"September"
-1-
Johnnie Lee Wills, the second of four Wills brothers, born Jewett, TX 1912. Younger brother of
Bob Wills.
Charlene Arthur born "Charlene Highsmith" Henrietta, TX 1929.
Grady Nutt, Hee Haw Cast, born 1934.
Margaret Whiting and Jimmy Wakely's, "Slippin' Around," charted 1949.
Kitty Wells topped the charts with "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" 1952.
The Everly Brothers released "Wake Up Little Susie," 1957.
Paul Wylie Deakin "The Mavericks," born Miami, FL 1959.
Cowboy Copas topped the charts with "Alabam" 1960.
Connie Smith and Bob Luman joined the Grand Ole Opry 1965.
Shell Smith, age 72, guitarist/recording artist, died 1968.
Ronnie Milsap topped the charts with "I'm A Stand By Your Woman Man" 1976.
Fabor Robison, age 74, record company executive, died 1986.
Travis Tritt's single "Country Club" debuted on the charts 1989.
Randy Travis' crossed Las Vegas Musicians Union picket lines, during a three-night engagement at Bally's in 1989.
Lester Wilburn died of a heart attack in Nashville, TN 1990.
Garth Brooks released "Ropin' The Wind" 1999.
Tim McGraw's album "Live Like You Were Dying" topped the charts 2004.
Mark Chesnutt entertained at a party hosted by the Texas delegation of the Republican National Convention in NYC 2004.
-3-
Jimmy Riddle born Dyersburg, TN 1918.
Hank Thompson "Henry William Thompson," born Waco, TX 1925. Member Grand Ole Opry. Inducted CMHF 1989.
Tompall Glaser born "Thomas Paul Glaser," Spalding, NE 1933.
Webb Pierce released "Love, Love, Love" 1955.
Loretta Lynn signed her first major recording contract 1961.
Capitol Records released Buck Owens' album "It's A Monster's Holiday" 1974.
Columbia released The Flying Burrito Brothers album "Flying Again" 1975.
Mary Jane Dezurik, age 63, "Cackle Sisters," died in 1981. Member Grand Ole Opry.
Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton's duet single, "Islands In The Stream," charted 1983.
Rodney Crowell's single "I Couldn't Leave You If I Tried" became his first #1 1988.
Deana Carter's first album "Did I Shave My Legs For This" was released 1996.
-4-
Shot Jackson, Dobro/steel guitar/electric guitar/session musician, born "Harold B. Jackson," Wilmington, NC 1920.
Danny Gatton, guitar virtuoso, born Washington D. C. 1945.
Don Potter, songwriter/session guitarist/producer/arranger, born Glens Falls, NY 1946.
Bill Monroe re-recorded "Blue Moon of Kentucky," for Decca 1954.
Bascom Lamar Lunsford, age 91, singer/multi-instrumentalist died 1973.
Kenny Rogers' "Love Will Turn You Around," from the movie sound track "Six Pack" topped the charts 1982.
Bear Family released a five-disc box set "The Man in Black: 1954-1958" in 1990.
Dottie West died in a Nashville hospital in 1991. Dottie died as a result of injuries suffered in a car wreck on August 30th near the Grand Ole Opry House. Dottie was the first female Country Artist to win a Grammy. She won for "Here Comes My Baby."
Carl Butler, Grand Ole Opry star, died Franklin, TN 1992.
John Volinkaty, writer of "Satin Sheets," died 1992.
Sawyer Brown's single "Thank God For You" topped the charts 1993.
Warner Archive released "Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers" 1993.
Trace Adkins and wife Rhonda, welcomed 6 pound, 6 ounce Brianna Rhea Adkins into their family in 2001.
Curb Records released Jeff Carson's "Real Life" album 2001.
-5-
John Stewart, singer/songwriter, born San Diego, Ca. 1939.
Wally Fowler rejoined the Grand Ole Opry 1945.
Songwriters Felice "Scaduto," and Boudleaux Bryant, were married in Newport, KY 1945.
Jamie Oldaker "The Tractors," born Centerville, UT 1951.
The Country Music Association was chartered by the State of Tennessee, 1958.
Ferlin Husky's "Wings Of A Dove," charted 1960.
Skeeter Davis' single "(I Can't Help You) I'm Falling Too" charted 1960.
Patsy Cline recorded "Leavin' On Your Mind," 1962.
Curley Williams, age 56, singer/songwriter died 1970.
Milt Mabie, age 73, of "Louise Massey & the Westerners" died 1973.
Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" was certified gold 1975.
Amy Grant's "Unguarded," certified gold 1985.
Dwight Yoakam's album "Guitars, Cadillacs," peaked at #4 1986.
Vine Gill's single "I Still Believe In You" topped the charts 1992.
Curb Records released the Bellamy Brothers "Greatest Hits, Vol. 2" 1995.
Tim McGraw's single "Live Like You Were Dyin'," was #1 2004.
-6-
Clarence Cronic, singer/guitarist, of "Smith's Sacred Singers" born 1902.
Zeke Clements born Warrior, AL 1911.
Buzz Busby born Eros, LA 1933.
David Allan Coe, singer/songwriter/guitarist, born Akron, OH 1939.
John Herald born "John Whittier Sirabian, of "The Greenbriar Boys" born NYC 1939.
Mel McDaniel born Checotah, OK 1942.
Steve "Buddy" Miller, guitarist/singer/songwriter, born Fairborn, OH 1952.
Johnny Cash's "I Walk The Line" topped the charts 1956.
Joe Smyth "Sawyer Brown," born Portland, ME 1957.
Sylvia Kirby Allen born Kokomo, IN 1957.
Jeff Foxworthy "You Might Be A Redneck If…" born Hapeville, GA 1958.
Mark Chestnut born Beaumont, TX 1963.
Don Gibson's "Woman, Sensuous Woman" was # 1 in 1972.
Ernest Tubb died in Nashville, TN 1984. Inducted CMHF 1965, NSHF 1970 and the Texas CMHF 1999.
Autry Inman, age 59, died 1988.
Roy Huskey Jr., age 41, session bassist, died of cancer 1997. Junior Huskey was a master musician.
Martina McBride, Jamie O'Neal, Chely Wright and Pam Tillis, performed to a sold out audience at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in 2002.
Robert Reynolds of the Mavericks married wife Angie 2003.
Trace Adkins sang the National Anthem at Louisiana Tech University's football game 2004. Trace once played linebacker for the team while studying petroleum engineering, and cussing.
-7-
Charles Hardin Holley, "Buddy Holly," born Lubbock, TX 1936. Inducted R&RHF 1986, NSHF
1994.
Ronnie Dove born Herndon, VA 1940.
Craig Bickhardt, songwriter/session musician, born Philadelphia, PA 1954.
Eddy Arnold's "I'm Throwing Rice (At The Girl I Love)" topped the charts 1949.
Elvis Presley's "Teddy Bear" was #1 in 1957.
Warner Mack's "The Bridge Washed Out" topped the charts 1965.
Mac Davis' #1 hit "Stop And Smell The Roses" charted 1974.
Hubert Long died 1972. Inducted CMHF 1979.
Waylon Jennings "Greatest Hits" album certified platinum 1979.
Mercury Records released Vassar Clements' album "Vassar Clements" 1975.
Reba McEntire released her album "The Last One To Know" 1987.
Don Williams' "Back In My Younger Days," enter the charts at #1 in 1990.
A&M released John Hiatt's album "Perfectly Good Guitar" 1993.
Sara Evans' "I Keep Looking" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 chart 2002.
Terri Clarks single "Girls Lie Too" went to #1 in 2004.
L. E. White, age 74, singer/musician/songwriter, died Hendersonville, TN 2004.
-8-
Jimmie Rodgers born Meridian, MS 1897. Inducted CMHF 1961, NSHF 1970.The "Singing Brakeman," was the first person to be inducted into the CMHF.
Milton Brown, Western Swing bandleader/singer, born Stephenville, TX 1903.
Harlan Howard, "The Dean of Songwriters," born Detroit, MI 1927.
Patsy Cline born "Virginia Patterson Hensley," Winchester, VA 1932. Inducted CMHF 1973.
Buck Owens played lead guitar on Tommy Collins first recording session, at Capitol Records Melrose Avenue Studios, in Los Angeles 1953. The first song recorded was "You Better Not Do That." The single became Collin's first hit, reaching No. 2 on the charts.
George Morgan released "Candy Kisses," for Columbia Records 1958.
Hank Garland seriously injured in a car wreck near Springfield, TN 1961.
Jo Ann Campbell's single "I'm The Girl On Wolverton Mountain" charted 1962.
The movie "Forty Acre Feud" starring several Music City artists, including Bill Anderson, Minnie Pearl and George Jones premiered in Nashville 1965.
Neko Case, singer/songwriter, born Alexandria, VA 1970.
Kenny Rogers' "Love Will Turn You Around" topped the charts 1982.
Dick Heard, age 61, died from cancer in 1998. Heard wrote, "Abigal Beecher, My History Teacher," and co-wrote "Kentucky Rain" with Eddie Rabbitt.
Shania Twain won four awards from the Canadian Country Music Association 2003.
Loretta Lynn's latest book "You're Cookin' It Country" was released 2004.
The International Bluegrass Music Association's "Bluegrass Fan Fest" was held in Louisville, KY 2004.
-9-
Roger Dale Tubb, son of Ernest Tubb, killed in a car wreck 1938.
Joe Clay born "Claiborne Joseph Cheramie," Harvey, LA 1938.
Wilton Frederick "Freddy" Weller, born Atlanta, GA 1947.
Tom Wopat born 1951.
Elvis Presley recorded "Good Rockin' Tonight/I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine" at Sun Records in Memphis 1954. Sam Phillips auditioned Johnny Cash later that same day.
Elvis Presley's first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show 1956.
Tex Owens, age 70, singer/songwriter, died 1962.
Buck Owens and the Buckaroos played at the White House for President Johnson 1968.
The Johnny Cash biography "Winners Got Scars Too" by Christopher Wren released 1971.
Conway & Loretta's duet "Feelins'," went to # 1 in 1975.
The Johnny Cash Show toured Europe from the 9th through the 25th in 1975.
George Strait's "One Fire I Can't Put Out" topped the charts 1983.
Tracy Byrd married wife Michelle, in 1991.
Bill Monroe, age 84, "The Father of Bluegrass," died as a result of a stroke 1996. Inducted CMHF 1970, NSHF 1971, IBMA Hall of Honor 1991.
The 2002 CCMA Awards were presented in Calgary. Anne Murray was inducted into the CCMAHF. Fans Choice Award: Terri Clark; Female Artist: Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Male Artist: Paul Brant.
Terri Clark made her debut appearance on Good Morning America, singing "Girls Lie Too" 2004.
Ernie Ball, age 74, manufacturer of guitars and strings, died in California 2004.
-10-
Alonzo Elvis "Tony" Alderman, "The Hill Billies," born River Hill, VA 1900.
Luke Wills, Western Swing bandleader/singer/multi-instrumentalist, born Hall County, TX 1920. Younger brother of Bob Wills.
Tommy Overstreet born Oklahoma City, OK 1937.
Ernest Tubbs' "Soldier's Last Letter" topped the charts 1944.
Jim Reeves quit the Louisiana Hayride in 1955, and joined the Grand Ole Opry in October.
Justin Tubb, age 20, became the youngest ever member of the Grand Ole Opry 1955.
Marty Robbins released "Maybelline," 1955.
The Louvin Brother's "When I Stopped Dreaming," charted 1955.
Rosie Flores, Rockabilly singer/guitarist, born San Antonio, TX 1956.
Cowboy Copas' "Alabam" went to # 1 in 1960.
Joe Callahan, age 61, of "The Callahan Brothers," died 1971.
Ronnie Milsap went to # 1 with "I'm A Stand By My Woman Man" 1976.
Ricky Skaggs released his "Highways and Heartaches," album 1982.
Carl Tipton died in 1989.
Garth Brooks released "Ropin' The Wind," 1991.
Mac Davis was honored in Hollywood, with a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame 1998.
Chris Cagle and schoolteacher Elizabeth Filer were married in Houston, TX 2001.
Bill Anderson released his album "Five Star Collection" 2002.
Universal released "The Best of Dave Dudley" 2002.
Jamie O'Neal, LeAnn Rimes, and Michael Peterson performed at the Gstadd Music Festival in Switzerland 2004.
-11-
Gov. Jimmy Davis born "James Houston Davis," in Beech Springs, LA' 1899. Inducted CMHF 1972.
Jack Shook, singer/session guitarist, born Decatur, IL 1910.
Randy Hughes, Patsy Cline's manager and Pilot, born Gum, TN 1928.
Ernest Tubb recorded at the second known country music recording session, ever to take place in Nashville. The Decca session was held at WSM's Studio B, in 1945. One of the songs recorded that day was "It's Been So Long Darling" which went to #1 on the charts.
Tom T. Hall recorded "That's How I Got To Memphis" 1968.
Leon Payne, age 52, died in San Antonio, TX 1969.
Marty Robbins recorded "Walkin' Piece Of Heaven/Franklin, Tennessee" 1972.
Barbara Mandrell seriously injured in car wreck in Hendersonville, TN 1984. The driver of the other vehicle, Mark White, age 19, was killed when his auto crossed the centerline striking Barbara's vehicle head on. Both of Barbara's children were in the car with her.
The Stoney Mountain Cloggers, made their final Grand Ole Opry appearance, 1993.
Billy Ray Cyrus' PAX-TV show "Doc" is filmed in Toronto, but the setting is New York City. While filming skyline footage of NYC on 9-11-2001, cameras were pointed at the World Trade Center when the plane crashed into the south tower. The footage was provided to government officials, and media outlets.
David Skepner, age 63, manager of Loretta Lynn, and Riders In The Sky, died of a heart attack on 9-11-2001, after the attack on the Twin Towers, and Pentagon.
On 9-11-2001, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) were scheduled to present Garth Brooks with their Golden Note Award, at a dinner with members of Congress. As a result of the terrorist attacks on America the dinner was canceled, and Garth was stranded in New York City.
Rodney Crowell's daughter Carrie lives with her mother Rosanne Cash, in New York City. Eleven-year-old Carrie was at school on 9-11-2001, when the plane crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center, a mere 15 blocks away. Rosanne retrieved Carrie, unharmed, a few hours later. 2001.
Carolyn Mayer Beug, 48, filmmaker who produced several music videos for Dwight Yoakam, died in New York City in 2001. She was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 that was crashed into the World Trade Center by terrorists.
John Ritter, age 54, son of Tex Ritter, died 2003.
Josh Gracin performed on CBS-TV's The Early Show 2004.
-12-
Helen Carter, of the Carter Sisters, born Maces Springs, VA 1927.
The final TV production of Hometown Jamboree aired 1959. The popular show debuted on 12/18/49.
George Jones, The Possum, born Saratoga, TX 1931. Member of the Grand Ole Opry. Inducted CMHF 1992.
Vernon, Gladys, and Elvis Presley moved from Tupelo, to a small Memphis apartment in 1948.
Rod Brasfield, age 48, died 1958. Inducted CMHF 1987.
George Jones celebrated his 63rd birthday in 1994, by having triple bypass surgery, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.
Varese Vintage released Roy Clark's "Greatest Hits" 1995.
Rodney Crowell wed his long-time girl friend Claudia Church, in 1998.
Monument released Wade Hayes album "Highways and Heartaches" 2000.
Elektra released Emmylou Harris' album "Red Dirt Girl" 2000.
Koch released Asleep At The Wheel's 2-CD set "Comin' Right at Ya/Texas Gold" in 2000.Dan
Dan Rather interviewed the Dixie Chicks on the CBS television network. Dan pointed out to the girls that after selling 200 Million dollars worth of records, they should be millionaires. They weren't, so shortly after the telecast they sued SONY, and received a huge settlement 2002.
Johnny Cash, age 71, died in Baptist Hospital, Nashville, TN 2003. John has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Carolyn Dawn Johnson won five awards at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards in 2004.
-13-
Kelly Harrell, singer/songwriter, born Wythe County, VA 1889.
Daniel Williams, fiddler, for the East Texas Serenaders born 1900.
Kenny "Rudy" Trietsch, of the Hoosier Hot Shots born Arcadia, IN 1903.
Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, born Rosine, KY 1911.
Claude Casey, singer/bandleader, born Enoree, SC 1912.
Ben Smathers and The Stoney Mountain Cloggers joined the Opry, 1958.
Bobbie Cryner, singer/songwriter, born Woodland, CA 1961.
Barbara Mandrell debuted on the charts with "I've Been Loving You Too Long," 1969.
Tom T. Hall recorded "Levi Jones" 1973.
Randy Travis' album "Old 8x10" was certified platinum 1988.
Ben Smathers, age 62, "Stoney Mountain Cloggers," died 1990.
Suzy Bogguss released "Somethin' Up My Sleeve" 1993.
The new U.S. postage stamp honoring Roy Acuff as "The King of Country Music," was unveiled on stage at the Grand Ole Opry 2003. U.S. Postmaster General John Potter presided.
The Canadian Country Music Association "CCMA" awards show was held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2004.
-14-
Billy Hughes, fiddler/songwriter, born Sallisaw, OK 1908.
Mae Axton, songwriter, born 1914.
Malcolm Yelvington, SUN Records recording artist, born Covington, TX 1918.
Don Walser, singer/songwriter, born Brownfield, TX 1934.
Bill Harrell, Bluegrass singer/multi-instrumentalist, born Marion, VA 1934.
Hank Williams auditioned for Fred Rose in Nashville, 1946.
Vernon Dalhart country music's first million-selling recording artist, died Bridgeport, CT 1948.
John Berry born Aiken, SC 1959.
Ray Charles' single "Busted" charted 1963.
John Wayne Hill, singer/songwriter/guitarist/fiddler, born 1964.
Merle Haggard sang "Mama Tried," on American Bandstand, 1968.
Johnny Lee's "Lookin' For Love" topped the charts 1980.
Suzy Bogguss' "Aces," album certified gold 1992.
Shania Twain walked away with six awards, from the CCMA awards show in 1998. Included in the honors were the Female Vocalist Of The Year, and the Fans Choice Award.
Rounder Records released John Hartford's album "Good Ole Boys" 1999.
Renaissance released Lynn Anderson's "Anthology: The Columbia Years" 1999.
Brooks & Dunn released their album "Tight Rope" on Arista 1999.
Eddie Stoneman, age 81, of the Stoneman Family died 2001.
Diamond Rio's #1 country hit "Beautiful Mess" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 chart 2002.
Sotheby's auction house in New York City opened their two-day auction of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's estate 2004.
-15-
Roy Acuff, "The King of Country Music," born Maynardville, TN 1903. Mr. Acuff was personally
responsible for keeping the Grand Ole Opry "Country," until the day WSM and the Opry was sold.
Roy became the first living artist, to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame 1962.
Wayne Raney's "Why Don't You Haul Off And Love Me" topped the charts 1949.
Jerry Lee Lewis married his second wife, Jane Mitcham, age 17, prior to divorcing his first wife,
Dorothy Barton, 1954.
Patsy Cline and Charlie Dick married in Winchester, VA 1957.
Johnny Cash released "What Do I Care," 1958.
Brenda Lee released "All Alone Am I," on Decca 1962.
Marty Robbins released "One Of These Days/Up In The Air" 1964.
Alexander Arzamastev of Bering Strait, drummer, born in Russia 1973.
Alabama's "Feels So Right," album was certified platinum 1981.
Reba McEntire was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame 1998.
Smithsonian Folkways released Dick Boggs' double-CD 50 song-set "His Folkway Years (1963-1968)" in 1998.
Recall Records released Johnny Cash's "Essential Sun Collection" 1999.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducted Tommy Collins, Wayne Kemp, A. L. "Doodle" Owens and Glenn Sutton 1999.
Wynonna debuted on the Grand Ole Opry 2001.
Johnny Cash's funeral was held at the First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, TN 2003.
Deana Carter gave birth to a baby boy in Los Angeles in 2004. Chris Hicky, is the child's father.
-16-
Ralph Mooney steel guitarist/songwriter, born Duncan, OK 1928.
Roger Bush of the Country Gazette, born Hollywood, CA 1940.
Sonny Le Maire of "Exile," born Fort Lee, VA 1946.
Earl Scruggs first recording session with Bill Monroe 1946.
Hank Locklin's single "The Same Sweet Girl" charted 1949.
David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers born Darby, FL 1950.
Bobby Randall, "Sawyer Brown," born Midland, MI 1952.
Michael Rhodes, bassist/studio musician, born West Monroe, LA 1953.
Ricky Nelson released "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You," 1957.
Terry McBride "McBride and the Ride," born Austin, TX 1958.
Jeannie Seely joined the Grand Ole Opry 1967.
Ronnie Milsap's "Please Don't Tell Me How The Story Ends" was #1 in 1974.
Billy Thompson, front man, for Hank Thompson's Brazos Valley Boys, died 1989.
Tanya Tucker's album "What Do I Do With Me' certified gold 1992.
Lorrie Morgan's album "War Paint" certified platinum 1994.
Brooks & Dunn released their "The Greatest Hits Collection" on Arista 1997.
Sheb Wooley, a.k.a. Ben Colder, age 82, died 2003
Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon "Alabama" were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame 2004.
-17-
Hank Williams born "King Hiram Williams," in a log cabin in Mount Olive, AL 1923. Hank became
the third person to be elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame 1961.
Bill Black born Memphis, TN 1926.
RCA debuted their first 33 1/3-rpm Long Play (LP) record in 1931.
Lefty Frizzell's "Always Late (With Your Kisses)" topped the charts 1951.
Steve Sanders, "Oak Ridge Boys," born Richland, GA 1952.
Johnny Cash debuted on British television 1959.
Loretta Lynn's debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, 1960.
David Houston's "My Elusive Dream" was #1 in 1967.
Reba McEntire debuted on the Grand Ole Opry 1977.
Debbie Boone's #1 single "You Light Up My Life" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 Chart 1977.
Anne Murray released her single "A Little Good News." 1983. The song went to #1, and was voted CMA Single of the Year.
Kenny "Rudy" Trietsch, age 84, "Hoosier Hot Shots," died 1987.
RCA Records released Alabama's album "Alabama Christmas, Vol. 2, 1996.
Capitol Nashville released John Berry's album "Faces" 1996.
The CMHF displayed a new bronze statue of Hank Williams Sr. on the 75th anniversary of the singers birth in 1998. Hank Williams III, Hank's grandson, was the model that posed for the artist.
Varese released Johnny Bond's "The Home Recordings" 2002.
Capitol released Suzy Bogguss's "20 Greatest Hits" 2002.
Darryl Worley's third annual Tennessee River Run, was held in Pickwick Landing State Park 2004. The event raises money for local charities. John Conlee, Andy Griggs and John Conlee also appeared on the show.
-18-
Ervin Rouse, singer/songwriter/fiddler, with the "Rouse Brothers" born Craven County, NC 1917.
Priscilla Mitchell born in Georgia 1941.
Tennessee Ernie Ford married Betty Jean Heminger 1942.
Steve Fishell, producer/musician, born Oak Harbor, WA 1953.
Carl Jackson, singer/songwriter/banjo/guitar, born Louisville, MS 1953.
Little Jimmy Dickens released "Blacked Joe's," 1954.
Brenda Lee released "Fool #1," in 1961.
Connie Smith joined the Grand Ole Opry 1965.
Merle Haggard recorded "Sing Me Back Home," 1967.
Marty Robbins released "Buenos Dias Argentina/Ballad Of A Small Man" 1979.
Jeff Foxworthy married wife Gregg, in New York City's Central Park 1985.
Farm Aid VII was played in New Orleans 1994.
Tim McGraw's CD "Live Like You Were Dying" topped the charts 2004.
The annual Farm Aid concert was held in Auburn, WA 2004.
Jennifer Hanson served as a judge at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, NJ 2004. Jennifer competed in the Pageant in 1994 as Miss California.
-19-
Clyde Moody, bluegrass singer, born Cherokee, NC 1915.
Danny Dill born Carroll County, TN 1924.
Carlton L. Haney, promoter/booking agent, born Rockingham County, NC 1928.
Billy Deaton born Slaughter, MS 1935.
Dewayne Smith "The Geezinslaws," born Bertram, TX 1946.
The "WRVA Old Dominion Barn Dance," debuted Richmond, VA 1946.
Jack Herrick, of the "Red Clay Ramblers" born Teaneck, NJ 1947.
Carl Smith and Goldie Hill married 1957.
Elvis Presley transferred to Germany, by the U.S. Army 1958.
Marty Robbins released "Battle Of The Alamo/A Time And Place For Everything" 1960.
Trisha Yearwood born Monticello, GA 1964.
Red Foley died on tour in Fort Wayne, IN, shortly after singing "Peace In The Valley," to close the show in 1968. Inducted CMHF 1967.
Gram Parsons died in Joshua Tree, CA 1973, from a drug overdose. A few days later, Gram's manager "Phil Coffman," stole the body from the local airport. The body was driven to Joshua Tree National Park by Coffman, soaked in gasoline, and cremated on the ground. Coffman was arrested, and paid a $300.00 misdemeanor fine, for the theft of the casket.
Lee Greenwood debuted on the charts with "It Turns Me Inside Out" 1981.
John Denver testified before a Senate hearing committee in regard to pornography in music 1985.
Tommy Collins, A. L. "Doodle" Owens, Wayne Kemp, and Glenn Sutton, inducted NSHF 1999.
The Nashville Network, TNN, owned and operated by the Gaylord group, announced they were leaving country music, and changed their name to The National Network in 2000.
Mercury Nashville released Terri Clark's album "Fearless" 2000.
Slim Dusty, "David Gordon Kirkpatrick," age 76, died in Sydney Australia 2003.
A private plane carrying the Dixie Chicks, hit a building at a Scotland airport 2003. No injuries were reported. The Dixie Chicks were an all girl band from Texas, until getting involved in politics in 2004.
The Tim McGraw concert scheduled in Rayville, LA was cancelled due to Hurricane Ivan 2004.
-20-
Bob Miller, songwriter/record company executive, born Memphis, TN 1895.
Pearl Butler, "Pearl Dee Jones," of "Carl & Pearl Butler," born Nashville, TN 1927.
Al Dexter's "Wine, Women and Song" topped the charts 1946.
Charles Sawtelle, "Hot Rize," born Austin, TX 1946.
Garth Fundis, record label chief, born Lawrence, KS 1949.
Hank Williams returned to Shreveport, and the Louisiana Hayride 1952.
Hank Snow's "I Don't Hurt Anymore" was #1 in 1954.
Tennessee Ernie Ford recorded "Sixteen Tons," 1955.
Karl Marx Farr, age 52, "Sons of the Pioneers," died 1961.
Marty Robbins' "Devil Woman" topped the charts 1962.
Bobby Braddock married Sue Rhodes 1964.
RCA released Elvis' last #1 hit "Suspicious Minds" 1969.
"For The Good Times" became another #1 for Ray Price 1970.
Jim Croce killed in a plane crash while on tour in Louisiana, 1973.
Waylon Jennings' "I've Always Been Crazy" went to #1 in 1978.
Steve Goodman, songwriter, died from leukemia 1984.
Dolly Parton signed with Revlon to develop a line of cosmetics 1993.
Skeeter Davis, age 72, member Grand Ole Opry, died in a Nashville hospital as a result of breast cancer 2004.
-21-
Ted Daffan born Beaurgard Parish, LA 1912.
Judge Bob Burton, BMI president, and one of the founders of the Country Music Association, born NYC 1914.
Dickey Lee born "Royden Dickey Lipscombe, Memphis, TN 1936. Inducted NSHF 1995.
Ginger Boatwright, Bluegrass/vocals/guitar, born Columbus, MS 1944.
Don Felder of the "Eagles," born Gainesville, FL 1947.
Mark Wright, songwriter/producer/record company executive, born Fayetteville, AR 1957.
Johnny Cash released "You Tell Me/Goodbye Little Darlin'" in 1959.
Daryl Mosley, lead vocalist for "New Tradition" born Waverly, TN 1964.
Marty Robbins' album "Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs" was certified gold 1965.
Ronna Reeves born Big Springs, TX 1966.
Faith Hill born Jackson, MS 1967. Faith was adopted on September 23, 1967 and named Audrey Faith Perry.
Walter Brennan, singer/actor/3 time Oscar winner, died Oxnard, CA 1974.
Barbara Mandrell's acting debut in "Burning Rage" 1984.
Eddie Rabbitt, Merle Kilgore and Kent Robbins, inducted into the NSHF 1998.
Varese Records released Johnny Cash's "The Complete Original Sun Singles" 1999.
The George D. Hay Hall of Fame, in Mammoth, AR, inducted; Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin, Conway Twitty, Ernie Ashworth, Jeannie Seely, George Hamilton IV, Jimmy C. Newman, Barbara Fairchild and Clyde Moody in 2003.
Keith Urban's album "Be Here" released 2004.
-22-
Roy "Pop" Lewis Sr., of "The Lewis Family" born Pickens, SC 1905.
Eddy Arnold's "Just A Little Lovin'," topped the charts 1948.
June Forester "Forester Sisters," born Lookout Mountain, GA 1952.
Debbie Boone, recording artist/daughter of Pat Boone, born Hackensack, NJ 1956.
Jim Reeves' "I Guess I'm Crazy" was # 1 in 1964.
Sonny James topped the charts with "When The Snow is on the Roses" 1972.
Jimmy Bryant, guitarist/songwriter/actor, died 1980.
Johnny and June Carter Cash began filming "Murder in Coweta County" 1982.
Everly Brothers played their first concert together in ten years, 1983.
Willie Nelson's "Farm Aid," debuted on the campus of the University of Illinois 1985. The concert was televised on TNN, and $9,000,000 was raised. Fifty-four acts performed.
Eddy Raven's "Joe Knows How to Live" went to #1 in 1988.
Wiley Morris, Bluegrass recording artist/multi-instrumentalist, died 1990.
Hank Thompson, Wayne Carson, and Roger Cook inducted NSHF 1997.
Varese Records released "The Very Best of Johnny Bond" 1998.
Dolly Parton, Johnny Bond, and Conway Twitty, inducted CMHF 1999.
33rd annual CMA Awards 1999. Shania Twain, Entertainer of the Year, and International Artist Achievement Award. Martina McBride won Female Vocalist. Jo Dee Messina won the Horizon Award. Tim McGraw won Male Vocalist. George Jones refused to appear, after the CMA insisted he perform a shortened version, of his nominated single "Choices." Alan Jackson surprised the CMA by singing George's song instead of his own, and he then left the building. Thank you Alan.
-23-
The first two records from the "Bristol sessions," were released 1927. Victor 20834 featured Ernest Phillips' gospel group, and Victor 20835 featured Ernest Stoneman and The Blue Ridge Corn Shuckers.
Ray Charles born "Ray Charles Robinson," Albany, GA 1930.
Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys recorded their first record 1935.
Pat Alger born LaGrange, GA 1947. ASCAP Songwriter of the year 1992.
The Eddy Arnold Show premiered on NBC Radio 1950.
Hank Williams recorded "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Kaw-Liga," and "Take These Chains from My heart," at his very last recording session in 1952. All three became #1 records the following year.
Don Herron Jr, "BR5-49," born Steubenville, OH 1962.
Tom T. Hall & Dave Dudley recorded "Day Drinkin'" 1970.
Jimmy Wakely died Mission Hills, CA 1982.
Jack Shook, age 76, singer/session guitarist, died 1986.
Dwight Yoakam met Buck Owens for the first time, at Bucks' office in Bakersfield, CA 1987.
Later that evening Buck joined Dwight on stage at the Kern County Fair.
O. B. McClinton, age 47, died 1987.
Waylon Jennings was scheduled to appear on the "Tom Snyder Show" on live network TV in 1988. Waylon became angry because he felt he had waited long enough back stage, and he left the studio. Snyder had eighteen minutes of time to fill at the end of the show, and no guest.
Bradley Kincaid, age 94, died 1989.
Steve Scruggs, age 34, youngest son of Earl Scruggs, died of gunshot wounds 1992.
Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, George Morgan, and E.W. " Bud" Wendell inducted CMHF 1998.
Roy Horton, age 88, died 2003. Inducted CMHF 1982.
Merle Haggard announced that he is re-signing with Capitol Records 2004.
Roy Drusky, age 74, member Grand Ole Opry, died after a long illness in Nashville 2004.
Ray Price, age 78, suffering from chest pains at his home in Mount Pleasant, Texas was transported by life flight to a Houston hospital 2004.
-24-
Ernest Tubb & Red Foley's duet "Goodnight Irene" topped the charts 1950.
Hank Williams signed a three-year contract with the Louisiana Hayride, 1952.
Jim Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, was fired for conflict of interest, 1956.
Flatt & Scruggs recorded "The Ballad of Jed Clampet," the theme song for TV's "The Beverly Hillbilly's" 1962.
David Houston's "Almost Persuaded" topped the charts 1966.
Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miners Daughter," released 1973.
Asylum released the Eagles album "The Long Run" 1979.
Ballie and the Boys debuted on the Grand Ole Opry 1988.
Decca Records released Gary Allan's "Used Heart For Sale" 1996.
RCA released Clint Black's "Greatest Hits" album 1996.
Harlan Howard, Cindy Walker, and Brenda Lee, inducted Country Music Hall of Fame 1997.
Capitol Nashville released John Berry's "Certified Hits" 2002.
Artemis released Steve Earl's "Jerusalem" 2002.
Rounder released Nanci Griffith's album "Winter Marquee" 2002.
Rosalie Allen, age 79, died 2003.
Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton released their duet "Undercover" 2003.
Larry Sparks & The Lonesome Ramblers were inducted into the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Bean Blossom, Indiana 2004.
Ray Price underwent successful heart surgery at a Houston hospital 2004.
The Americana Music Association presented their third-annual Americana Honors & Awards Show at the Nashville Convention Center 2004.
-25-
Ian Tyson, singer/recording artist/TV host, born Victoria, British Columbia 1933.
Royce Kendall "The Kendalls," born St. Louis, MO 1934.
Larry Sparks, bluegrass artist, born Lebanon, OH 1947.
Little Jimmy Dickens joined the Grand Ole Opry 1948.
Lefty Frizzell's "Always Late," went to #1 in 1951.
"Hank Williams Day" was proclaimed in Montgomery, AL 1954.
WSM president Jack DeWitt fired Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny in 1956. Conflict of interest, was the reason given for the termination. Walter D. Kilpatrick was hired to replace Denny.
The Browns "The Three Bells," went to #1 in 1959.
Loretta Lynn joined the Grand Ole Opry 1962.
The Statler Brothers debuted on the charts with "Flowers On The Wall" 1965.
Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "It Takes People Like You/You Left Her Lonely Too Long" 1967.
John Anderson's "Wild and Blue," hit the charts and became his first #1 in 1982.
Sara Evans married Craig Schelske 1993.
Valley Records released Gail Davies' "Live & Unplugged at the Station Inn" 2001.
LeAnn Rimes' single, "Can't Fight The Moonlight," certified gold 2001.
Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan were inducted into the New York State Country Music Hall of Fame 2004.
-26-
Shug Fisher, "Sons of the Pioneers" born Grady County, OK 1907.
Merrill Moore, singer/recording artist/piano session player, born Algona, IA 1923.
Marty Robbins born "Martin Robinson" near Glendale, AR 1925. This recording star/NASCAR driver/Grand Ole Opry member was elected to the NSHF 1975 and the CMHF 1982.
David Frizzell, younger brother of Lefty, born El Dorado, AR 1941.
Lynn Anderson, daughter of Liz Anderson, born Grand Forks, ND 1947.
Olivia Newton-John born Cambridge, England 1948.
Martin Delray born Texarkana, AR 1949.
Skeeter Davis debuted on the Opry 1953.
Carlene Carter born "Rebecca Carlene Smith," Madison, TN 1955. Carlene is the daughter of Carl Smith, and June Carter Cash.
Doug Supernaw born Bryan, TX 1960.
Buck Owen's recorded "You're For Me," 1961.
The Beverly Hillbillies debuted on CBS - TV 1962. The award winning theme song was played by Flatt & Scruggs, who appeared on the show from time to time.
Glen Campbell's single "It's Only Make Believe" charted 1970.
Dwight Yoakam's "Just Lookin' For A Hit," released 1989.
Capitol Nashville released John Berry's album "O Holy Night" 1995.
Elektra released Emmylou Harris' album "Wrecking Ball" 1995.
Keith Urban's single "Days Go By" topped the charts 2004.
-27-
"The Wreck of the Old 97," was inspired by a train wreck near Danville, VA in 1903.
Uncle Josh Graves, Dobro, born Burkett Graves, in Tellico Plains, TN 1928.
Marty Robbins married Marizona Baldwin 1948.
Sue Thompson debuted on the Opry 1952.
The Everly Brothers #1 hit "Wake Up Little Susie" charted 1957.
The National Life and Accident Insurance Company purchased the Ryman Auditorium, and renamed it the "Grand Ole Opry House," in 1963. The purchase price was $207,500.
Connie Smith debuted on the charts with "Once A Day," 1964.
Johnny Cash played to a sold out audience at the Hollywood Bowl 1969.
Paul Mullins "Traditional Grass," born Menifee County, KY 1973.
Charlie Monroe, age 72, died 1975.
Charlie Daniels' single "The Legend of Wooley Swamp" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 chart in 1980.
The first International Bluegrass Music Awards were held in Owensboro, Kentucky 1990.
Brooks & Dunn released "Waitin' on Sundown" on Arista 1994.
Randy Travis and wife Lib were traveling in a limo, from LAX to their California home, when the limo driver suffered a heart attack and died while driving, in 1998. Randy climbed into the front seat and brought the vehicle under control. All attempts to revive the driver were unsuccessful.
-28-
David Parker "Dad" Carter, "The Chuck Wagon Gang," born Milltown, KY 1889.
Joseph Falcon born Rayne, LA 1900. Falcon and wife Cleoma Breaux, recorded the first Cajun record in 1928.
Jim Boyd of the Cowboy Ramblers, born Fannin County, TX 1914.
Jerry Clower country comedy, born Liberty, MS 1926.
Jim Vienneau, MGM Records executive/producer, born Albany, NY 1926.
Tommy Collins born "Leonard Raymond Sipes," Bethany, OK 1930. Inducted NSHF September 19, 1999.
Country Johnny Mathis born Maud, TX 1933.
The "Brown Country Jamboree," debuted on WIBC in Bean Blossom, IN 1941.
Ronnie Reno, "The Reno Brothers," born Buffalo, SC 1947.
Laurie Lewis born Long Beach, CA 1950.
David Lynn Schnaufer, dulcimer, born Hearne, TX 1952.
Johnny Horton and Billie Jean Williams (Hank Williams's widow,) married 1953.
Brenda Lee released "Sweet Nothin's," 1959.
Matt King, singer/songwriter born North Carolina 1966.
Waylon Jennings "I'm A Ramblin' Man" topped the charts 1974.
Mandy Barnett singer/actress, born Crossville, TN 1975.
Johnny Cash was hospitalized with a sinus problem 1978.
Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "Hot Dog" 1988.
Garth Brooks released "In the life of Chris Gaines," 1999.
Renaissance released Lynn Anderson's "Anthology, Vol. 2: The Chart Years" 1999.
Hollywood Records released John Berry's album "Wildest Dreams" 1999.
RCA released Clint Black's "D'Lectrified" 1999.
Randy Kohrs and Shawnna Larkin married on stage at the Ryman Auditorium 2003.
The "Can't You Hear Me Callin' – Bluegrass: 80 Years Of American Music" four-CD set was released 2004. Alison Krauss & Union Station, and Patty Loveless were two of the artists who contributed to the project.
-29-
Clarence "Tom" Ashley, Traditional Bluegrass/ Vocals/Banjo, born "Clarence Earl McCurry,"
Bristol, TN 1895.
Gene Autry born Tioga Springs, TX 1907. Inducted CMHF 1969.
Bill Boyd, Western Swing/Vocals/Guitar, born Fannin County, TX 1910.
Tillman Franks, musician/songwriter/manager Louisiana Hayride, born Stamps, AR 1920.
Jerry Lee Lewis "The Killer," born Ferriday, LA 1935. Inducted R&RHOF 1986, and RHOF.
Tommy Boyce, vocalist/songwriter/producer, born Charlottesville, VA 1939.
Jimmy Wakely debuted on the Grand Ole Opry 1945.
Rose Maddox joined the Grand Ole Opry 1956.
Capitol Records released Buck Owens' album "Tall Dark Stranger" 1969.
Jerry Lee Lewis shot his bass player, Norman Bush, in the chest with a 357 magnum in 1976. Norman survived the gunshot, and "The Killer," fired him. The police charged Lewis with a misdemeanor charge, of discharging a firearm within the city limits. Go figure.
Dan Seals' "Three Time Loser" topped the charts 1987.
President George Bush Sr., was a guest of Ralph Emery's, on TNN's "Nashville Now," in 1992.
He was the only sitting president to ever appear on the show.
MCA released Joe Ely's album "Love & Danger" 1992.
Willie Nelson inducted CMHF 1993.
LeAnn Rimes returned to the stage after a three-month absence in 2000. The young star was recovering from a swollen vocal cord.
The 14th Annual Farm Aid concert was held in Noblesville, IN 2001.
Brooks & Dunn's #1 country hit "Only In America" debuted on Billboard's Top 40 chart 2001.
Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw were married at a Catholic church in Music City 2001. It was Lorrie's fifth marriage, and Sammy's fourth.
Wesley Tuttle, west coast country singer, and the voice of one of the seven dwarf's, in Disney's Snow White, died 2003.
Randy Travis was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 2004.
-30-
Bob Wills recorded "Right Or Wrong," 1936.
Richard Bowden, "Pinkard & Bowden," born Linden, TX 1945.
WSM-TV went on the air 1950.
Billboard renamed their "Hillbilly" music chart, the "Country & Western" chart in 1950.
Deborah Allen born "Deborah Lynn Thurmond," Memphis, TN 1953.
Patsy Cline signed with Bill McCall and Four Star Records 1954.
Buddy Holly released "Peggy Sue," 1957.
Marty Robbins released "The Story Of My Life/Once-A-Week Date," 1957.
Marty Stuart born Philadelphia, MS 1958.
Johnny Cash appeared on the TV show "Hootenanny" 1963.
Eddie Montgomery of "Montgomery Gentry," born Danville, KY 1963.
Roy Acuff Jr. recorded his first session for Hickory Records 1965.
Daron Norwood born Lubbock, TX 1965.
Capitol Records released Buck Owens' single "I've Got You On My Mind Again/That's All Right With Me" 1968.
Mel Tillis' "I Ain't Never" topped the charts 1972.
Mary Ford, "Iris Colleen Summers" age 49, singer, and wife of Les Paul, died 1977.
Robert Gardner, age 80, of "Mac & Bob" died 1978.
"Sweet Dreams" a movie about the life of Patsy Cline premiered in Nashville 1985.
George Jones and Frances Preston inducted CMHF 1992.
Dolly Parton, appearing on TNN's "Prime Time Country" in 1998, stated to the host that "President Clinton is a horny old toad."
Connie Eaton, age 49, died in Nashville, TN 1999.
Tim McGraw's album "Live Like You Were Dying" was certified gold by the RIAA 2004.
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****This Country Music History Calendar is reprinted with permission from the original work copyrighted
by Bill Morrison © 2005.
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