this date in Los Angeles.

 

1989 - Ronnie Milsap's RCA Victor "Greatest Hits Volume 2" was certified Platinum.

 

1991 - The Highwaymen toured Australia and New Zeland from the 5^th through the 23^rd.

 

1997 - Gracie Katherine McGraw debuted in the lives of mom and dad, Faith and Tim. The beautiful child is the couple's first.

 

2001 - Wilson Chavis 1930~2001, age 70 “Rounder Records Artist,” died in Austin, Texas.

 

2001 - Bud Messner 1917~2001, age 83, a.k.a. Norman Messner, singer, founder of Bud Messner & His Sky Line Boys died today.

 

2001 - Blake Shelton made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

2003 - The Third annual Golden Voice Awards were held in Nashville.

 

2006 - Hot Apple Pie made their debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

-6-

 

1904 - Cliff Carlisle 1904~1983, recording artist, guitarist was born in Taylorville, Kentucky.

 

1931 - Charlie Cline 1931~2004, Bluegrass-fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and bass, was born in Baisden, West Virginia.

 

1935 - The Carter Family recorded “Will The Circle Be Unbroken," on their second straight day of recording at ARC studios in New York.

 

1944 - Luches Kessinger of the Kessinger Brothers, died at age 37.

 

1945 - Jimmie Dale Gilmore, singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Tulia, Texas.        

 

1949 - The Delmore Brothers recorded “Blues Stay Away From Me."

 

1950 - Hank Williams’ “Long Gone Lonesome Blues” was # 1 on the country charts.

 

1959 - Don Gibson topped the charts with “Oh Lonesome Me."

 

1966 - Eddy Arnold’s RCA Victor single “I Want To Go With You” went to # 1. The song was written by Hank Cochran.

 

1970 - The Johnny Cash ABC-TV show featured Merle Haggard, Brenda Lee, Charlie Pride, June Carter Cash, the Carter Family and the Statler Brothers.

 

1982 - Alabama’s RCA single “Mountain Music” topped the country charts. This was the group's sixth #1 single in a row, and has been chosen as a Grammy Hall of Fame recording.

 

1985 - The Academy of Country Music celebrated it's 20^th anniversary, at this evening awards show at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. The program was aired on NBC-TV and Alabama was the evening's big winner; Entertainer of the Year; Album of the Year; and Top Vocal Group of the Year. Twenty years later, this very talented group of young men would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

1986 - Songwriter Otis Blackwell 1931~2002, was inducted into he Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

 

1989 - Keith Whitley appeared in concert for the last time in Brazoria, Texas. Keith died three days later at the age of 33.

 

1989 - Naomi Judd and Larry Strickland were married in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

1989 - Reba McEntire co-hosted Hee Haw. Kitty Wells, Lyle Lovett, Louis Nye and the San Diego Chicken made guest appearances.

 

1990 - Dan Seals’ Capitol single “Love On Arrival” was his tenth # 1 single out of his last eleven releases.

 

1995 - Billy Hughes 1908~1995, age 86, fiddler, songwriter, died today.

 

2002 Otis Blackwell 1931~2002, age 71, songwriter, died in Nashville, Tennessee. Inducted NSHF 1986, and the National Academy of Popular Music Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991. A few samples of Otis Blackwell's songs: Don't Be Cruel; Return To Sender; Great Balls Of Fire; Breathless, and many more. Otis Blackwell was laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Nashville, Tennessee.

 

2004 Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Pride, age 66, was hospitalized in Dallas and will undergo brain surgery.

2006 - Carrie Underwood, the winner of last year's American Idol, received her degree Saturday during a ceremony at Northeastern State University. Carrie graduated magna cum laude, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in mass communications with an emphasis in journalism.

-7-

 

1894 - Riley Puckett 1984~1946, founding member of “The Skillet Lickers,” was born in Alpharetta, Georgia.

 

1896 - Gale Binkley of the "Binkley Brothers Dixie Clodhoppers," was born in Cheatham County, Tennessee.

 

1915 - Kyle Bailes 1915~1996, of the Bailes Brothers, was born in Kanawha County, West Virginia.

 

1922 - Roy Hall 1922~1984, singer, pianist and Rockabilly pioneer, was born James Faye Hall in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Nicknamed "the Hound."

 

1927 - Jim Lowe was born in Springfield, Missouri.

 

1927 - Tom Andrews, a left hand guitarist, and singer made his debut appearance on the WSM Barn Dance.

 

1931 - Jerry Chestnut singer, songwriter, and guitarist, was born in Loyall, Kentucky. Jerry joined the Hee Haw cast in 1971, and was inducted into the NSHF 1996.

1940 - Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons reported in her column today: “Roy Acuff, young hill-billy brought here by Republic Pictures from Nashville, is suffering from appendicitis and will be operated on as soon as the picture is finished.” The film, “Grand Ole Opry” was finished a short time later, but Roy had seen all of Hollywood that he cared to. He loaded the Smokey Mountain Boys into their touring car, and headed back to his beloved Tennessee. Upon arriving in Nashville, Roy was immediately admitted to St. Thomas Hospital, and the appendix was removed.

 

1942 - Lorie Collins of the “Collins Kids,” was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

 

1943 - Terry Allen, singer, keyboards, born in Wichita, Kansas.

 

1949 - Hank Williams’ MGM recording of “Lovesick Blues” went to # 1. This was Hank’s first # 1 record.

 

1955 - Bill Haley & The Comets released “Rock Around The Clock."

 

1955 - Werly Fairburn joined the cast of the Louisiana Hayride.

 

1960 - The R.J. Reynolds Company sponsored its final Grand Ole Opry segment.

 

1967 - Sonny James’ “Need You” went to # 1.

 

1969 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured guests Pat Paulsen, John Hartford, Roy Clark, Goldie Hawn, The Association and Jerry Inman.

 

1969 - Bob Dylan's Columbia album "Nashville Skyline" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

 

1971 - Cleveland Chenier, age 69, died in Lafayette, Louisiana.

 

1975 - Joe Stampley’s Epic single “Roll On Big Mama” topped the charts. The song was written by Dan Darst, and was Joe's 2^nd #1 single.

 

1983 - Shelly West’s Warner Records single “Jose Cuervo” topped the charts. Shelly was Dottie West's daughter. The record was Shelly's first solo release, after charting six singles as David Frizzell's duet partner. The song was written by Cindy Jordan. Shelly was married to Allen Frizzell from 1977-1985. Allen and David Frizzell are brothers.

 

1987 - Pete Drake was presented with the Nashville Entertainment Masters Award.

 

1988 - Barbara Mandrell co-hosted Hee Haw; Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, T. Graham Brown and Jim DePaiva were guests.

 

1994 - Clint Black’s RCA single “A Good Run of Bad Luck” topped the charts. The song was written by Clint, and Hayden Nicholas. This was Clint's 8^th #1 single. Clint Black and Lisa Hartman were married on October 20, 1991.

 

1998 - Edward Thomas “Eddie” Rabbitt 1941~1998, age 56, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, died from lung cancer. The family did not notify the press of his death until after his funeral. Eddie was Inducted into the NSHF in 1998. Eddie Rabbitt was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee.

 

2001 - Robert Woltering, age 76, died in Nashville, Tennessee. Woltering was the former manager of “The Music City News.”

 

2003 - June Carter Cash underwent open-heart surgery, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.

 

2004 - Scotty Emerick debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

2005 - Billy Dean and Stephanie Paisley were married in Nashville.

 

-8-

 

1892 - Jimmie Tarlton of Darby & Tarlton, was born in Cheraw, South Carolina.

 

1922 - Homer Bailes Jr. of the “Bailes Brothers,” was born in Kanawha County, West Virginia.

 

1928 - Benny Martin, Bluegrass fiddler, was born Benjamin Edward Martin in Sparta, Tennessee.

 

1940 - Rick Nelson 1940~1985, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor was born, Eric Hilliard Nelson in Teaneck, New Jersey. Rick married Kristin Harmon in 1963, they were divorced in 1982. Rick was inducted into the R&RHF 1987.

 

1942 - Jack Blanchard saxophone, keyboards, singer, and songwriter, of “Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan,” was born in Buffalo, New York.

 

1952 - Leon Huff 1912~1952, age 39, known as “The Texas Songbird” died today. During his career Leon sang with the Light Crust Doughboys, Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, and Johnnie Lee Wills & His Boys.

 

1953 - Billy Burnette, singer, songwriter, was born in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

1958 - Brenda Lee recorded her first Decca session with her new producer Owen Bradley. The two songs recorded that day were “Ring-A-My-Phone” and “The Golden Key.”

 

1960 - The Browns appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

 

1968 - The Solemn Old Judge “George D. Hay” 1895~1968, age 72, died in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Inducted into the CMHF in 1966. George was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia. His contribution to the success of WSM's Grand Ole Opry is immeasurable.

 

1968 - Del Anthony Gray, member of “Little Texas” was born in Hamilton, Ohio.

 

1976 - Reba McEntire made her chart debut with her Mercury single “I Don’t Want To Be A One Night Stand.” Layng Martine Jr. wrote the song, and the record topped out at #88.

 

1982 - George Jones was arrested by Nashville Police for DUI. The arrest was caught on film by a local TV cameraman, and broadcast around the world.

 

1982 - Willie Nelson’s Columbia single “Always On My Mind,” went to # 1, and was later named the CMA Song of the Year; and received two Grammy Awards, Song of the Year, and Male Vocal.

 

2001 - Universal released “An Introduction to Steve Earle."

 

2001 - Lily Pearl Black, daughter of Clint and Lisa Hartman Black was born. The birth was announced at the ACM award show.

 

2001 - Eminent Records released Rosie Flores’ album “Speed of Sound."

 

2003 - Alan Jackson’s album “Drive,” was certified Platinum X 4 (4 million sales.)

 

2003 - Darryl Worley was honored at the Tennessee State Capitol, for his support of U.S. troops all over the world. Later in the day Darryl was honored on Music Row with some # 1 party’s for “Have You Forgotten.”

 

2004 - Charley Pride underwent brain surgery in a Dallas hospital. Pride is expected to make a full recovery.

 

2008 - Willie Nelson appeared in concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

 

2008 - Eddy Arnold 1918~2008, "The Tennessee Plowboy" died today, two weeks short of his 90^th birthday. His beloved wife Sally Gayhart Arnold died earlier this year on March 11^th. A public viewing was held in the Country Music Hall of Fame rotunda on the 13^th and 14^th. An afternoon funeral service was held at the Ryman Auditorium on the 14^th, and Eddy Arnold was laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Nashville.

 

-9-

 

1914 - Hank Snow 1914~1999, was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Grand Ole Opry member was inducted into the CMHF in 1979.

 

1914 - Milton Estes 1914~1963, Grand Ole Opry Member, recording artist and multi-instrumentalist was born in Arthur, Tennessee.

 

1916 - Zeke Morris, Bluegrass recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist born Old Fort, North Carolina.

 

1937 - Sonny Curtis, singer, songwriter musician, and recording artist was born in Meadow, Texas. Sonny was a member of the “Crickets” and numerous other bands.

 

1944 - Richie Furay, founder of “Poco” was born in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

 

1944 - Jimmie Davis was elected governor of Louisiana. Jimmie wrote “You Are My Sunshine.”

 

1946 - Bobby Lewis was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky.

 

1956 - Buck Owens’ third son, Johnny Dale Owens, was born in California.

 

1960 - Joe Melson released “Oh Yeah,” and What’s The Use,” on Hickory Records.

 

1962 - Johnny Cash appeared on the Mike Wallace show.

 

1966 - The Righteous Brothers' Verve single "Soul & Inspiration" was certified Gold.

 

1968 - Merle Haggard recorded “Mama Tried" at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood.

 

1970 - Glen Campbell’s single “Oh Happy Day” charted.

 

1970 - Buck Owens and Susan Raye's Capitol single "Togetherness" hit the Billboard chart today. The Freddie Hart penned tune Topped out at #12. This recording was taken from Buck and Susan's 1970 album "We're Gonna Get Together"

 

1971 - Mike Myerson guitarist, and founder of Heartland, was born in Nacogdoches, Texas.

 

1979 - The Little River Band's Harvest album "Sleep Catcher" was certified Platinum.

 

1983 - Bob Neal, country music promoter, died at the age of 65.

 

1984 - Nudie Cohn 1902~1984, age 81, clothing designer for the stars, died in North Hollywood, California.

 

1989 - Keith Whitley, age 33, died from alcohol poisoning at his home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. At the time of his death, Keith had a blood alcohol content of .47%. Keith was laid to rest in Nashville's Spring Hill Cemetery.

 

1989 - Tim McGraw moved to Nashville, the same day that Keith Whitley died.

 

1992 - Merle Haggard, Steve Wariner and Donna Ulisse made guest appearances on Hee Haw.

 

2001 - Songwriter James Myers, age 81, died in Nashville. James wrote “Rock Around The Clock.”

 

2001 - LeAnn Rimes hosts the Academy of Country Music Awards.

 

2003 - The family of June Carter Cash was asked to gather at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, where June had undergone open-heart surgery two days earlier.

 

2006 - Nashville's Chapter of the Recording Academy hosted it's 8^th Annual Grammy Block Party. Featured entertainers for this years event included: Jo Dee Messina, Take 6, Eric Church, Alana Grace, and Hootie & The Blowfish.

 

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1895 - Carl T. Sprague 1895~1979, the “Original Singing Cowboy” was born outside Houston, Texas.

 

1909 - Mother Maybelle Carter 1909~1978, was born Maybelle Addington in Nicklesville, Virginia. She was inducted into the CMHF in 1970 as a member of the Carter Family.

 

1941 - Joe Poovey singer, guitarist, songwriter, and deejay, was born at St. Paul Hospital, Dallas, Texas.

 

1946 - Bob Wills topped the charts with “New Spanish Two Step."

 

1952 - Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life” went to the top of the charts.

 

1957 - Harlan and Jan Howard were married in Las Vegas.

 

1962 - Johnny Cash gave his first performance at Carnegie Hall.

 

1966 - Charlie Pride recorded his first hit “Just Between You and Me."

 

1969 - Glen Campbell’s Capitol Records single “Where’s The Playground Susie” charted.

 

1970 - Dave Dudley's Mercury single “The Pool Shark" sat atop the charts.

 

1978 - Jimmy Buffett's ABC album "Son of a Son of a Sailor" was certified Platinum.

 

1980 - Emmylou Harris’ “Beneath Still Waters,” went to # 1.

 

1989 - Dwight Yoakam’s Reprise album “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc.” was certified platinum.

 

1993 - Garth Brooks, John Anderson, and Ralph Emery appeared together at the Crazy Horse Saloon, in Santa Ana, California.

 

1995 - Willie Nelson was arrested in Texas, for possession of marijuana. A judge threw out the evidence and dropped the charge on March 23, 1996.

 

1999 - Shelby “Shel” Silverstein, age 68, died in Key West, Florida. Shel was inducted into the NSHF in 2002.

 

2003 - Andrea Zonn debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill was her back-up singer.

 

2004 - Gordon Lightfoot appeared at Toronto’s Massey Hall, after a two-year absence from performing due to illness.

 

2006 - Miko Marks opened for Billy Currington this evening, at Club Rodeo in San Jose, California. Miko records for Mirrome Records.

 

2008 - Rhonda Vincent and the Rage appeared in concert at the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana, this evening at 8:00 PM.

 

2008 - Carrie Underwood was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on this evenings show. The invitation was extended to the ’American Idol" winner on March 15^th, by Randy Travis.

 

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1901 - Chick Hurt 1901~1967, member of “The Prarie Ramblers,” was born in Willowshade, Kentucky.

 

1909 - Ocie Stockard 1909~1988, Western Swing, banjo, guitar, and fiddle player was born Ocie Blanton Stockard in Crafton, Texas. Ocie was an original member of Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies. He also played for Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys, and Tommy Duncan's Western All-Stars. During his career Ocie recorded for Bluebird, Okeh, and King Records.

 

1914 - Bob Atcher 1914~1993, was born today in Hardin County, Kentucky. The singing cowboy, starred on the WLS National Barn Dance from 1948~1970 when the show closed. After his career in music was over Bob became the mayor of Schaumburg, Illinois.

 

1955 - Mark Herndon “Alabama’s” drummer, was born Mark Joel Herndon in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mark was inducted into the CMHF as a member of Alabama in 2005.

 

1956 - Elvis bought his first home at 1034 Audubon Drive, in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis paid $40,000.00 in cash for the home, which he shared with Gladys and Vernon.

 

1957 - The Everly Brothers debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. Their hit “Bye Bye Love” hit the country charts two days later. Their record “Bye Bye Love” was named a Grammy Hall of Fame recording.

1957 - Buddy Holly & the Crickets audition for Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scouts" TV program, they were rejected.

1959 - Buck Owens’ “Second Fiddle,” became his first chart song.

 

1963 - Bill Anderson’s # 1 single “Still” debuted on Billboards Top 40 Chart.

 

1968 - The Grand Ole Opry honored the memory of “The Solemn Old Judge” George D. Hay 1895~1968, age 72, who passed away in Virginia earlier in the week. Grant Turner represented WSM and all of the Opry members as spokesman for the tribute.

 

1973 - Marty Robbins recorded “A Man And A Train."

 

1978 - Glenn Sherley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Gonzales, California. Glenn is the man John Cash helped parole from prison, and employed until 1973 when Glenn quit the House of Cash and moved back to California.

 

1979 - John Ashby 1915~1979, of the Free State Ramblers, cast members of Connie B. Gay's Gay Time on WRAL in Washington D.C. died at age 63.

 

1979 - Lester Raymond Flatt 1914~1979, age 64, died in Nashville. Lester Flatt was laid to rest in Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery, Sparta, Tennessee. Inducted CMHF 1985. IBMAHH 1991.

 

1980 - Linda Ronstadt's Asylum album "Made Love" was certified Gold & Platinum today.

 

1990 - Ritchie Valens received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Richie's star is located at 6733 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California.

        

1992 - Willie Nelson’s album “Honeysuckle Rose” was certified multi-platinum by the RIAA.

 

1996 - Steve Wariner joined the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1996 - Walter Hyatt, age 47, founder of Uncle Walt’s Band, was killed in the crash of ValuJet flight 592 into the Everglades swamp in Florida.

 

1997 - Trace Adkins married wife Rhonda at Nashville’s Belle Meade Mansion.

 

1999 - Eddy Arnold announced his retirement.

 

2003 - Minnie Snow, age 89, widow of Hank Snow, died in Nashville, on Mothers Day. Minnie was laid to rest next to Hank in Spring Hill Cemetery, in Nashville.

 

2003 - Born to Jamie O’Neal and husband Rodney Good, a beautiful daughter “Aliyah."

 

2004 - Glenn Campbell, age 68, pled guilty to ‘Extreme Drunken Driving,’ and ‘Leaving The Scene of an Accident. Charges of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer were dropped in the plea agreement. The Rhinestone Cowboy served ten days in jail, and 75 hours of community service.

 

2008 - Nashville Gospel singer, and songwriter Dottie Rambo 1934~2008, age 74, was killed today when her tour bus ran off the road and crashed into a ditch near Mount Vernon, Missouri. Dottie, her husband Buck, and daughter Reba toured as the Singing Rambo's in the '60s and '70s. Dottie was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2007, and inducted twice into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Dottie has over 2,500 songs copyrighted. The funeral service is scheduled for the 19^th, at Christ Church in Nashville, with private burial services to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Nashville.

 

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1901 - Benjamin Francis “Whitey” Ford 1901~1986, The Duke of Paducah was born in Desoto, Missouri. Whitey joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1942, and was inducted into the CMHF in 1986.

 

1920 - Tiny Moore 1920~1987, electric mandolin, born in Hamilton County, Texas; raised in Port Arthur. Became famous with his instrument as a result of high exposure to the fans during his years with Bob Wills. In the 70's Tiny recorded and toured with Merle Haggard.

 

1921 - Joe Maphis, of “Joe & Rose Lee Maphis,” born Suffolk, Virginia.

 

1924 - Bill Woods 1924~2000, a.k.a. the “Father of the Bakersfield Sound” was born in Denison, Texas.

 

1937 - Bob Montgomery, songwriter, producer, and publisher was born Bobby Leroy Montgomery in Lampasas, Texas. Early in his career Bob teamed with Buddy Holly as “Buddy & Bob.”

 

1942 - Billy Swan born Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

 

1948 - Eddy Arnold’s RCA Victor single “Anytime” topped the charts. This was Eddy's 4^th #1 hit. Eddy was the CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1967. Arnold's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 6225 Hollywood Blvd., in Hollywood, California.

1951 - Hank Williams' MGM recording "Cold, Cold Heart" sat atop the charts. This was Hank's fifth #1 hit.

1955 - Leon Eric “Kix” Brooks III, of Brooks & Dunn was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. Kix moved to Nashville in 1979.

1960 - The Frank Sinatra Timex TV special, stars Elvis Presley.

 

1962 - Billy Walker’s Columbia single “Charlie’s Shoes” topped the country charts. This was Walker's first #1 hit. Billy joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1960.

 

1963 - Brenda Lee appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

 

1964 - Buck Owens' Columbia single “My Heart Skips A Beat” topped the country charts. This was Owens' 3^rd #1 hit. Owen's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 6667 Hollywood Blvd., in Hollywood, California.

1964 - Bobby Bare's RCA Victor single "Detroit City," won a Grammy Award for single of the year.

1965 - Edward James Kilgallon, member of “Ricochet,” was born in East Greenbush, New York.

1966 - Eddy Arnold's RCA Victor album "My World" was certified Gold.

1969 - W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel 1890~1969, founder of the “Light Crust Doughboys” died at age 79.

1971 - Jerry Lee Lewis was granted a divorce from cousin Myra.

1977 - The Eagles Asylum single "Hotel California" was certified Gold.

1978 - John Denver's RCA Victor album "I Want to Live" was certified Platinum.

1980 - Emmylou Harris’ “Beneath Still Waters” topped the country charts.

1982 - Johnny Lee's Full Moon label album "Lookin' for Love" was certified Gold.

1989 - Keith Whitley's funeral was held today in Madison, Tennessee. Keith's best friend Ricky Skaggs sang during the service. Keith was laid to rest in Nashville's Spring Hill Cemetery. Keith's wife Lorrie Morgan's future gravesite is located next to Keith's.

1990 - Travis Tritt’s first #1 single, “Help Me Hold On” became reality. Travis was one of Waylon Jennings' favorite singers.

1999 - George Jones pled guilty in Franklin, Tennessee, to Driving While Impaired, and having an open container of liquor in his vehicle. The charges were the result of his near fatal traffic accident on March 6^th, when he drove off a bridge. George was fined $550.00 and allowed to keep his drivers license.

2001 - Darryl Worley and Beverly Dean Irvin were married in Darryl’s hometown of Savannah, Tennessee.

2004 - Johnny Wright of “Johnny & Jack” was honored on the eve of his 90^th birthday. Family and friends gathered at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville for the celebration.

 

2006 - James Taylor appeared in concert at the Ryman Auditorium the 12^th & 13^th.

 

2006 - Jennifer Nettles and Sugarland made their debut appearance on NBC's Las Vegas.

 

2007 - Kathy Mattea was presented an honorary Doctorate in the Arts, by West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty Jr. Kathy left the University two decades earlier to pursue a career in music.

 

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1897 - Ray Cash, father of Johnny Cash was born in Rison, Arkansas.

 

1910 - Curtis Massey was born in Midland, Texas.

 

1914 - Johnny Wright, of Johnny & Jack, and husband of Kitty Wells, was born in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1947.

 

1916 - Jack Anglin 1916~1963, of Johnny & Jack, was born in Franklin, Tennessee. Jack married Johnny Wright’s sister Louise in 1938. Johnny & Jack were not brothers, they were brothers-in-law. They joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1947. Jack was killed in a traffic accident while driving to Patsy Cline's memorial service.

 

1921 - Terry Fell, singer, songwriter was born in Dora, Alabama. Terry wrote “Truck Drivin’ Man.”

 

1926 - Dewey Phillips, Memphis disc jockey, was born in Adamsville, Tennessee. Dewey was Elvis Presley's first manager.

 

1929 - Mrs. C.R. Cline a hammer-dulcimer player appeared on the Grand Ole Opry this evening.

 

1939 - The Champions appeared on the Grand Ole Opry this evening.

 

1949 - Marlon Hargis of “Exile” was born in Somerset, Kentucky.

 

1954 - Ray Kennedy, singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, arranger, and recording engineer was born in Buffalo, New York.

 

1957 - Mel Tillis released “Case of the Blues."

 

1957 - The Everly Brothers debuted on the charts with “Bye Bye Love."

 

1958 - Jerry Lee Lewis divorced his second wife, six months after marrying Myra, his 13-year-old cousin. Laws aren't made for Super-flakes…just ask the Killer.

 

1960 - Gid Tanner 1885~1960, singer, songwriter, fiddle and banjo player of the “Skillet Lickers, died at age 74. Gid Tanner & the Skillet Lickers were posthumously inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1988.

 

1960 - Freddy Fender was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for possession of cannabis. Freddy was sentenced to five years in prison for possession for a very small amount of marijuana. The Governor of Louisiana pardoned Freddy, about half-way through the sentence. If Willie had to serve 2 1/2 years for every ounce of weed he ever had in his possession, he would have to live to be 1,726,000 years old just to be eligible for parole. However, as far as I know Willie has not served 5 minutes in jail for possession of drugs, or drug paraphernalia.

 

1965 - Lari White was born in Dunedin, Florida.

 

1967 - Merle Haggard made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1967 - Buck Owens’ Capitol single “Sam’s Place” sat atop the country music charts. Buck and Red Simpson wrote the song. This was Buck's 14^th #1 hit single.

 

1970 - The Johnny Cash ABC-TV Show featured Marty Robins, Roy Acuff, Tex Ritter, June Carter Cash, the Carter Family, the Statler Brothers, and special guest Carrie Cash singing a duet (Uncloudy Day) with her son John.

 

1972 - Tanya Tucker debuted on the charts with “Delta Dawn."

 

1972 - Merle Haggard’s Capitol single “Grandma Harp” was Country's #1 record. Merle wrote the song.

 

1975 - Bob Wills 1905-1975, age 70, The King of Western Swing died of pneumonia in Fort Worth, Texas. Bob had six #1 singles to his credit, and five wives. He was inducted into the CMHF in 1968, the NSHF in 1970, The R&RHF in 1999, and the Texas CMHF in 2000. Bob Wills was laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Oklahoma. His headstone includes the words "Deep Within My Heart Lies A Melody."

 

1981 - Nathan Abshire 1913-1981, age 67, fiddle, accordion, singer and Bluebird Records recording artist died in Basile, Louisiana.

 

1989 - Glen Campbell co-hosted Hee Haw, and Ace Cannon, the Burch Sisters and Alabama made guest appearances.

 

1997 - MCA released “Jerry Clower Live at Dollywood."

 

1997 - Rosa Lola Lee “Rose” Carter 1914~1997, gospel music pioneer and member of “The Chuck Wagon Gang,” died at age 82.

 

2000 - Kenny Rogers’ “Buy Me A Rose,” went to #1 on the Country charts.

 

2003 - Joe Nichols “Man With A Memory,” was certified Gold by the RIAA.

 

2005 - Jason Aldean made his debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

2006 - Jett Williams Days were held at Key Park, in Lafayette, Tennessee.

 

2006 - Daniel Lee Martin and his band performed at The Rockin' RibFest in Iredell County, North Carolina. The annual fund raiser for Dove House Children's Advocacy Center, raises money to assist sexually abused children throughout the county. Unfortunately, the need for this kind of assistance, grows with each passing year, throughout America.

 

2007 - The Fourth Annual Motorcycle Ride benefiting the Academy of Country Music's Charitable Fund was held today in Las Vegas. For the fourth time, Montgomery Gentry hosted the event.

 

2007 - Johnny Wright, of Johnny & Jack, and husband of Kitty Wells celebrated his 93^rd birthday in Nashville.

 

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1903 - Jenks “Tex” Carman 1903~1968, vocalist, and steel guitarist was

born in Hardinsburg, Kentucky.

 

1914 - Foy Willing 1914~1978, singer, songwriter, guitarist, bandleader and

actor was born Foy Willingham in Bosque County, Texas. After moving to

Hollywood, Foy became a member of Jimmy Wakley's Saddle Pals, appearing

in Western movies, and on the Hollywood Barn Dance. Foy later formed the

"Riders of the Purple Sage."

 

1927 - The Ryman Auditorium played host to their first “Old-Time Fiddlers Contest."

 

1932 - Bob Johnston, producer, and Capitol Records executive was born in Hillsboro, Texas.

 

1937 - The Light Crust Doughboys recorded twenty-one songs on this date.

 

1943 - Sonny Garrish, session steel guitarist, was born in Fairplay, Maryland.

 

1949 - Eddy Arnold’s #1 single “One Kiss Too Many” charted.

 

1950 - Hank Williams topped the charts with “Long Gone Lonesome Blues."

 

1952 - Tex Ritter recorded “High Noon,” for the Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly movie of the same name. The song became Ritter’s signature song.

1956 - Buddy Holly's optometrist gave him contact lenses for his 20/800 eyesight. Buddy was not comfortable wearing them, so he wore the trademark black glasses the rest of his life.

1958 - Don Gibson’s “Oh Lonesome Me” was #1 on the country chart in 1958. The self-penned RCA Victor single was Don's second chart record, and his first #1 hit.

1966 - George Oscar “Uncle Bud” Landress 1881~1966, member of The Georgia Yellow Hammers, died at age 85.

1966 - Eddy Arnold sat atop the charts with his RCA Victor recording of “I Want To Go With You." The Hank Cochran penned tune remained on the Billboard chart for nineteen weeks, six weeks at #1. This was Eddy's 91^st country chart hit.

1968 - Beasley Smith, songwriter, orchestra leader, died in Nashville, Tennessee.

1969 - The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour featured John Hartford, Marty Paich Orchestra, Pat Paulsen, Bell Medley, Merilee Rush, George Lindsey, the Earl Brown Singers and the George LeFave Dancers.

1974 - Sonny James topped the charts with “Is It Wrong For Loving You."

 

1984 - Willie Nelson and Julio Inglesias' Columbia album “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before” was certified Gold.

 

1986 - Moses “Mose” Rager 1911~1986, Muhlenberg Country, Kentucky guitarist, died today at age 75.

 

1988 - Tammy Wynette co-hosted; and Porter Wagoner, Lyle Lovett and the San Diego Chicken appeared on Hee Haw.

 

1990 - Conway Twitty’s album “The Very Best Of Conway Twitty” was certified Platinum.

 

1994 - Shenandoah’s “If Bubba Can Dance,” went to #1 on the country charts.

 

2001 - Faith Hill was listed as one of People magazines "50 Most Beautiful People In The World.

 

2002 - Old Hat Productions released Ed Bruce’s “This Old Hat".

 

2003 - Family friends reported that June Carter Cash was near death at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, after having open-heart surgery on May 7, 2003.

 

2005 - Jimmy Martin 1927~2005, age 77, The King of Bluegrass, died in a Nashville hospice. Jimmy was laid to rest in Nashville's Spring Hill Cemetery.

 

-15-

 

1918 - Eddy Arnold 1918~2008, was born Richard Edward Arnold, in Henderson, Tennessee. Inducted into the CMHF in 1966. Eddy was the all-time best selling Classic Country recording artist in history.

 

1920 - Dave Stogner 1920~1989, Western Swing bandleader and multi-instrumentalist was born in Gainesville, Texas. Stogner recorded for Four Star, Morgan, and Decca Records.

 

1929 - Eddy Arnold’s father died on Eddy's eleventh birthday. A short time later the bank foreclosed on the farm, and Eddy grew up in poverty. After a few years in the music business, Eddy was one of the richest men in Tennessee.

 

1941 - K.T. Oslin was born Kay Toinette Oslin in Crossett, Arkansas.

 

1951 - Buck Owens moved his family from Phoenix, Arizona to Bakersfield, California. From September 1951 through May 1958, Buck played at the Blackboard, Bakersfield’s top Country Music nightclub.

 

1953 - Marty Robbins released “A Castle In The Sky” b/w ”A Half-Way Chance With You."

 

1957 - Elvis Presley inhaled the cap on one of his teeth, and was taken to a Los Angeles hospital to have it removed from his lung.

 

1958 - Brenda Lee recorded “Little Jonah” for Decca on her second recording session with Owen Bradley as her producer. Bradley would produce most of Brenda’s recordings for the next eighteen years.

 

1958 - Kenny Rogers and Janice Gordon were married. This was Kenny’s first marriage.

 

1959 - George Jones topped the charts with “White Lightning." The song was written for George by his friend disc jockey J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson. Richardson died in a plane crash with Buddy Holly, and never knew that he had written his friend's first #1 hit.

 

1962 - Brenda Lee made a guest appearance on CBS TV’s “Make Room For Daddy."

 

1963 - The 5^th Annual Grammy Awards were presented this evening in California. Burl Ives' Decca recording of "Funny Way of Laughin'" won the Grammy for Best Country & Western Recording.

 

1972 - Glenn Campbell’s Capitol “Greatest Hits” album was certified Gold.

 

1972 - Conway Twitty's Decca album "Hello Darlin'" was certified Gold.

 

1973 - Tom T. Hall recorded “Watergate Blues."

 

1975 - Gary Stewart went to #1 with “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles.)"

 

1977 - Johnny Cash performed at Billy Graham’s Crusade in South Bend, Indiana.

1982 - Ricky Skaggs, age 27, joined the Grand Ole Opry.

1983 - Bashful Brother Oswald a.k.a. Beecher Ray Kirby and Eunita Orene Adams were married today.

1984 - John Anderson's Warner Bros. album "Wild & Blue" was certified Gold by the RIAA.

1988 - John and Martina McBride were married in Wichita, Kansas.

1991 - George Strait’s “If I Know Me” topped the charts.

1993 - John Michael Montgomery's Atlantic single "I Love The Way You Love Me" became his first #1 hit today. The song charted in March.

1997 - Bill Monroe was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this evening. Don't ask…I have no idea why.

1998 - Martina McBride’s album “Evolution” was certified Platinum.

1999 - Tim McGraw's "Please Remember Me" went to #1. The song was written by Rodney Crowell.

2001 - Rebel Records released Mike Auldridge’s album “Blue Lonesome Wind."

2001 - Dualtone released Radney Foster’s album “Are You Ready for the Big Show."

2003 - Eddy Arnold celebrated his 85^th birthday.

2003 - June Carter Cash 1929~2003, age 73, died at 5:04 PM, in Baptist Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee. The singer, songwriter, producer, author and actress was laid to rest in Hendersonville Memorial Gardens, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

2004 - Jay DeMarcus member of Rascal Flatts married Allison Alderson in Nashville. Vince Gill sang at the ceremony.

2004 - Gretchen Wilson made her debut appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. That same evening
Terri Clark became the first Canadian female artist to be invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. Terri was inducted on June 12, 2004.

2007 - The 42^nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were presented in Las Vegas. "Give It Away" written by Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon, and Jamey Johnson won "Song of the Year." George Strait's recording of "Give It Away" won "Single of the Year." Brad Paisley was named Male Vocalist of the Year, and Carrie Underwood's album "Some Hearts" was named Album of the Year, and Underwood was also named Top Female Vocalist.

2007 - Ricky Skaggs celebrated his 25^th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

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1920 - Laura Lee Owens McBride 1920~1989, was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Known as “The Queen of Western Swing” Laura Lee was the daughter of Tex Owens, and her aunt was Texas Ruby. In 1943 Laura Lee became Bob Wills’ first female vocalist. Laura Lee died from cancer in 1989, and was inducted into the Western Swing Hall of Fame the same year.

 

1925 - Wendy Lee Bagwell 1925~1996, was born in Chamblee, Georgia. The Gospel music singer, and comedian, served in the Marines during World War II.

 

1933 - Jack Strange bass guitarist, and mandolin player was born in Flora, Illinois. Jack was a road musician for Bill Morrison's band, and played for numerous Opry artists that did not have their own road band. Jack is now semi-retired and living in Colorado.

 

1945 - Gene Autry’s “At Mail Call Today” topped the charts.

 

1955 - Nick Forster a member of “Hot Rize,” was born in Beirut, Lebanon.

 

1960 - Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper and The Clinch Mountain Clan's Hickory single "Johnny, My Love" hit the country music chart today.

 

1961 - Faron Young’s Capitol single “Hello Walls” went to #1. The Willie Nelson penned song became The Sheriff's 4^th #1 hit. Faron had 5 #1 singles during his 36 year recording career. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1954.

 

1960 - Columbia Records released Marty Robbins single “I Told My Heart" b/w "Is There Any Chance."

 

1969 - Merle Haggard recorded his #1 single “Workin’ Man Blues."

 

1970 - Sonny James' Capitol Records single "My Love" climbed to the top of the charts. This was Sonny's 15^th #1 hit single. Sonny became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1965, and the CMHF in 2006.

 

1971 - Columbia recording artist Rick Trevino was born in Austin, Texas.

 

1977 - Don Williams’ ABC/Dot single “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” was #1 in 1977. This was The Gentle Giant's 6^th #1 hit.

1979 - Waylon Jennings RCA Victor album "Greatest Hits" was certified Gold.

 

1980 - Dr. George C. Nichopoulous was arrested in Memphis on 14 counts of over-prescribing drugs for Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and numerous other patients.

 

1980 - Alabama released their first RCA single “Tennessee River." There first RCA release went to #1, as did thirty of their next thirty-two RCA singles. This very talented group now belongs to the ages, as members of the CMHF.

 

1981 - George Strait debuted on the charts with his MCA single “Unwound.” Poteet, Texas' favorite son was on his way.

 

1981 - T. G. Sheppard's Warner/Curb single “I Loved ‘Em Every One" topped the Billboard magazine chart. Phil Sampson wrote the song, this record was Sheppard's 20^th chart record, and his 7^th #1 hit.

 

1986 - Johnny Cash became ill with an irregular heartbeat during a concert.

 

1989 - Reba McEntire's MCA "Greatest Hits" album was certified Platinum.

 

1991 - Ray Charles was inducted into the Atlanta Celebrity Walk.

 

1992 - Asleep At The Wheel, Shelby Lynne and Dude Mowrey made guest appearances on Hee Haw.

 

1999 - Paul Brandt and Claudia Church left for Bosnia to entertain U.S. troops.

 

2000 - Renaissance Records released Lacy J. Dalton’s “Anthology."

 

2000 - Joe Ely released his “Live at the Cambridge Folk Festival."

 

-17-

 

1912 - Grant Turner, Grand Ole Opry announcer for 49 years, was born in Abilene, Texas. Grant was inducted into the CMHF in1982, and the CMDJHF in 1975.

 

1918 - Dorris Paul Warren, Bluegrass fiddler, was born in Lyles, Tennessee.

 

1921 - Brad McCuen, Industry executive, founder of Mega Records and record producer, was born in New York City.

 

1925 - Cousin Herb Henson, was born in East St. Louis, Illinois.

 

1925 - Arthur Lee “Red” Smiley 1925~1972, guitarist for “Reno & Smiley” (formed in 1951) was born today in Marshall, North Carolina.

 

1928 - Ben Smathers, founder of The Stoney Mountain Cloggers” was born in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

 

1929 - Eddy Arnold's father, Will C. Arnold, age 58, was buried on the grounds of Friendship Baptist Church, in Chester County, Tennessee.

 

1933 - Jimmie Rodgers recorded “Blue Yodel No 12" b/w I’m Free from the Chain Gang Now."

 

1944 - Jesse Winchester songwriter, singer, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

 

1947 - Red Foley's recording "New Jolie Blonde" was Billboard magazine's #1 record.

 

1948 - Penny DeHaven, singer, actress was born Charlotte DeHaven in Winchester, Virginia.

 

1948 - Eddy Arnold's RCA recordings of "Bouquet of Roses," and "Texarkana Baby" both hit Billboard's Best Sellers chart today, and both songs went to #1. Bouquet of Roses for 19 weeks, and Texarkana Baby for 3 weeks.

 

1952 - Johnny Horton 1925~1960, The Singing Fisherman debuted on the Louisiana Hayride. John was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, however, for personal reasons he chose to remain in Shreveport. John was married to Hank Williams widow Billie Jean, who hated the Opry because they fired Hank. As a result, this very talented country music ambassador of country music, is not a member of the CMHF.

 

1952 - Ray Price debuted on the charts with his Columbia single “Talk To Your Heart." The song climbed the charts to the #3 position, and Ray joined the Grand Ole Opry later that year.

 

1952 - Pat Flynn, vocals, guitar, mandolin, and banjo founding member of “New Grass Revival,” was born in Los Angeles, California.

 

1964 - Ralph Emery emceed four performances of a huge Country Music show held at Madison Square Garden. The show featured Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe, Webb Pierce, Bill Anderson, Stonewall Jackson, Skeeter Davis, Porter Wagoner and Leon McAuliffe. The show was a huge success.

 

1966 - Wiley Walker, of “Wiley & Gene” died at age 54.

 

1975 - Freddy Fender’s debut

album “Before The Next Teardrop Falls,” went to #1.

 

1980 - Merle Haggard and Clint Eastwood’s “Bar Room Buddies,” charted.

 

1982 - Merle Haggard and George Jones recorded “Yesterday’s Wine."

 

1993 - Johnny Cash recorded his album "Def American" in Hollywood, California, between the 17^th and the 20^th.

 

2001 - The New “Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum,” opened for business in downtown Nashville. This magnificent $37 million facility is the Crown Jewel of Music City USA. Having said that, the jewels in this crown would shine much brighter if more honesty, and less politics were involved in the selection process, regarding who gets inducted into this elite body. Do you know the names of the Music Row geniuses, who have had the final say in deciding who goes in, and who stays out of the Hall of Fame? Of course you don't. Who would admit to being responsible for inducting only seven female solo artists into the Hall of Fame since 1961.

 

-18-

 

1933 - Jimmie Rodgers recorded “Last Blue Yodel (The Women Make A Fool

Out of Me.)"

 

1936 - Leon Ashley was born Leon Walton in rural Newton County, Georgia. Leon was the first artist to write, publish, record, and distribute his own songs.

 

1942 - Rodney Dillard of “The Dillards,” was born in East St. Louis, Illinois. The Dillards appeared frequently on the Andy Griffith Show as the Darling Family.

 

1946 - Bob Wills topped the charts with “New Spanish Two Step."

 

1948 - Joe Bonsall member of the “Oakridge Boys,” was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

1949 - Gary Scruggs, member of the “Earl Scruggs Revue,” was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

1952 - George Strait a.k.a. “King George” was born in Poteet, Texas. He was inducted into the CMHF in 2006.

 

1954 - Eddy Arnold topped the charts with “I Really Don’t Want To Know."

        

1957 - Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1959 - Waylon Jennings released “When Sin Stops,” on Brunswick Records.

 

1959 - Johnny Horton’s Columbia single “The Battle of New Orleans,” went to #1. The record remained at the top of the chart for 10 weeks. Johnny Horton is not a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

1968 - Jerry Wallace's Liberty single "Another time, Another Place, Another World" charted today. The song was written by Eddie Dean and Buddy Landon. This was Mr. Smooth's 6^th single to make the Billboard magazine chart.

 

1970 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ single “The Kansas City Song."

 

1975 - B. J. Thomas’ “Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” topped the charts.

 

1978 - “The Buddy Holly Story,” premiered in Dallas, Texas.

 

1985 - Vice President George Bush and First Lady Barbara, visited with the artists backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1986 - The made-for-TV movie “Stagecoach,” starring Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and John Schneider, debuted on CBS.

 

1993 - Curb released Tennessee Ford’s “Best Sacred Memories."

 

1999 - Arista released Radney Foster’s album “See What You Want To See."

 

2002 - Steve Azar’s single “I Don’t Have To Be Me (Till Monday)” debuted on Billboard’s Top 40.

2002 - George Strait celebrated his 50^th birthday.

 

2003 - The funeral for June Carter Cash was held at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. June was laid to rest in Hendersonville Memory Gardens next to her mother Maybelle, her father, Ezra, and her sister, Anita. 1800 people attended the ceremony. Rosanne Cash was the only family member to speak at the funeral. John Carter Cash’s wife Laura played the fiddle during the service.

 

2004 - Johnny Cash’s new authorized biography “Cash, An American Man,” was released.

 

2008 - Vince Gill's 16^th Annual "Vinny Pro-Celebrity Invitational" golf tournament was held at the Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs.

2008 - The ACM Awards, were presented this evening on CBS-TV, from Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

-19-

 

1921 - Martha Carson 1921~2004, “The First Lady of Gospel Music,” singer, and guitarist was born “Irene Ethel Amburgey,” in Neon, Kentucky.

 

1938 - Chip Young guitarist, songwriter, session musician, producer and studio owner born Jerry Marvin Stembridge, in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

1938 - Rex Gosdin 1938~1983, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, brother of Vern Gosdin, was born in Woodland, Alabama.

 

1940 - Mickey Newbury was born Milton Sim Newbury Jr. in Houston, Texas.

1945 - Gene Autry's "At Mail Call Today" was Billboard magazine's #1 record.

 

1950 - Johnny Cash graduated from High School in Dyess Arkansas.

 

1950 - Jean Shepard recorded her #1 Capitol Records single “A Dear John Letter," with Ferlin Huskey.

1951 - Eddy Arnold’s “Kentucky Waltz” topped the country charts. This was The Tennessee Playboy's 13^th #1 single.

 

1956 - Johnny Cash's Sun Records single “I Walk The Line,” b/w ”Get Rhythm,” was released today. Both side of the record charted the following month and (Walk The Line) went on to become John's first #1 single, remaining at the top of the chart for 6 weeks. This Sun recording is now a Grammy Hall of Fame record. John Cash joined the Grand Ole Opry this year.

 

1956 - Roy Orbison released “Ooby Dooby." Roy won Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 1998.

 

1958 - Johnny Cash's Sun Records single “I Guess Thing Happen That Way" was released today. Jack Clement wrote the song, and produced the session. The record went to #1 where it remained for 8 weeks. This was John's 4^th #1 single.

 

1960 - Ray Charles’ #1 hit “I Can’t Stop Loving You” hit the country charts.

 

1962 - George Jones' United Artists single “She Thinks I Still Care." went to #1. The song was written by Dickey Lee, and charted in April. This was the Possum's 25^th chart single, his 3^rd #1, and this single is now a Grammy Hall of Fame recording.

 

1965 - Roger Miller’s single “King Of The Road,” was certified Gold by the RIAA.

        

1966 - Eddy Arnold made his debut appearance at Carnegie Hall.

 

1969 - Ralph Emery presented Loretta Lynn and Marty Robbins with plaques, naming them as the most popular singers on Ralph’s all night radio show on WSM.

 

1973 - Tanya Tucker’s Columbia single “What’s Your Mama’s Name” went to #1. Dallas Frazier and Earl Montgomery wrote the song, and the record remained on the charts for 17 weeks. This was Tucker's 4^th chart record, and her first #1 hit.

 

1979 - The Bellamy Brothers Warner/Curb single “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body,” went to #1. This was the duos first #1 record.

 

1980 - Barbara Mandrell broke the sound barrier today, while riding in one of the Air Force Thunderbirds.

 

1987 - Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen” topped the charts.

 

1998 - Mercury Nashville released Terri Clark’s album “How I Feel."

 

2006 - Carrie Underwood hosted America's Grand Ole Opry Weekend Academy of Country Music Awards Special. The syndicated weekly radio broadcast reaches over 200 markets, and the Armed Forces Radio Network.

 

2007 - Sugarland's "Settlin'" was Billboard's #1 song.

 

2008 - Dottie Rambo 1934~2008, age 74 was laid to rest in Woodlawn Memorial Park, in Nashville. Dottie, died on the 11^th after her tour bus crashed in Missouri.

 

-20-

 

1902 - Oscar Davis, artist management, and promoter, was born in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

1919 - George Gobel 1919~1991, was born in Chicago, Illinois. At age 13 George became a cast member of the “WLS National Barn Dance,” billed as the Little Cowboy. The young singer was with WLS for ten years, and recorded in 1933 on the Conqueror label, owned by ARC. In the 1950’s George became one of America’s most popular comedians, appearing on many television shows, including his own network show “The George Gobel Show.” George made several movies, and was a top nightclub entertainer from coast to coast.

 

1929 - Jack D. Cash 1929~1944, age 14, older brother of Johnny Cash, died in the hospital after a chain saw accident in Arkansas, in 1944. Jack was laid to rest in the Bassett, Arkansas, cemetery. His tombstone reads: Jack D. Cash, 1929-44. Johnny Cash believed that his brother had been murdered, and named the young man he thought had killed his brother. That young man disappeared the same day that Jack Cash was fatally injured. No arrest was ever made.

 

1948 - Eddy Arnold’s RCA Victor single “Anytime” topped the country charts. This was The Tennessee Plowboy's fourth #1 hit, and it remained on the charts for 273 days.

 

1956 - Carl Perkins’ Sun Records single topped the charts with “Blue Suede Shoes." This was Carl's first country chart hit, and his first #1 record. Carl's self-penned hit is now a Grammy Hall of Fame recording. Carl was a member of the Johnny Cash road show for ten years, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame^®.

 

1957 - Marty Robbins’ Columbia Records single “A White Sport Coat” topped the country charts today. The song was recorded in New York City in January. Mitch Miller was the producer.

 

1958 - Don Gibson joined the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1962 Charlie Bowman 1889~1962, age 72, of “The Hill Billies,” died.

 

1964 - Buck Owens Capitol single “My Heart Skips A Beat” sat atop the Billboard magazine chart. Buck wrote the song, and the record remained on the charts for 26 weeks, 7 weeks at #1.

 

1967 - Jerry Reed’s RCA single “Guitar Man,” charted today and went to the top of the Chart. This was Jerry's first chart record, and his first #1 hit.

 

1969 - Marty Robbins released “It’s A Sin" b/w "I Walk Alone."

 

1976 - Jimmy Dean's GRT label single "I.O.U." was certified Gold.

 

1982 - Merle Haggard and George Jones recorded, “C.C. Waterback."

 

1983 - Johnny Cash was hospitalized four days for treatment of a compressed vertebrae.

 

1989 - Clint Black released his RCA album “Killin’ Time,” and Country Music had a new superstar. Lisa Hartman's husband joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1991.

 

1989 - Loretta Lynn co-hosted Hee Haw, Roy Acuff, Vern Gosdin, Jo-El Sonnier, Ken Kercheval, Bill Holt and the Million Dollar Band made guest appearances.

 

1992 - The Country Music Hall of Fame, 25^th Anniversary Special, aired on CBS.

 

1995 - Don Henley of the Eagles and model Sharon Summerall were married.

 

1997 - Asleep At The Wheel released their "Back to the Future-Live at Arizona Charlie’s."

 

1997 - Razor & Tie released “Amazing Steel Guitar: The Buddy Emmons Collection."

 

2000 - Chad Brock’s single “Yes!” debuted on Billboards Top 40 Pop chart. The record went to #1.

 

2003 - Audium released Mickey Gilley’s “Room Full of Roses" b/w "Gilley’s Smokin."

 

-21-

 

1931 - North Carolina’s banjo king Charlie Poole 1892~1931 died at age 39. Charlie formed the North Carolina Ramblers, and they were one of the all time top string bands in the country. Charlie recorded over 100 sides, prior to death as the result of a lengthy drinking spree.

 

1944 - Jack Cash 1929~1944, age 14, older brother of Johnny, was buried in Bassett, Arkansas, after dying as the result of a power saw injury.

 

1945 - Ernest Tubb recorded a total of twenty songs today, in Chicago for Decca Records. The session personnel included: Ernest Tubb~vocals & rhythm guitar; Leon Short~lead guitar; Johnny Sapp~fiddle; Ray Head~steel guitar; Jack Drake~bass. A sampling of the tunes recorded: "At Mail Call Today" written by Gene Autry & Fred Rose; "There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder" by Jimmie Davis; "Wondering If You're Wondering Too" by E.T.; "My Hillbilly Baby: by Rex Griffin; "Too Late To Worry, Too Blue To Cry" by Al Dexter; "Each Night At Nine" by Floyd Tillman; "Love Gone Cold" by Johnny Bond;

 

1949 - Eddy Arnold’s RCA Victor single “The Echo of Your Footsteps” hit the charts. The record topped out at #2.

 

1956 - Brenda Lee was signed to her first recording contract by Paul Cohen of Decca Records.

 

1962 - Capitol Records released Buck Owens’ single “Save The Last Dance For Me" b/w "King Of Fools."

 

1965 - Del Reeves’ United Artists single “Girl On The Billboard” topped the country charts. Walter Haynes and Hank Mills wrote the song, and it remained on the charts for 20 weeks. Del joined the Grand Ole Opry the following year. During his career, Franklin Delano Reeves charted a total of 55 songs on the country charts.

 

1976 - Mac Davis' Columbia album "All the Love in the World" was certified Gold.

 

1976 - Dan Fogelberg's Epic album "Souvenirs" was certified Gold.

 

1988 - Kathy Mattea’s “Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses,” went to #1, and became the CMA’s Single of the Year.

 

1954 - Trisha Yearwood, and the Mavericks Robert Reynolds, married on stage, at the Ryman Auditorium. They were divorced in 1999.

 

1988 - The Statler Brothers co-hosted Hee Haw; and Eddy Raven and Jeannie C. Riley were guests.

 

1996 - Brenda Lee celebrated her 40^th anniversary as a recording artist.

 

1996 - Razor & Tie released “The Little Jimmy Dickens Collection."

 

2000 - Willie Nelson made a guest appearance on the Simpson’s TV show.

 

2002 - During the live broadcast of the ACM Awards, Alabama announced they would retire from working the road, after their upcoming farewell tour.

 

2002 - Bear Family released Lester Flatt “Live at Vanderbilt."

 

2003 - Toby Keith left the ACM Awards Show before it was announced that he had won Entertainer of the Year. Toby told the press that he and Willie Nelson went to the bus to write songs, that’s his story, and he’s stickin’ to it. I'm betting the bus was filled with a lot of smoke.

 

2004 - The WB Network announced that Reba McEntire’s sitcom “Reba” will be returning for it’s fourth season.

 

2005 - 18-year-old Erika Jo Heriges made her Grand Ole Opry debut less than one week after winning the title of Nashville Star, and signing a recording contract with Universal South Records.

 

2006 - Montgomery Gentry hosted the 3^rd Annual Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride in Las Vegas, Nevada. The proceeds benefit the ACM Charitable Foundation.

 

2006 - Billy Walker 1929~2006, age 76, was killed in a one vehicle accident while driving back to Nashville from a show in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Also killed in the I-65 wreck was Billy's wife Bettie, and two members of his band. Billy's grandson Joshua Brooks was seriously injured. Billy had been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 46 years. Billy Walker and his wife Bettie, were laid to rest in Nashville's Spring Hill Cemetery.

 

2006 -Stan Hitchcock, Leon Rausch, Wynn Stewart, Porter Wagoner, and Roy Queens were inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

-22-

 

1889 - Willie Narmour 1889~1961, of Namour & Smith, fiddler, and recording artist, was born in

Carroll County, Mississippi. This instrumental duo was one of the most successful of the 1920's.

 

1892 - Ralph Peer 1892~1960, the first country music talent scout, publisher, and music industry pioneer, was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He recorded Jimmie Rodgers, the Carter Family and many more early artists.

 

1926 - Omega “Miggie” Lewis, of “The Lewis Family” was born in Richmond County, Georgia.

 

1926 - Henry Bandy, Petroleum, Kentucky's favorite fiddle player, appeared on the WSM Barn Dance.

 

1948 - Doug Gray lead, background vocalist, and percussionist for the Marshall Tucker Band was born on this date.

 

1953 - Rich Alves member of the “Pirates of the Mississippi,” was born in Pleasanton, California.

 

1954 - Jimmy C. Newman’s Dot Records single, “Cry, Cry, Darling,” hit the charts. This was Newman's first chart record.

 

1954 - Bob Dylan a.k.a. Robert Allen Zimmerman had his bar mitzvah.

1956 - Lefty Frizzell’s recorded “Waltz of the Angels” at his first Nashville session.

 

1958 - Jerry Lee Lewis opened a tour in England. Against the advice of Sam Phillips at Sun Records, Jerry took his new bride along. When the English press discovered that Jerry had married his 13 year-old cousin, before divorcing his second wife, the tour was cancelled, and his career was almost brought to a close. The Killer’s concert fee went from $10,000 per show, down to a low of $250, before he decided to be a country music singer.

 

1961 - Dana Williams, bass player with Diamond Rio, was born today.

 

1971 - A&M released “The Flying Burrito Brothers” album.

 

1973 - Susan Morrison Hill, songwriter, guitarist, was born at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.

 

1974 - Asylum released the Eagles third album “On the Border."

 

1975 - Freddy Fender's Dot single "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" was certified Gold. This was Freddy's fist #1 country hit, and was the CMA Single of the Year.

 

1976 - Jimmy Dean’s single “I.O.U.” debuted on the charts.

 

1977 - The Grand Ole Opry held a Sunday Matinee to honor the Canadian fans of country music. The following day was Victoria Day, a Canadian national holiday.

 

1987 - Roy Orbison appeared on “Saturday Night Live."

 

1992 - Johnny Carson hosted his last "Tonight Show" this evening. Many country music artists appeared on this NBC network show, during the 30 years that Carson was the host.

 

1998 - Royce Kendall of “The Kendalls,” died on tour, after suffering a stroke.

 

2003 - Gov. Bill Owns of Colorado, declared May 22^nd, “Darryl Worley Day,” in appreciation of

Darryl’s work in the support of American troops.

 

2003 - Darryl Worley’s “Have You Forgotten,” was certified Gold.

 

2005 - Elmer Mackall Gospel recording artist, musician died at age 81.

 

2005 - Terry Carisse, age 62, singer, songwriter died from cancer. Terry won the Canadian Country Music Associations Male Vocalist of the Year Award six times.

 

-23-

 

1925 - Mac Wiseman was born in Crimora, Virginia. Mac was a founding member, and served as the first Secretary of the Country Music Association in 1958. Inducted into the IBMAHH in 1993.

 

1939 - The Prarie Ramblers recorded “I Just Don’t Care Anymore."

 

1944 - Ken Irwin, one of the founders of Rounder Records was born in New York City.

 

1945 - Misty Morgan of “Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan,” was born Maryanne Donahue in Buffalo, New York.

 

1948 - Buddy Alan, Capitol recording artist, songwriter, and guitarist, son of Buck & Bonnie Owens, was born Alvis Alan Owens in Mesa, Arizona.

 

1951 - Judy Rodman, singer, songwriter was born in Riverside, California.

 

1953 - Kitty Wells recorded “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels,” at Castle Studio in Nashville. It was her first recording session for Decca.

 

1953 - Jim Reeves “Mexican Joe,” charted in 1953. Later that same day Jim debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

1958 - Shelly West daughter of Dottie, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Shelly has two #1 hits to her credit; "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma" w/David Frizzell" and her Warner single, "Jose Cuervo."

 

1959 - Johnny Horton’s “Battle of New Orleans” was #1 on the country charts.

 

1960 - The Everly Brothers released “When Will I Be Loved,” The brothers became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1957.

 

1967 - Buck Owens topped the charts with “Sam’s Place."

 

1975 - B.J. Thomas' ABC single "Hey Won't You Play(Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song") was certified Gold.

 

1977 - Engelbert Humperdinck's Epic album "After the Lovin'" was certified Platinum. The title track from this album was released as a single, and became his first country music chart hit. Humperdinck's birth name was Arnold Dorsey, he born in India.

1978 - The Marshall Tucker Band's Capricorn album "Carolina Dreams" was certified Platinum.

 

1979 - Tom T. Hall recorded “The Old Side Of Town."

 

1981 - Rosanne Cash's self-penned Columbia single “Seven Year Ache" went to #1. The record charted in February and remained on the chart for nineteen weeks. This was Rosanne's 4^th Billboard magazine chart hit, and her first #1.

 

1983 - Rex Gosdin 1938~1983, of The Gosdin Brothers, died at age 45.

 

1983 - John Conlee’s “Common Man” went to #1.

 

1984 - Johnny Cash performed on Bob Hope’s 81^st Birthday Special.

 

1989 - K. T. Oslin’s RCA album “80’s Ladies” was certified Platinum. The album was released two years earlier, and produced five chart singles including two #1 hits. The title track single won a Grammy for K.T. as Best Female Vocal Performance in 1988. In case you ever wondered, K.T. is short for Kay Toinette. A very classy, and talented addition to the country music charts. Kay's first RCA chart hit occurred in 1987, when she was 46 years old. That would never happen in today's Rock-Pop Tennessee. Not a chance!!! Kay wore beautiful gowns, and long gloves on stage, and won the hearts of every audience she ever appeared in front of. Today, with Pro Tools, and Music Row Hollywood types, talent is not a requirement. But you better be willing to display your sexuality, and be politically correct.

 

1989 - The Judds RCA/Curb "Greatest Hits" album was certified Platinum.

 

1991 - Ernie Lee 1916~1991, age 75, known as "The Kentucky Balladeer" died in Florida. Ernie was the star of numerous Country radio and TV shows during his career.

 

1992 - Billy Ray Cyrus’s #1 hit “Achy Breaky Heart” debuted on Billboard’s Top 40.

 

1992 - Eddie Rabbitt, Suzy Bogguss and Rob Crosby made guest appearances on Hee Haw.

 

1995 - RCA released Floyd Cramer’s “Collector’s Series."

 

2000 - Columbia Legacy released Johnny Cash’s album “Murder."

 

2001 - Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney were acquitted of felony charges in a New York court. This trial lasted nine days, with multiple police officers testifying for the prosecution. Have you ever noticed that criminal laws are not interpreted for rich men, in the same manner as for the poor? If you answered no, you're an….uniformed hillbilly.

 

2005 - Ashley Judd, daughter of Naomi, and sister of Wynonna lost her luxury bus to a fire. The bus caught fire while Ashley was filming a movie scene in Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

2006 - Rhonda Vincent “The Queen of Bluegrass” released “All American Bluegrass Girl” on Rounder Records.

 

2006 - The 41^st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were broadcast live on CBS, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reba McEntire hosted the show for the eighth time. Any Grant's husband was presented with the 2006 Humanitarian Award. As if being Amy Grant's husband isn't enough award for one lifetime. Vince...do you have any idea how blessed you are?

 

2008 - The 25^th ICMC (International Country Music Conference) was held the 22^nd~24^th at Belmont University in Nashville. www.internationalcountrymusic.org

 

-24-

 

1941 - Bob Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota.

 

1945 - Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, wife of Elvis Presley, was born in Brooklyn, New York.

 

1947 - Mike Reid was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

 

1947 - Eddy Arnold's recording "What is Life Without Love" was Billboard magazine's #1 record.

 

1949 - Don Cook, producer, songwriter, and publishing executive, was born in San Antonio, Texas.

 

1951 - Lefty Frizzell recorded “Always Late (With Your Kisses)" for Columbia Records. Later in the year the record charted, and became Lefty's 4^th #1 hit.

 

1955 - Rosanne Cash singer, songwriter, and author was born to Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto Cash, in Memphis, Tennessee. Rosanne’s parents were divorced when she was eleven years old.

 

1961 - Buck Owens recorded “Under The Influence Of Love" b/w "Nobody’s Fool But Yours."

 

1964 - Kenneth Ray Rogers Jr. was born to Kenny and Margo Rogers. This is Kenny’s second child, and first son.

 

1965 - Earl Johnson 1886~1965, age 78, fiddle, session musician, recording artist and band leader died in Georgia.

 

1970 - Johnny Cash, the Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers performed at Billy Graham’s Crusade in Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

1975 - Jessi Colter’s Capitol Records single “I’m Not Lisa” sat atop the country charts. This was Jessi's first #1 hit.

 

1975 - Stella Parton charted her first single today. "I Want To Hold You In My Dreams Tonight" written by Stella and Bob Dean was released on the Country Soul label. The song went to #9.

 

1980 - Rita Coolidge and Glen Campbell's Capitol Records duet single "Somethin' 'Bout You Baby I Like" hit the country charts today.

 

1980 - The Urban Cowboy soundtrack album charted, and country music moved a few more steps away from Traditional Country.

 

1988 - Billy Gilman was born in Westerly, Rhode Island. Billy had his first hit record, when he was 11 years old. He was the youngest artist in history, to reach the Billboard country charts. Brenda Lee held that record from 1957-1999.

 

1991 - Gene Clark, singer, songwriter, and guitarist died in Sherman Oaks, California.

 

1994 - MCA released Jimmy Buffett’s “Fruitcakes” album.

 

2003 - Taylor Ray Jennings age 22, and his girlfriend, were killed near Dallas, Texas, by a drunk driver. Taylor was the grandson of Waylon Jennings.

 

2003 - Buddy Jewell debuted on the Grand Ole Opry, and was introduced by Clint Black.

 

2003 - Randy Travis’ Word-Curb/Warner single “Three Wooden Crosses” climbed to the top of the country charts. The song was named CMA Song of the Year. This single was released from Randy's album "Rise and Shine."

 

2004 - Toby Keith hosted a celebrity golf tournament. The event raised over a quarter of a million dollars for families of pediatric cancer patients, in Toby’s home state of Oklahoma.   

 

2005 - Vivian Liberto age 71, first wife of Johnny Cash died in California, on Rosanne's 49^th birthday. Vivian divorced Johnny in 1966. The couple had four daughters Rosanne, Kathleen, Cindy, and Tara. Vivian died of lung cancer, two weeks after she and Ann Sharpsteen finished her book "I Walked The Line: My Life With Johnny." The book was released in 2007.

 

-25-

 

1875 - Dr. Humphrey Bate 1875-1936, “Dean of the Grand Ole Opry” was born in Sumner County, Tennessee. The licensed M.D. would become a country music pioneer, and early star of the Grand Ole Opry, along with his band the Possum Hunters.

 

1893 - Ernest “Pop” Stoneman 1893~1968, of the “Stoneman Family” was born in Monarat, Virginia. Pop Stoneman will be inducted into the CMHF in 2008.

 

1931 - James Belken 1931~2000, was born on this date. Jim played Country and Western Swing fiddle for the top artists; Haggard, Wills, Price, Tillis, Foley and many others.

 

1936 - Tom T. Hall, The Storyteller, was born in a log cabin, in Olive Hill, Kentucky. A very special man is Tom T. Hall. I believe it was Ralph Emery who was once quoted as saying "If T. could play golf a little better he would be the perfect man." But then, I might be wrong about that quote. It might have been Grammy winner Randy Kohrs, a former member of T.'s band, or any number of Nashville's older music community. Everybody loves Tom T. and Miss Dixie. I know for sure that Ernest Tubb loved him like a son, so that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this songwriting legend...except… when Tootsie Bess, owner and founder of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in Nashville died, it was Tom T. who went to the legendary watering hole and ask to see the cigar box, where Tootsie kept all of the unpaid tabs. These were the tabs of unemployed singers, songwriters, and some of the best musicians in the world, dating back several years. Tom put the tabs on a table, added up the total amount due, and paid the debt in full. When Tom came to Nashville he had forty-six dollars and an old guitar, and a God given gift. Tom T. Hall is a very special man, and the history of country music has been enhanced by the man, and his gift.

 

1938 - Vernon Presley was sentenced to Mississippi’s Parchman penitentiary, for a period of three years, for a forgery conviction. Gladys and Elvis went on welfare during this period of time.

 

1943 - Jessi Colter singer, songwriter born “Mirriam Johnson,” in Phoenix, Arizona. Married to Duane Eddy 1961~1968. Married Waylon Jennings in 1969.

 

1946 - Gene Autry’s “I Wish I Had Never Met Sunshine” charted.

 

1949 - Don Cook record label owner, songwriter, publishing executive and producer, was born in San Antonio, Texas.

 

1951 - Marty Robbins hosted "Chuckwagon Time" on KPHO, in Phoenix, Arizona (1948-1951). KPHO was then managed by former Grand Ole Opry manager and WSM executive Harry Stone. Following a recommendation from Little Jimmy Dickens, Columbia Records A & R man Art Satherley traveled from Los Angeles, to Phoenix, and watched Marty do his radio show. Art was impressed with the young singer, and Marty Robbins was signed by Satherley to a Columbia recording contract on this date.

 

1955 - The Louvin Brothers recorded “When I Stopped Dreaming."

 

1959 - Marty Robbins released “Cap And Gown" b/w "Last Night About This Time."

 

1961 - Faron Young’s “Hello Walls” was #1 on the country charts.

 

1969 - Whisperin’ Bill Anderson’s “My Life, Throw It Away If I Want To” was #1.

 

1973 - The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's United Artists album "William E. McEuen Presents Will the Circle Be Unbroken," was certified Gold.

 

1974 - Melba Montgomery’s “No Charge” went to #1 today on Billboard's chart.

 

1977 - Waylon Jennings topped the charts with “Lukenbach Texas."

 

1985 - Charly McClain’s “Radio Heart” was #1.

 

1993 - Lee Roy Abernathy 1913~1933, age 80, Gospel singer, songwriter, and pianist, died in Canton, Georgia. Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1978. The Southern Music Hall of Fame in 1983. The Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1989, and won the ASCAP Pioneer Award in 1984. Lee Roy was laid to rest in Cherokee Memorial Park, Holly Springs, Georgia.

 

1995 - Dick Curless 1932~1995, The Baron of Country Music, died at age 63.

 

1996 - Le Ann Rhimes’ recording of “Blue,” charted.

 

1999 - Columbia Records released Mary-Chapin Carpenter’s “Party Doll & Other Favorites."

 

2004 - The Academy of Country Music presented their 2004 Awards show in Las Vegas. The big winner was Toby Keith. Album of the Year, Top Male Vocalist, and Entertainer of the Year.

 

2005 - Carrie Underwood wins this years "American Idol" title. Carrie's first country album goes to #1.

 

2005 - Ben Joseph Peters, age 71, Grammy Award winning songwriter and Inductee of the International Songwriter Hall of Fame died in Nashville.

 

2006 - Tom T. Hall celebrated his 70^th birthday.

 

2007 - George Strait, Reba McEntire and Lantana were featured performers

at Country Thunder USA, in Ennis, Texas.

 

-26-

 

1928 - Charles B. Arrington fiddler, made a guest appearance on the WSM Barn Dance.

 

1933 - James Charles “Jimmie” Rodgers 1897~1933, age 35, died in his Hotel room in New York City. Jimmie was known as “The Singing Brakeman,” and became the first person to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1961).

 

1934 - Ernest Tubb and Elaine Cook were married in 1934, at the home of Jewell Adams, Ernest's oldest sister. Elaine was a singer and made some personal appearances with E.T., but after the children Violet, and Justin were born Elaine retired to the life of a homemaker and mother.

 

1936 - The Light Crust Doughboys recorded “My Buddy."

 

1944 - Gates Nichols member of “Confederate Railroad,” was born in New York City.

 

1946 - Bob Wills topped the charts with “New Spanish Two Step.”

 

1946 - Liz Anderson a.k.a. Elizabeth Jane Haaby age 16, married Casey Anderson.

 

1949 - Randall “Hank” Williams was born to Hank and Audrey Williams, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Sixteen days later Hank became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Audrey Williams filed for divorce from Hank in April 1948. The divorce was granted, but the couple got back together again and after Hank Jr. was born Audrey filed to have the divorce annulled. The Court annulled the divorce on August 9, 1949. Audrey would file for divorce again in 1952, and by 1953 Hank was a memory.

 

1951 - Lefty Frizzell's Columbia recording "I Want To Be With You Always" became his third #1 hit. Lefty co-wrote the song with Jim Beck.

 

1954 - Eddy Arnold’s “I Really Don’t Want To Know” was #1.

 

1956 - Ray Price's Columbia single “Crazy Arms” hit the Country chart today. Ralph Mooney and

Chuck Seals wrote the song, and it remained on the charts for 45 weeks. Twenty of those weeks were spent in the #1 position. This was the “Cherokee Cowboy’s” first #1 single, and is now a Grammy Hall of Fame song. Ray joined the Grand Ole Opry cast in 1952, and at that point in time was one of Hank Williams best friends.

 

1958 - Patsy Cline released “Let The Teardrops Fall.”

 

1959 - Dave Robbins, of “BlackHawk” was born in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

1962 - Willie Nelson debuted on the charts with “Touch Me."

 

1962 - George Jones’ single “She Thinks I Still Care” topped the charts.

 

1971 - Keith Gattis was born in Austin, Texas.

 

1973 - Jeanne Pruett’s “Satin Sheets,” went to #1.

 

1974 - Hoke Rice, of “The Rice Brothers” died at age 75.

 

1984 - Onie Wheeler, age 62, died on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, during Jimmie Snow’s “Grand Ole Gospel Show,” in Nashville.

 

1984 - The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ‘s “Long Hard Road” charted, and climbed to #1.

 

1986 - Kenny Rogers topped the charts with “Tomb Of The Unknown Love."

 

1990 - Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name,” charted.

 

1994 - Elvis and Priscilla's only child married pedophile Michael Jackson, in the Dominican Republic. The marriage lasted nineteen months. Her daddy didn't handle the drugs very well either.

 

1999 - Hank Williams Jr. celebrated his 50^th birthday today…and that is one of the greatest mysteries you will find in this calendar. I met Junior back stage at a concert in Athens, on the campus of the University of Georgia, in 1973. I didn't think he would live through that night. I guess God protects drunks and jerks too…Jerry Lee has lasted longer than Junior. Go figure.

 

2001 - Loretta Lynn opened a museum at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

 

2001 - Songwriter Larry Lee Favorite, age 62, died in Lebannon, Tennessee.

 

2004 - Tom C. Fouts 1918~2004, “Captain Stubby,” of Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers, died today. Tom’s group played on WDAN radio in Danville, Illinois in the early 1940’s as The Six Hoosiers. The radio station sponsored a contest to find a new name for the group. The winner was paid one hundred dollars, and Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers were born. The group worked at WLW in Cincinnati prior to joining the cast of the WLS National Barn Dance from 1949~1960. The Buccaneers became regulars on ABC-TV’s Polka Go-Around; and recorded for five record labels. After the group broke up, Tom hosted his own syndicated talk show called Captain Stubby’s Special Delivery. Tom was a writer and a performer on Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club from 1968~1971.

 

2005 - Lloyd Dwight “Doug” Dugger, age 79, singer, songwriter known as “The Chaplain of Country Music” died at home in Missoula, Montana.

 

2007 - Billy Currington's "Good Directions" was Billboard's #1 song.

 

-27-

 

1921 - Redd Stewart 1921~2003, singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and fiddler was born Henry Ellis Stewart, in Ashland City, Tennessee. Redd was inducted into the NSHF in 1970.

 

1925 - Patsy Stoneman member of the “Stoneman Family,” was born in Galax, Virginia.

 

1931 - Kenny Price was born in rural Florence, Kentucky.

 

1939 - Don Williams was born in Floydada, Texas.

 

1950 - MGM Records released Hank Williams' "Why Don't You Love Me." The song became Hank's third #1 hit. MGM released the song for a second time in 1976, approximately twenty-six years after Hank's death.

 

1950 - The #1 song on Billboard's Best Sellers chart was Red Foley's "Birmingham Bounce."

 

1957 - Buddy Holly released “That’ll Be The Day."

1961 - Billboard’s #1 song is Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man."

 

1968 - Buck Owens recorded “Let The World Keep On A Turning."

 

1971 - Bob Dunn 1908~1971, Western Swing steel guitarist, died at the age of 63. Bob was the first country session musician, to use an electrified string instrument during a recording session (1935) with Milton Brown’s Musical Brownies.

 

1972 - Opryland USA opened in Nashville for the first time.

 

1972 - Conway Twitty’s Decca single “On Our Last Date” was Billboard’s #1 record. The song was written by Floyd Cramer and Conway, charted on April 1^st, and was Conway's 21^st hit single on the country charts.

 

1974 - Alan Clark, lead singer of the Clark Family Experience was born today.

 

1978 - John Conlee debuted on the National charts with his ABC single “Rose Colored Glasses." The song was written by George Barber and Conlee, and topped out at #5, remaining on the Billboard charts for twenty weeks. John Conlee joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1981.

 

1981 - Alabama’s RCA Victor album “Feels So Right” was certified Gold.

 

1989 - Billy Parker, a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours (1968-1970) charted his 22^nd single on the country charts today. "It's Time For Your Dreams To Come True" was written by Stan Ratliff, and released on the Canyon Creek label.

 

1994 - Tim McGraw’s “Not A Moment Too Soon,” was certified Platinum.

 

2001 - Tracy Byrd performed at a tribute to NASCAR’s Seven Time Champion Dale Earnhardt, who died in a last lap crash at Daytona earlier in the year.

 

2003 - The following Johnny Cash albums were certified Platinum: “Super Hits,” “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison,” and “Johnny Cash at San Quentin.”

 

2004 - Toby Keith won four awards at the ACM Awards Show in Las Vegas. Entertainer of the Year; Male Vocalist of the Year; Album of the Year; and Video of the Year.

 

2006 - Country Music Television paid tribute to the 20 Greatest Country Comedy Shows this evening, in a program hosted by John Schneider.

 

-28-

 

1911 - Farris Coursey 1911~1968, session musician, and WSM staff drummer, was born in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee.

 

1914 - Mildred Louise Douglas Acuff 1914~1981, wife of Roy Acuff, was born in Tennessee. Roy and Mildred were married on Christmas Day 1934. They had two children; daughter Thelma Acuff Gossett, and son Roy Neil Acuff. Mildred made most of the financial decisions in the Acuff household. It was in fact Mildred’s name at the bottom of the document that formed the partnership between Fred Rose and the Acuff’s when Acuff-Rose was founded. Roy said many times that Mildred gave him much more, that he was able to give her.

 

1927 - DeFord Bailey, a black harmonica player appeared on the WSM Barn Dance. Also scheduled on tonight's program were the Binkley Brothers and Their Dixie Clodhoppers.

 

1928 - Urel Albert 1928~1992, recording artist, comedian, and impressionist, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

 

1931 - Sonny Burgess, singer, songwriter, lead guitarist, and Sun Records artist, was born in Newport, Arkansas.

 

1934 - Gene Autry recorded “Memories of My Silver-Haired Daddy."

 

1942 - Roy Acuff recorded “Night Train To Memphis."

 

1945 - Gary Stewart 1945~2003, singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Letcher County, Kentucky. Gary charted 30 singles on the country charts, his biggest hit, the #1 RCA Victor single "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles) was released in 1975. Gary's wife of 43 years died in November 2003. The following month on December 16^th, 2003, Gary took his own life with a self-inflicted gun shot, in his Fort Pierce, Florida, residence. Gary was 58.

 

1945 - John Fogerty, member of CCR, was born in Berkeley, California. a.k.a. Looney Town, USA.

 

1948 - Eddy Arnold’s “Texarkana Baby” topped the country charts.

 

1956 - Jerry Douglas, Dobro virtuoso, was born in Warren, Ohio.

 

1956 - Brent Rowan, award winning guitarist, and session player, was born in Waxahachie, Texas.

 

1956 - Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” topped the charts.

 

1957 - The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ‘NARAS’ was founded. NARAS is the organization that presents the Grammy Awards.

 

1965 - Phil Vassar was born in Lynchburg, Virginia.

 

1967 - Barbara Mandrell and Ken Dudney were married in Oceanside, California.

 

1972 - Conway Twitty topped the charts with “On Our Last Date."

 

1980 - Kenny Rogers United Artists album "Gideon" was certified Gold & Platinum today.

 

1988 - Kathy Mattea’s “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” was #1 for the second week in a row.

 

1993 - Toby Keith’s debut single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” went to #1.

 

2001 - Gene Davis, lead vocalist for the Palomino Club’s house band “Star Routers” died today.

 

2004 - A tribute to the late Gary Stewart was held at The Trap in Nashville. Money raised was added to a college fund for the Stewart’s grandson, Joseph Stewart.

 

-29-

 

1916 - Carl Story 1916~1995, Bluegrass singer, songwriter, known as The Father of Bluegrass Gospel was born in Lenoir, North Carolina.

 

1925 - Danny Davis trumpet player, band leader, and good friend of Chet Atkins, was born George Nowlan in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Any connection between Danny Davis and country music can be traced back to his friendship with Chet.

 

1949 - Hank Williams topped the charts with “Lovesick Blues."

 

1950 - Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters, June, Anita, and Helen Carter joined The Grand Ole Opry. Their lead guitar player was a young man named Chet Atkins.

 

1952 - Hank Williams and Audrey Williams were divorced for the last time.

 

1961 - George Jones' Mercury single "Family Bible" hit the charts today. The song topped out at #16.

 

1961 - Ricky Nelson’s second #1 hit “Travelin’ Man” topped Billboards chart.

 

1965 - Del Reeves went #1 with “Girl On The Billboard."

 

1965 - Jody Miller’s Capitol single “Queen Of The House” charted today. This was Jody’s first chart record and it won her a Grammy for Best Female Vocal. From 1965~1979 Jody charted a total of 27 chart singles.

 

1989 - Rodney Crowell’s “After All This Time” went #1.

 

1992 - MCA released Jimmy Buffett’s “Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads."

 

1922 - Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut single “Achy Breaky Heart,” went to #1.

 

2004 - George Strait, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett played a concert at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Between them, the trio has sold over 120 million records, including 80 plus #1 hits.

 

2004 - Gretchen Wilson’s single “Redneck Woman” topped the charts.

 

-30-

 

1909 - Lewis Crook 1909~1997, of the Grand Ole Opry's Crook Brothers,

was born in Trousdale County, Tennessee.

 

1912 - Alcyone Bate Beasley, Grand Ole Opry performer, was born in Castallian Springs, Tennessee.

 

1926 - Johnny Gimble, fiddle virtuoso, mandolinist, top session musician was born John Paul Gimble near Tyler, Texas. Honored by the CMA as their Musician of the Year in 1975, 1986, 1987, 1989 and 1990. Member of Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys 1949~1951.

 

1938 - Grant Grieves, age 70, singer, songwriter, and guitarist was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Grant was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame ^® in 2005. Grant and his wife Marcia, live in Hendersonville, Tennessee. My friend continues to record and release some of the best CD's I've ever heard. Grant has been recording for 49 years, so I suppose he should have learned a little bit about how it should be done. Grant Grieves is a child of the King.

 

1942 - Tom Collins, producer, publisher, born Lenoir, Tennessee.

 

1955 - Ray Price went to #1 with “Crazy Arms” and stayed there for 20-weeks.

 

1960 - Ernie Ashworth’s first top 10 single, “Each Moment,” charted.

 

1960 - Decca Records released Brenda Lee’s smash hit “I’m Sorry." This would be Brenda’s first #1 hit, her first gold record selling over one million copies, and the biggest selling record of her career. The song was a worldwide hit, and by the end of the year Brenda Lee was an International recording star.

 

1960 - Mike Snider, Grand Ole Opry Member was born in Gleason, Tennessee.

 

1964 - Wynonna Judd, was born Christina Claire Ciminella in Ashland, Kentucky.

 

1966 - Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married in Catoosa County, Georgia. Although they don't spend much time together, they will never be divorced.

 

1972 - Dave Apollon 1897~1972, Traditional Bluegrass, mandolin player died at age 75.

 

1975 - Claude Lampley 1896~1975, of the Grand Ole Opry’s “Fruit Jar Drinkers,” died at age 79.

 

1976 - Marty Robbins drove the pace car for the Indy 500 race.

 

1979 - Karl Victor Davis 1905~1979, age 73, of the Cumberland Ridge Runners, and Karl & Harty, died today.

 

1979 - Marty Robbins released “All Around Cowboy" b/w "The Dreamer."

 

1982 - Deborah Allen and songwriter Rafe Van Hoy were married.

 

1987 - Steve Wariner and Glen Campbell's MCA duet "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" charted today. Ted Harris wrote the song, and it climbed the chart to #6. This was Steve's 27^th Billboard magazine chart single. He played bass in Dottie West's band in the early 1970's.

 

1992 - Gary Morris, Sweethearts of the Rodeo and Hal Ketchum made guest appearances on Hee Haw. This was the last of the Hee Haw syndication broadcasts. THE END.

 

1995 - Chet Atkins released his 2-CD set “My Favorite Guitars" and "It’s a Guitar World."

 

1998 - Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan visited back-stage at the Grand Ole Opry. The first thing he wanted to know was, “Where is Little Jimmy Dickens?” I want to meet Jimmy Dickens.

 

1999 - A bomb threat forced the evacuation of more than 3,100 people at Kenny Rogers’ concert at Royal Albert Hall in London. No bomb was found, no injuries reported.

 

2000 - Blue Hat released Charlie Daniels’ album “Road Dogs."

        

2004 - Lee Ann Womack sang during pre-race ceremonies at the Indianapolis 500.

 

2006 - The seven-day GMA Music in the Rockies began today in Estes Park, Colorado.

 

2006 - Bobby Harden, age 70, singer, songwriter and member of the Harden Trio along with sisters Robbie, and Arlene, died in Nashville. Bobby was laid to rest in Nashville's Woodlawn Memorial Park.

 

2008 - Loretta Lynn is scheduled to appear at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

 

-31-

 

1916 - Odell ‘Mac’ McLeod, singer, songwriter, was born in Roanoke, Alabama.

 

1922 - Vic Willis 1922~1995, accordian player, of “The Willis Brothers” was born in Schulter, Oklahoma. The Willis Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1946.

 

1938 - Johnny Paycheck 1938~2003, born Donald Eugene Lytle Greenfield, Ohio. Paycheck's early records were recorded under the name Donny Young. He once played in the bands of Faron Young, Porter Wagoner, Ray Price and George Jones. With a little help from Johnny Russell, Paycheck became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1997.

 

1951 - Lefty Frizzell’s “I Want To Be With You Always” topped the charts.

 

1954 - Paul Franklin, top session steel guitarist, and road musician was born in Detroit, Michigan.

 

1959 - Johnny Horton’s “The Battle of New Orleans” was #1 on the country charts

 

1967 - Buck Owens’ “Sam’s Place” topped the country charts today.

 

1974 - Gordon Lightfoot's Reprise album "Sundown" was certified Gold.

 

1975 - John Denver topped the charts with “Thank God I’m A Country Boy.”

 

1977 - Lloyd Perryman 1917~1977, age 60, member of the Sons of the Pioneers, died in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Lloyd was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery, Los Angeles, California.

 

1980 - RCA released Alabama’s debut single “Tennessee River." The record went to #1, and remained on the chart for 17 weeks.

 

1983 - Merle Haggard topped the charts with “You Take Me For Granted."

 

1986 - Reba’s “Whoever’s In New England,” went to #1.

 

1990 - Red Rector, age 60, vocals, and mandolin died on this date.

 

1991 - Randy Travis and Lib Hatcher Randy’s manager, were married in Maui, Hawaii.

 

1997 - Lee Ann Womack debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

 

2003 - Buddy Jewels first Video debuted on CMT.

 

2003 - Toby Keith’s album “Unleashed” was #1 on the country charts.

 

2003 - Johnny Cash’s video “Hurt,” was #1. The video was filmed at the Cash home in Hendersonville.

 

2005 - Kit Johnson, born Irene Crouse, singer, and guitarist of “Kit & Kay” of the Bush Creek Follies died of cancer. After retiring from the Bush Creek Follies Kit ran her own record label “Kansa Records” in Nashville.

 

2006 - Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town were married.

 

2008 - The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are scheduled to perform in concert at the Little Nashville Opry in Nashville, Indiana, this evening at 8:00 PM.

 

2008 - Loretta Lynn is scheduled to perform at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

 

 

 

 

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****This Country Music History Calendar is reprinted with permission from the original work copyrighted by Bill Morrison © 2005.
See: Bill's "Rockabilly Country News & Views" Page

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