July 1 in Country Music History

In 1894, John Lee Lair, entertainer and founder of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, was born in Renfro Valley Kentucky. The Renfro Valley Barn Dance is still active today, and has been going for close to seventy years.

In 1899, Thomas "Georgia Tom" Dorsey was born in Villa Rica, Georgia. He is known as the Father of Gospel Music. This African-American is probably the ultimate gospel superstar, having laid the basis for all gospel music from his blues and jazz roots. He is known for many compositions that are still some of the most well known, including "Peace In The Valley", "Take My Hand, Precious Lord", and "Old Ship of Zion". 

In 1924, Charles Everett Lilly of the Lilly Brothers was born in Clear Creek, West Virginia. The Lilly Brothers were an old time bluegrass act that was from the Northeast Region, frequently playing in Boston.

In 1948, Kyle Tullis, bass player extraordinaire, was born. He played in many bands and was a noted session musician, also. He played with Gram Parson's Fallen Angels, as well as with the Might Oaks Band, and with backing bands for Steve Wariner, Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart, and Lorrie Morgan.

In 1955, Keith Whitley was born in Ashland, Kentucky. In his short career he was a noted bluegrass performer, working with his brother, Dwight, and Ricky Skaggs, and went on the star in Ralph Stanley's band as well as J.D.Crowe and New South. When he went solo, after a slow start, he started hitting the charts hard and high and regular. It is hard to imagine what he might have done had he not been so self destructive.

In 1961, Michelle Wright was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada.

In 1972, Hank Williams Jr. went to Number one with "Eleven Roses". The song was co-written by once Hank Jr. brother in law Lamar Morris, who was guitarist for the Bama band, and Darrell McCall. 

In 1978, Margo Smith went to the top of the charts with "It Only Hurts For A Little While".

In 1989, Kathy Mattea went to the top of the charts with "Come From The Heart".

In 1995, John Michael Montgomery made it to number one singing about one of my favorite things in the world-a livestock auction. The song-"Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident".

In 1997, Robert Mitchum who had that great big unmistakeable voice, passed away. He was a great actor, with my favorite of his westerns being "El Dorado" with the Duke and Walter Brennan. I also loved his narrative of "Tombstone". Among his vocal efforts are "There Is A River", "The Ballad of Thunder Road", and his country top ten hit, "Little Old Wine Drinker Me". 

In 1999, Guy Mitchell passed away. You may remember that he had hits on many songs, both country and pop, and even novelty songs, including "Singing the Blues" and "Heartaches By The Number". He actually was more of a country singer to start with, and then made the switch to pop to keep his career going, which it did.

Definition of Country Music

There are those who think it is their duty to define "Country Music".

I know what Country Music means to me. But it might not be the same thing to you.

I don't think anything that Jimmie Rodgers, the Carters, Ernest Tubb, Roy Acuff, or Hank Williams could be called as anything but the very heart and soul of Country Music.

There are other artists that have come along who seem to me can be classified as nothing but country. Webb Pierce, Gene Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells are just a few of the great names that could be included in this category.

We can also find many country music greats whose voices tended to be so great that it would seem that they could also be listed in other genres. Eddy Arnold was one who definitely made good music, and later in his career, the Plowboy image probably wasn't the first one we saw when we heard his music. "Gone" by Ferlin Husky probably was one of the first Nashville Sound hits, and Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, and Roy Drusky definitely were so polished that they could have actually probably been just as great in other categories of music. It seems that Ray Price, with time, has actually been a performer who transcends time and category with that smooth voice. "For the Good Times" may not be "Wedding Bells" as they were for his former roommate, Hank Williams, but it was definitely a song for the rest of time.

Today, there are still a few out there who can light the fire in a country fan's heart. Mark Chesnutt, Daryle Singletary, and Marty Stuart are just a few names that come to mind.

There are others who have the ability to sing a country song, but they sometimes go outside what most of us consider country just for the sake of a radio hit. Garth Brooks definitely is in this category. He gave us some of the greatest country hits, but some of his stuff just really didn't ignite that fire within me. I think the same can be said for Alan Jackson and George Strait. They certainly can sing a country song, but some of the stuff they do is just a little too much fluffy for my consumption.

There are many great country singers out there today, make no mistake about it. One can listen to Ron Williams, Leona Williams, Justin Trevino, Amber Digby, Heather Myles, Dale Watson, or many others on the Texas Circuit, and I am sure that Billy Yates is still making good country music today. This music is just not on mainstream radio.

I was involved in a discussion today that centered around this topic, and several people got mad, and several people got their feelings hurt.

That led me to the conclusion that the definition of country music is all in the hearts of the fans. The true definition of traditional and classic country music will always be that music that touches our hearts, and that we will remember. I think, if I were to be able to come back to this earth in fifty years that I would find that Hank Williams would still be an artist with a lot of songs that people would know. A lot of the country songs today will just be footnotes in music history.

I love good conversation and dialogue, especially about music in general, country music in particular, religion and politics, but there is always room to agree to disagree. If we get to the point where we can not have a civil discourse, then it is time to move on.

Bigjohn

June 30 in Country Music History

In 1936, Doyle Holley, was born in Perkins, Oklahoma. He was a talented singer and instrumentalist who played bass in the Buckaroos in the sixties, in what was considered the finest Buckaroo line-up with Don Rich on lead guitar and fiddle, Willie Cantu on drums, and Tom Brumley on steel guitar, and some guy named Buck Owens on rhythm and a little lead guitar.

In 1962, Claude King went to the top of the charts with "Wolverton Mountain". This song about Clifton Clowers, who lived in the mountains of Arkansas and who was Merle Kilgore's uncle, was his only Number One hit. King is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and ASCAP, being one of very few to be a certified songwriter AND an actor. (Clifton Clowers was visited by King and Kilgore on his 100th birthday.)

In 1973, Charlie Pride was at the top of the charts with "Don't Fight The Feelings Of Love".  

In 1979, Amanda became a Number One for Waylon Jennings. (One of our TakintheCountryBack favorites)

In 1984, Vern Gosdin scored his first Number One hit with "I Can Tell By The Way You Dance (You're Gonna Love Me Tonight)". Vern performed many numbers that didn't get airplay, or even get released as singles. A favorite album of TTCB is "There Is A Season". If you don't have it, get it. It is stone cold country.

In 2001, Mr. Guitar, Chet Atkins, passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was a certified guitar player, a great producer, and from his days as a musician with Mother Maebelle and the Carter Sisters to his last few years as a recording artist, he was considered to be one of the most influential people in the business, whether it be as a guitarist or a producer.

June 29 in Country Music History

In 1924, Thomas Clinton Cutrer, radio announcer most well known for his work on WSM and the Grand Ole Opry, and The Opry Star Spotlight, was born in Mississippi.

In 1968, Tammy Wynette went to the top of the charts with "D-I-V-O-R-C-E".

In 1974, Mickey Gilley went to Number One with his version of "Room Full Of Roses".

In 1985, Ronnie Milsap sat atop the Country Charts with "She Keeps The Home Fires Burning".

In 2007, guitarist George McCorkle of the Marshall Tucker Band passed away in Lebanon, Tennessee from cancer. After he co-founded the group, he became a Nashville songwriter. He wrote "Fire on the Mountain", Marshall Tucker's first Top Forty hit.

June 28 in Country Music History

In 1909, Hubert Elvin Gregory was born in Tennessee. He worked as a musician with the Fruit Jar Drinkers and Sam and Kirk McGee, and performed on the Grand Ole Opry for 47 years.

In 1924, George Morgan was born in Waverly, Tennessee. He was a country crooner who was well known for his big hit "Candy Kisses". He also sang "Room Full of Roses", "Red Roses For A Blue Lady", and was the last performer to perform in the Old Ryman Auditorium in 1974, and the first to sing in the new Opry House the next week. It was many years before the Opry returned to the Ryman. He is also known as the father of Lorrie Morgan.

In 1965, Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens were married. Though Merle is a great singer, songwriter, musician, and entertainer, it was Owens and her distinctive harmonies that really defined many of the Hag's tunes. She actually put her career on the back burner to work with and for Merle, and she is missed by those of us who knew her.

In 1975, T G Sheppard was "Trying To Beat The Morning Home" and it became a Number One hit, too.

In 1980, The Oak Ridge Boys were lamenting about "Trying To Love Two Women" and laughing all the way to the bank with another Number One. It was their third chart topper out of seventeen.

In 1986, Willie Nelson was "Living in the Promiseland" and loving it with another Number One hit. He has been a part of at least twenty three Number One singles as a singer, and has written many other hits recorded by artists such as Claude Gray, Faron Young, Patsy Cline, and others.

100 Greatest Country Guitarists

I believe my ten favorite guitarists are: Joe Maphis, Merle Travis, Mose Rager, Jerry Reed, Maebelle Carter, Chet Atkins, Hank Snow, Jimmie Rodgers, Don Rich, Dave Kirby, Roy Nichols and Buck Trent. I know. That is twelve. And I didn't get to include many of today's stars like Brad Paisley. I was at an event where Billy Yates was the host at ET theater, and I spoke to Billy Gibbons for a minute. I asked him what he was doing there. In reality, he and his bandmates were there to kick off a new Brooks and Dunn album with them, but he told me that they had saw Brad picking on the paisley guitar, and had thrown away their guitars and become roadies for him. It was hilarious.

I have not forgotten about many more greats. For a good, but not perfect list, check this out:

http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_country/best_countryguitar.html

Then post on my facebook page about your favorites.

June 27 in Country Music History

In 1913, master yodeler Elton Britt was born in Marshall, Arkansas. Though probably most famous for "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere"(first country single to sell a million), he was also known for "Candy Kisses", and "Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You":

In 1926, Little Roy Wiggins was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He was probably the second electric steel guitar player in Nashville, after Pappy Neal McCormick, who was the first to play on WSM. He was known for his times with Pee Wee King, Eddie Arnold, Ernie Ashworth, and the Wills Brothers, as well as being a soloist and a session player. One of the most famous steel guitarists of his time, John Hughey credited him with being the inspiration for a career that saw many years with Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and Vince Gill. His first Grand Ole Opry appearance was with Paul Howard and His Arkansas Cotton Pickers at the age of fourteen. Definitely a steel guitar legend.

In 1927, Captain Kangaroo was born as Bob Keeshan. He is known for being a pioneering children's entertainment star, and also a reference in a Statler Brothers song. ".....Smokin' cigarettes and watchin' Captain Kangaroo, now don't tell me I've nothin' to do....."

In 1935, Bobby Harden, of the Harden Trio, was born. Most famous for their hit, "Tippytoeing", Harden became a prolific songwriter who composed songs recorded by George Jones, Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers, Gene Watson, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire. Two of his later big hits were recorded by Mark Chesnutt, "Old Country" and "Too Cold At Home", both favorites of the owner of this site.

In 1959, Lorrie Morgan was born in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan. Named Loretta Lynn Morgan, she was a regular on the charts in the nineties, and had three Number One hits.

In 1976, Doug Urie of South 65, a younger Oak Ridge Boys type group, was born. I have not seen Doug in several years, but he was a nice guy, and to his credit, he actually knew a little about real country music. One of my most treasured memories is of he, bandmate Lance, and Craig Morgan sitting on the bus during an impromptu jam session.

In 1981, Anne Murray was atop the charts with "Blessed Are The Believers". 

In 1986, Joe Maphis, The King Of Strings, passed away. He and his wife Rose were probably most famous for their hit, "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke, and Loud, Loud Music", later made a standard by Vern Gosdin. Joe Maphis was also well known for his double necked Mosrite guitar, but that only scratched the surface as far as his talent on stringed instruments.

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June 26 in Country Music History

In 1909, Colonel Tom Parker was born in Breda, Netherlands.

In 1965, Buck Owens went to the Number One spot on the charts, with "Before You Go".  It held the top spot for six weeks. 

In 1973, Gretchen Wilson was born in Granite City, Illinois.

In 1977, Elvis performed in concert for the last time in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1979, Vernon Elvis Presley, father of Elvis Aaron Presley, passed away at the age of 77 in Memphis, Tennessee.

June 25 in Country Music History

In 1900, Asa Martin was born in Winchester, Kentucky. He was an old time country artist who recorded in the thirties, forties, and seventies. He was also the one who nicknamed his banjo player, David Akeman, Stringbean, when he couldn't remember his name.

In 1945, the great Tex Ritter went to the top of the Hillbilly Charts with "You Two-timed Me One Time Too Often".

In 1982, Lew Dewitt retired from the Statler Brothers.

In 1983, Mickey Gilley sat atop the charts with "Fool For Your Love".

In 1987, Boudleaux Bryant passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He, along with his wife Felice, were a Hall of Fame songwriting team.  They were responsible for many country, rock, and pop hits, especially for the many recorded by the Everly Brothers. There biggest two country hits were probably "Hey, Joe" by Carl Smith, and "Rocky Top", recorded by many artists but particularly remembered as a big bluegrass hit by the Osbornes.

In 1988, "He's Back and I'm Blue" was the Number One lament from the Desert Rose Band. Chris Hillman and Herb Pederson were two of the members of this country rock band that had its roots in the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers.

In 2001, the Ryman Auditorium was declared a National Historical Landmark. What took them so long?





In 1982, Lew Dewitt retired from the Statler Brothers.

June 24 in Country Music History

In 1918, Johnnie Bailes of the Bailes Brothers was born in West Virginia.

In 1978, The Oak Ridge Boys went to the top of the charts with "I'll Be True To You".

In 1982, I am told that John Anderson recorded the last session at Owen Bradley's legendary studio "The Hut". The Music Row studio was once home to Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn and may others.

In 1989, Roseanne Cash went Number One with "I Don't Want to Spoil the Party".

In 1995, Tracy Lawrence went, in a whirlwind, to to the top of the charts with "Texas Tornado".

June 23 in Country Music HistoryIn

In 1929, June Carter was born in Maces Springs, Virginia. She was born into the Carter Family, a pioneering country group. She became a member of Mother Maybelle and the Carter Sisters, and also worked solo, and as a duet with Johnny Cash. She was married to two Country Music Hall of Famers, Carl Smith and Johnny Cash, and had a child with each and a child with her second husband, Rip Nix. All three children made their mark in the music world. June was also an acclaimed comedienne and worked on the road and at the Opry as such. She won several Grammy awards for her work. In addition to her comedy and singing talents, she also played the guitar, banjo, autoharp, and harmonica, and was known for her acting, songwriting (she was co-writer of "Ring of Fire", and as an author. The world definitely lost a talented lady when it lost June Carter.

In 1953, Pake McIntyre, singer and brother of Reba, was born in Chockie, Oklahoma.

In 1956, Ray Price took "Crazy Arms" to the top of the country charts. The song was written by steel guitarist Ralph Mooney and Charles Seals, and was about Mooney's relationship with his wife, and the problems caused by his alcohol addiction. It was the first Number One for Price, who charted hits for almost forty years. "Crazy Arms" was Number One for twenty weeks.

In 1958, Johnny Cash was Number One with "I Guess Things Happen That Way".

In 1979, Ronnie Milsap went to the top of the charts with "Nobody Likes Sad Songs". It was his twelfth Number One song,and he still would hit the top with many more. In fact he would go to the top with a total of thirty-five singles, and another fourteen Top Tens.

In 1984, "When We Make Love" by Alabama would rule the charts. It was their thirteenth chart-topper.

June 22 in Country Music History

In 1892, Ralph Peer, country music pioneer, was born in Independence, Missourit. Among his many accomplishments are the recording sessions known as the Bristol Sessions which occurred in 1927 and 1928. Two of the great acts he discovered were Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

In 1930, the smooth voiced Roy Drusky was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His biggest hit was a duet with Priscilla Peters entitled "Yes Mr. Peters", a Number One single. After writing "Alone With You" and "Country Girl" that both became chart toppers for Faron Young, he had a number of hits including "Another", "Second Hand Rose", "Peel Me A Nanner", and "Red, Red Wine".

In 1936, singer and songwriter Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas. He wrote many legendary songs, including "Sunday Morning Comin" Down", "Me and Bobby McGee", "Help Me Make It Through The Night", "Why Me, Lord", "Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again", "One Day At A Time", and "For the Good Times".

In 1972, master yodeler Elton Britt passed away. Though probably most famous for "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere"(first country single to sell a million), he was also known for "Candy Kisses", and "Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)":

In 1974, "This Time" by Waylon Jennings went to the top of the Billboard Charts.

In 1985, The Oak Ridge Boys took the Number One spot on the charts with "Little Things". 

In 1991, Garth Brooks took the top spot with "The Thunder Rolls".  It kept the top spot for two weeks. 

in 1996, Tracy Lawrence hit the top of the charts with "Time Marches On". Probably his biggest hit, it stayed there for three weeks. 

June 21 in Country Music History

In 1921, Charlie Lamb, Nashville Music executive, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In 1948, Leon Everette was born in Aiken, South Carolina. He had several hits in the early 80s, with "Hurricane" being the biggest.

In 1955, "Hey Porter" was released as the first single for Johnny Cash on Sun Records.

In 1959, Kathy Mattea was born in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.

In 1972, Allison Moorer was born in Mobile, Alabama. 

In 1975, Don Williams scored the second of his seventeen Number One singles, "You're My Best Friend".

In 1980, Cristy Lane topped the charts with the inspirational, "One Day At At A Time".

In 1986, from Lookout Mountain, the Forester Sisters went to the top for the third time with "Mama's Never Seen Those Eyes".

June 20 in Country Music History

In 1907, Jimmy Driftwood was born in Mountain View, Arkansas. He was an acclaimed folk singer and a songwriter who wrote more than 5,000 songs, and was a major force in preserving not only his musical heritage, but the culture of Arkansas mountain people. He is most famous for his song, "The Battle of New Orleans", recorded by Johnny Horton, for which Driftwood won a Grammy award.

In 1910, Pauline "Mom" Lewis of the First Family of Bluegrass Gospel Music, the Lewis Family, was born as Pauline Holloway. 

In 1916, T Texas Tyler was born in Mena, Arkansas as David Luke Myrick. He saw major chart success with "Filipino Baby", "Deck of Cards", "Dad Gave My Dog Away", "Honky Tonk Gal", "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It", and "Bumming Around".

In 1924, Mr. Guitar, Chet Atkins, was born in Luttrell, Tennessee. He was not only a great guitarist, with Mose Rager, Merle Travis, Jerry Reed, and Thom Bresh being among the few in his league, but he was a producer whose influence on Nashville will be forever be preserved in Country Music history. He won fourteen Grammy awards.

In 1933, Ben Peters was born in Mississippi. He wrote many great songs. Charlie Pride recorded forty of his compositions, with four of them going Number One. Among his credits, "Before the Next Teardrop Falls", "Turn the World Around", "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'", "It's Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer", "Love Put A Song In My Heart", "More To Me", "Daytime Friends", and "You're So Good When You're Bad". 

In 1945, Anne Murray was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada.  She charted fifty four times, with ten of them going to Number One on the charts.  

In 1962, Eddy Shaver, son of Billy Joe Shaver, and great guitarist, was born. He learned a lot about the guitar from Dickey Betts, and was considered to be in the Vaughn/Hendrix league in ability. Not only performing with his dad, he was often seen onstage wtih Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Dwight Yoakum, and many others.

In 1965, Ira Louvin, born Ira Loudermilk in Alabama, was killed in an auto accident that also claimed the life of his wife and two others. Ira and his brother, Charlie, were the Louvin Brothers, the best vocal duet of all time. They were known for a number of hits, including "When I Stop Dreaming", "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby", "You're Runnin" Wild", "Cash On the Barrelhead", "My Baby's Gone" and "Knoxville Girl".

In 1981, Dolly Parton went to the top of the charts with "But You Know I Love You".

In 1986, Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah, passed away, at age 85.

In 2000, major set changes were made to the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. I was there for the first show, and lamented the changes, believing that all change is not good change. (In fact, I believe that most change is bad change.)

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June 19 in Country Music History

In 1906, Floyd (Goo Goo)Rutledge was born. He was familiar to fans of the Ozark Jubilee. Worked with Louis Marshall Jones, also known as Grandpa, and Grandpa actually incorporated parts of Lennie and Goo Goo's show in his own show. We all remember Grandpa and Ramona Jones doing the bells on Hee Haw.

In 1914, Lester Flatt was born in Sparta, Tennessee. He worked with Charlie Monroe, Bill Monroe, among others before becoming partners with Earl Scruggs for twenty one years, a partnership that may be the greatest in Bluegrass history.  He also was instrumental in the development of the talents of Marty Stuart and Keith Whitley. 

In 1926, Deford Bailey debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. The Harmonica Wizard became the first black superstar of the Opry, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

In 1939, Al Wilson was born in Meridian, Mississippi. Although he is best known for "The Snake" and his many rhythm and blues hits, including "Show and Tell", he originally did a lot of country and western covers as a youngster trying to break into the business.
In 1939, Al Wilson was born in Meridian, Mississippi. Although he is best known for "The Snake" and his many rhythm and blues hits, including "Show and Tell", he originally did a lot of country and western covers as a youngster trying to break into the business.


In 1954, Hank Snow, a Hall of Fame performer known for his singing and guitar playing, went to Number One with "I Don't Hurt Anymore".

In 1956, Doug Stone was born in Marietta, Georgia. Stone was one of the many traditional country music artists who dominated the charts in the 90s before pop took over the airwaves traditionally reserved for country music. Once he hit the charts, he had fifteen top tens in a row, with four of them being Number Ones, in a time that was filled with good country music.

In 1965, Marty Robbins scored a Number One with "Ribbon of Darkness" written by Gordon Lightfoot.

In 1971, "When You're Hot, You're Hot" became Jerry Reed's first Number One single.

In 1976, "El Paso City" went to the top of the charts for Marty Robbins. It was a song inspired by his earlier career hit, "El Paso".

In 1980, Boxcar Willie debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. Boxcar was known for his love of train songs and Hank Williams songs. He was also a first cousin to Tommy Lee Jones, who played the part of Oliver (Doolittle/Mooney) Lynn in the "Coal Miners Daughter".

In 1982, Riders in the Sky joined the Grand Ole Opry. They are a talented western group of musicians who add comedic relief to the Opry. The four are Woody Paul, Ranger Doug, Too Slim, and Joey the Polka King. They are truly talented singers and musicians, and possess more than one Grammy for their albums.

In 1982, Conway Twitty was atop the charts with "Slow Hand", a remake of a Pointer Sisters pop hit.

In 1993, Patty Loveless scored her third Number One with "Blame It On Your Heart".

In 1997, Big John was having a great time in Nashville, Tennessee at the Cock of the Walk with members of the Merle Haggard entourage, and many other ROPE members.

In 1997, Bobby Helms passed away. Probably best known for his smash hits "Fraulein" and "My Special Angel", he also had a major hit with "Jingle Bell Rock", and will be remembered each Christmas for years to come.

In 1993, Patty Loveless went to Number One for the third time with "Blame It On Your Heart".








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June 18 in Country Music History

In 1915, A. P. Carter married Sara Dougherty. A. P., Sara, and Maybelle, The Carters, were the first country music vocal group to be recognized as stars, and they are famous for such songs as "Wabash Cannonball", "Wildwood Flower", "Keep On The Sunny Side", and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". They recorded at the Bristol Sessions in 1927, and really became the basis for almost all forms of music.

In 1917, Richard Boone, aka Palladin(of Have Gun Will Travel), was born. He was the cousin of Pat Boone. Do you remember the theme song from Palladin, sung by Johnny Western?

In 1949, "One Kiss Too Many" became Eddy Arnold's tenth of twenty-eight Number one singles in his career. Arnold is considered to be the number one country music recording artist of all time, based on record sales, airplay, and chart success. It is doubtful if any artist will surpass his time on country music radio. He had one hit which stayed at the top of the charts for 21 weeks, and another for 19.

In 1955, Faron Young scored a Number One hit with "Live Fast, Love Hard, and Die Young", a Joe Allison written song. This was his first of five Number One records. He had forty top tens, and seventy four top forties. He left not only a lot of good music but a colorful legacy, many of them with his band, the Country Deputies. That band included such greats as Teddy and Doyle Wilburn, Johnny Paycheck, Lloyd Green, Doug Jernigan, Pete Wade, Gordon Terry, Vassar Clements, Darrell McCall, and Roger Miller. His friendship with Willie Nelson also produced some legendary moments.

In 1958, Marty Haggard, great singer who inherited the gift from father Merle, was born in Bakersfield, California. I hear Marty is living in Arkansas today, and doing mostly gospel music. If you have heard from him lately, let us know. 

In 1966, Sonny James, the Southern Gentleman, went to Number One on the charts with "Take Good Care Of Her".

In 1974, Henry Maddox, of the Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose, passed away at age 46. America's Most Colorful Hillbillly Band, they were probably, along with Hank Williams and Moon Mullican, not only instrumental in the solidification of country music as a genre, but were probably the first real rock and roll acts in America. I will add that the great Roy Nichols played lead guitar for them when he was sixteen years old making the astounding sum of $90 per week.

In 1983, Eddie Rabbit scored a Number One record with "You Can't Run From Love". It was one of seventeen Number Ones, and thirty four Top Tens that this talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist produced in a career that was cut short by cancer.

In 1984, Paul Howard, of Paul Howard and His Cotton Pickers, passed away. He was a very popular hillbilly singer who was recorded by Fred Rose.

In 2004, Ray Charles, who was as successful on the country charts as he was on pop and rhythm and blues, was buried in Inglewood Cemetary in California.

June 17 in Country Music History

In 1890, Minnie Mae Hood was born. She would in her later years be known as Elvis Presley's grandmother and actually lived at Graceland until her death in 1980.

In 1910, Red Foley was born in Blue Lick, Kentucky.  Red sold 25 million records between 1943 and 1965, and had at least ten Billboard Number Ones on the country charts. Of his 65 charted Billboard country hits, 56 of them went Top Ten, making him a true legend in Country Music.

In 1916, Dave "Stringbean" Akeman, singer, banjo picker, Grand Ole Opry star and star of Hee Haw, was born in Annville, Jackson County, Kentucky. He was discovered by Bill Monroe when he played ball on a Monroe owned team, and he and Grandpa Jones became the biggest names in banjo players until Earl Scruggs, employing the clawhammer method. He and Jones were also the best of friends and lived close to each other near Goodlettsville, Tennessee, where Stringbean and his wife were both murdered in 1973.

In 1944, Rod Brasfield, country comedian, joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1949, Russell Smith, singer, songwriter, and founding member of the Amazing Rhythm Aces, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. They were a talented group, being remembered for "Amazing Grace (Used To Be Her Favorite Song)" and "Third Rate Romance".

In 1950, technically there were two different songs at Number One on the Country Music Charts. "Why Don't You Love Me" by Hank Williams and "I'll Sail My Ship Alone" by Moon Mullican were both chart toppers on different surveys. The two men were also friends and contemporaries, having performed on the Louisiana Hayride and other venues together. It is the opinion of this writer that Hank and Moon laid all the foundations for rock and roll music, and Elvis, Hank Snow, and Jerry Lee Lewis followed in their tracks.

In 1953, John Burris and Edna Peters were married in Geneva, Alabama. While courting, they danced to the music of Hank Williams in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. They later became the parents of the purveyor of this site, and grandparents of the purveyor of 1980s Country music site. Happy 61st Anniversary, Mom and Dad.

In 1967, Jack Greene topped the charts with "All the Time". This Mel Tillis and Wayne Walker collaboration had already went to Number Eight for Kitty Wells in the late fifties, and became Jack's second Number One of the five to his credit.

In 1978, EmmyLou Harris went to the top of the charts with "Two More Bottles of Wine". In the past she had a lot of success with remakes of traditional and classic country music. She also was, and is, known for her ability to spot great musicians. Musicians who have played in her "Hot" and "Nash Ramblers" include James Burton, Glen Hardin, Ronnie Tutt, Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, Emory Gordy, Jr., Rodney Crowell, Jon Randall, T-Bone Burnett, Vince Gill, Roy Huskey, Jr., Levon Helm and Ricky Skaggs.

In 1986, Kate Smith died. Her renditions of "God Bless America" still reverberate through my mind. She may not have been a country singer, but she sure could sing about her country-the good old USA.

In 1989, Earl Thomas Conley scored his last Number One record with "Love Out Loud". It was the last of his eighteen Number ones, and he had eight more that would be in the Top Ten. One of the great singer-songwriters, he was also a great entertainer who toured with the great Hank Williams, Jr. when Jr. ruled Country Music. Conley also had a style and a voice that will be remembered.

In 1991, Minnie Pearl's career ended with a debilitating stroke which would confine her to a nursing home for the remainder of her life. She was one of the most beloved members of the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1999, the Country Hall of Fame broke ground on a new building in Nashville, Tennessee. There are those of us who still mourn the destruction of the old building, which was small, but had an atmosphere the new one has never recaptured.








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June 16 in Country Music History

In 1881, Marie Laveau of New Orleans and who became the subject matter of Bobby Bare's only Number One hit, passed away.

In 1939, The Rouse Brothers recorded the first version of "The Orange Blossom Special.

In 1951, Hank and Audrey Williams, held the Grand Opening of their "Hank & Audrey's Corral," western store, at 724 Commerce Street, in downtown Nashville. The opening celebration was broadcast by WSM.

In 1973, Tammy Wynette clinched the top spot on the charts with "Kids Say The Darndest Things".  It was the fourteenth of her twenty Number One hits.  

In 1980, Bob Nolan of the Sons of the Pioneers passed away at age 80. Being a founding member of the group, he is credited with writing their two signature hits, "Cool Water" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds".

In 1984, "I Got Mexico" went to Number One on the charts, becoming Eddie Raven's first chart-topper.

In 1998, Jack McFadden, music executive, passed away. He was influential in the careers of Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Keith Whitley, and Lorrie Morgan.  He was also the talent coordinator for Hee Haw.

June15 in Country Music History.

In 1771, Rachel Jackson, nee Donelson, was born, later to become Andrew Jackson's wife, and then First Lady of our country. She is buried alongside her husband at the Hermitage outside Nashville proper. If you go to Nashville, check out the Hermitage, and also the Gibson guitars made from the trees felled by a tornado that heavily damaged the plantation several years ago. You won't be disappointed.

In 1892, Tex Owens was born in Killeen, Texas. He was most famous for making the original recording of "Cattle Call" and was the brother of Texas Ruby of Texas Ruby and Curly Fox fame.

In 1917, Leon Payne was born in Alba, Texas. He wrote the following hits: "They'll Never Take Her Love From Me", "Lost Highway", "I Love You Because", "Blue Side of Lonesome", and "You've Still Got A Place in My Heart". He was blind practically all of his life.

In 1937, Waylon Jennings was born in Littlefield, Texas, out there between Lubbock and Muleshoe. In his 64 years of living Waylon packed a lot of living into his life.

In 1941, Harry Nilsson was born. Thought of mostly as a pop songwriter and recording artist, he wrote a few songs that charted on the country charts as well, including "Without You", which was covered by T.G. Sheppard.

In 1949, Jim Varney was born. Most folks know that he was a great country comedian and actor, but do they know that he spent most of the last days of his life writing music with the legendary "Voice" of country music-Vern Gosdin.

In 1956, Cowboy Jack Clement went to work for Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. He is best known for his work with Johnny Cash but also worked with Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis, and wrote an awful lot of songs.

In 1959, Webb Pierce released "I Ain't Never", written by Mel Tillis.

In 1963, Buck Owens went to the top of the charts with the Johnny Russell penned "Act Naturally". Owens got the publishing rights for recording the song, and enjoyed the top spot for four weeks.  

In 1969, HeeHaw debuted on CBS TV with Buck Owens, Roy Clark, and the Buckaroos. It lasted through 25 years even though it only made it until 1971 on CBS.

In 1974, Charlie Rich was Number One with "I Don't See Me In Your Eyes Anymore". He had three Number Ones within the year.

In 1985, a "Country Boy", Ricky Skaggs was at the top of the charts. People forget that Skaggs was charting with many hard core country songs all during the eighties, and had eleven number ones.

In 1986, C.F.Martin III, of Martin Guitars, passed away.  

In 1986, Ruby Falls passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a black singer-songwriter who had nine charted songs in the seventies.

In 1991, Cousin Minnie Pearl appeared on the road for the last time in Joliet, Illinois. Mrs. Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon was probably the most beloved member of the Grand Ole Opry for many decades. Although she was known for her humor, she was also known as an educated, proper lady away from the limelight.

In 1991, "If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets) by Joe Diffie went to the Number One to put some cash in the Regular Joe's pockets. On his first three hits he had a number one, a number two, and this was another number one, a pretty good start to a career that saw five number ones and thirteen top tens.

June 14 in Country Music History

 In 1909, Burl Ives, popular actor and folk singer, was born in Jasper County, Illinois.  "A Little Bitty Tear" was his biggest hit.


In 1923, Fiddlin' John Carson, already the first old time country music personality to have a radio program, recorded his first album for Okeh Records. Produced in Atlanta, Georgia, Carson later became embroiled with Okeh in several disputes about copyright issues.

In 1947, Eddy Arnold scored his second Number One with "It's A Sin".

In 1949, Hank Williams was at Number One with "Lovesick Blues", one of sixteen weeks that it would be there.  


In 1951, Hank Williams was again Number one with "Hey, Good Lookin'".  On and off, it was at Number One for a total of eight weeks.  

In 1952, Hank Thompson topped the chart with "The Wild Side Of Life".  This hit was a chart topper for fifteen weeks. 

In 1953, Hank Williams was at the top of the charts after his death with the ever popular, "Take These Chains From My Heart".  It retained that spot for four weeks. 

In 1954, Johnny and Jack were atop the charts with "(Oh, Baby Mine) I Get So Lonely". Most of us younger people remember this from the Statler Brothers version, but the original is a great recording.

In 1955, Webb Pierce was "In the Jailhouse Now", and he was also atop the charts.  He owned the charts with this record for twenty one weeks. 

In 1957, Jim Reeves was riding high with the Number one, "Four Walls".  It was Number One for eight weeks. 

In 1959, a history lesson from Johnny Horton in "The Battle of New Orleans" was the top rated single in the land.  This great hit was Number One for a total of ten weeks. 

In 1960, Hall of Fame Should Be Hank Locklin was in the middle of a fourteen week stand at Number One with "Please Help Me, I'm Fallin'".

In 1961, Patsy Cline was involved in a car wreck in Nashville that did severe damage to her, as she went through the windshield. She did not work for eight months.
In 1961, Faron Young, also known as the Singing Sheriff, was talking to his surroundings at the top of the chart with "Hello, Walls".  This classic topped the charts for nine weeks. 

In 1962, George Jones, possibly the best stylist in country music history, was at Number one with "She Thinks I Still Care". Dickey Lee was a co-writer on this song.  It topped the charts for six weeks. 

In 1963, the fans of Hawkshaw Hawkins were keeping his posthumous hit, "Lonesome 7-7203" at the top of the charts. This song was written by Justin Tubb, and stayed atop the charts for four weeks. 

In 1964, Buck Owens was "Together Again" with the top rated country record position, after the hit "My Heart Skips A Beat". Buck was hot. "Together Again" was at the top for two weeks. 

In 1965, Eddy Arnold was still putting out Number Ones with "What's He Doing In My World?", a record that spent two weeks at the top of the charts. 

In 1967, Bakersfield Sound pioneer Wynn Stewart was Number One with his biggest hit, "It's Such A Pretty World Today".  It was good enough for two weeks at the top of the charts. 

In 1968, Ernest V. Stoneman, also known as Pop Stoneman of the Stoneman's, passed away.  .

In 1969, fellow ROPE member Sonny James was at the pinnacle of the charts with "Running Bear". Mr. James certainly felt at home in the top spot, having enjoyed many before he retired.  This hit was good for three weeks at the top of the charts. 

In 1970, Conway Twitty, was at Number One with his signature tune, "Hello Darlin'". It held the position for four weeks. 

In 1972, Donna Fargo was the "Happiest Girl In the Whole USA" because this tune was Number One. She was happier when it stayed there for three weeks. 

In 1973, Johnny Rodriguez was atop the charts with "You Always Come Back To Hurting Me". After many years, Johnny is now making noise on the Texas circuit again.

In 1975, Linda Ronstadt was wondering "When Will I Be Loved", even as she topped the charts. She and her management were responsible for the formation of the ever popular group, The Eagles.

In 1976, Crystal Gayle was singing "I'll Get Over You" as her song was topping the charts.

In 1977, the Outlaws duo of Waylon and Willie was responsible for "Luckenback, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love" still holding the top spot. It eventually held this spot for six weeks.

In 1980, Alabama charted with the album, "My Home's In Alabama". They became the most successful country group of all time.

In 1982, "For All The Wrong Reasons", the Bellamy Brothers were right at the top of the charts.

In 1984, The Hag was riding high with "Someday When Things Are Good".

In 1985, things were still good for the Hag, as he was Number One with a "Natural High".

In 1987  Randy Travis was at the top of the charts with "Forever and Ever, Amen".

In 1986, while traveling down "Life's Highway", Steve Wariner snagged a Number One hit.

In 1988, Randy Travis was at the top of the charts with "I Told You So". 

In 1989, Clint Black was a "Better Man" for being at the top of the charts.

In 1990, George Strait was Number One with "Love Without End, Amen".

In 1996, George Strait was again at the top with the Forrest Gump inspired "Blue Clear Sky". There was talk about the words being changed to Clear Blue Sky, but the writers held fast, for good reason, and it became a monster hit, and the title cut for a great album.

In 2008, Jonathan Curry and Nickie Bridges were married in Gallatin, Tennessee. Jonathan is a longtime member of our Takinthecountryback.com gang and was also a radio disc jockey who patterned his radio style after the great Eddie Stubbs. To a long and great life together Jonathan and Nickie.

Why Is Country Music Not A Mainstream Genre Anymore?

I was on a thread on Facebook yesterday, and it was a pretty good threadline about a great piece of work about Hawkshaw Hawkins. However, I can tell you that there were many posts by people who felt that there was nothing redeeming about any recently made music, and others that felt that Garth Brooks and Shania Twain were responsible for the demise of Traditional Country Music.

As I ponder this, I think back to the way things used to be. Vernon Dalhart's recording of "The Wreck of the Old 97" eventually sold 7 million real records, and there is no telling how many it has sold when you add recordings and downloads today. That is a lot of records any way you cut the pie.

After Dalhart's single, there have been many singles and albums put out, but they normally didn't sell in the same huge amounts. In fact, the first CERTIFIED million seller album did not come until "The Outlaws" featuring Waylon, Willie, Jessi, and Tompall. After this feat came Randy Travis' "Storms of Life" which was the first million seller on 9 months sales by a solo artist.

After this came a rush of gold and platinum albums, with Garth and Shania leading the charge. I believe Shania sold over 25 million of some of her albums, and Garth sold as many as 17 million of one of his. Garth finally sold over 100,ooo,ooo albums before he 'retired'.

I have everything Garth did in that period of time, and though not all of it would qualify as traditional, and I don't consider it classic country, most of it is pretty good music. I rate "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damned Old)" and "I Know One" as two of the best cuts on ANY album. And for those 'purists' who think they know country music, "I Know One", written by Jack Clement and previously a hit for Charlie Pride, is one of the best country songs of all time. I also know for a fact that a lot of the 'stars' these people claim to 'know' or 'follow' loved Garth and his music. Roy Acuff, Johnny Russell, and Charlie Louvin all had a lot of respect for Garth.

As far as Shania Twain is concerned, I think she made a lot of good pop music. In fact, I have been on construction jobs singing along with her music, even though I don't consider it 'Traditional" or "Classic". I do believe that it is better than most pop, and especially rap.

The truth is Garth and Shania did not ruin country music, any more than the Elvis or the Beatles ruined pop music. The music these people made was attractive enough to the youngsters that the fans spent their disposable income on albums, concert tickets, and swag items from these artists. They knew how to market themselves in a way which brought them unprecedented fame and fortune.

Had these 'fans' or traditional and classic country put their money where there mouth is, chances are many of the stars of the past would still be played on mainstream radio today, and there would still be a Grand Ole Opry that wouldn't have to reach out to new artists today to fill the seats.

When it is all said and done, people forget that country music is an industry like all others. It is a 'for profit' enterprise. Where lies the greatest profit, there will be the majority of the investment. Anything else becomes a niche market.

Therefore, money, and the greed, graft, and corruption that accompany it, has helped to hurt the music that we all love, as it has also destroyed our country in the past few decades. We can all look in the mirror and see some of the reasons our music and our country are hurting right now.

I know many of you are like me, if you come to this site. You are retired or have limited resources, due to the economy, job situation, or whatever. But if you are going to spend your bucks, spend them on something you need, and then on something that really is close to your heart. I will make all of my purchases of music and related items such as tickets, and swag, show how I "steel" feel about traditional and country music.

Vernon Dalhart

Real country music history really starts out with Vernon Dalhart. He recorded under many names, but not only he cut the first monster hit in the genre, it sold seven million copies before it went out of print.

To hear what this great song sounded like from the old record just follow the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T06xJJth0Y&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AVGxdCwVVULXfKghg8bPJ_MEDd2rCsLfOY

New Country Music

Many people make the comment that there is no good music being recorded today. I beg to differ with them.

Justin Trevino, Landon Dodd, Amber Digby, Johnny Bush, Heather Myles, Darrell and Mona McCall, Dallas Wayne, Leona Williams and her son, Ron Williams, Georgette Jones, Leon Rausch, and Dale Watson are just a few of the people I know that can still make country music like it was meant to be.

It is out there. You just have to find it.

And, to be truthful, you can still buy albums from many of the greats of the past, and attend their concerts.

Don't moan and groan about the kind of country that is on the radio. Put your money where your mouth is, and if you can't afford to spend a lot of money, at least let your favorites know that you support them.

A lot of times, a post on a website is worth a lot.

Don't Paint Everyone With The Same Brush

I like to cruise other websites to see what is going on, and have a lot of friends that do a lot of country cruising and talking, too. A lot of times they talk about things that are better left alone.

I am amazed at the people who think because they like this or like that, it is the only way it can be. I like traditional and classic country music, but I don't get mad at people who like these young stars. I hate that they get to perform under the country music banner, but a lot of times this is because of the labels, the producers, and the people who promote the music. Most people forget that the first million selling country music album was "The Outlaws" featuring Waylon, Willie, Jessi, and Tompall. After that great success, everybody was shooting for the sky. Fortunately for us, Randy Travis was the first soloist with "Storms of Life" to go platinum. Since then, the more pop, the more sales. The more sales, the more money.

I get irritated at the Grand Ole Opry for some of the artists they have, but then I remind myself, if my daughter doesn't do it first, that without ticket sales the Opry is nothing but a memory.

It also bothers me when people will say something about somebody they don't know, or blame somebody for something they did or didn't do, and not give a complete explanation. I have seen all the major artists that have been on tour in my time, with the exception of Ernest Tubb, Waylon Jennings, and Buck Owens(and that was my fault). With most, I have a photo to remind me of the moment, whether it be when I was working, playing, or just in the right place at the right time. I have been fortunate to work around some artists through the companies with which I have been associated, but my biggest thrills have always been at concerts, or weeks spent in Nashville as a fan. My experience tells me that there are always two sides to a story, and most people always slant the story to cast the best light on somebody of their choosing.

I have known major artists who demanded ridiculous things in their contract riders. I have worked around artists that had way too much ego. Some of them thought of themselves as Superman after the cure for Kryptonite was found. I was being courted for employment by the staff of one of the biggest, and I found that, though his stage personna is one thing, his off stage demeanor is awful.

I know there are those who are just great people. In many years of having different times to visit with some of the stars, they are great people who seem to care for everybody, and go out of the way to help others. I personally think Garth Brooks is one, and always has been one of these. I have been fortunate to be around many of the Opry stars, and most of them that have performed regularly also fall in this category.

Let us just remember that all these people are humans. They are just like us.

Let's judge each person on his own merits, and only after we have looked at all sides of a situation.

And don't paint everone with the same brush.

Hank Williams Influence

Many of you know that I am fond of Hank Williams, having wandered the same "Lost Highway" that Hank did for much of my life. Today I want you to meet one of my acquaintances who has already gone home, but he was a major force in the development of country music, and especially in the development of Hank Williams Career.

For a little more information, and an introduction by Hank (talking about DeFuniak Springs, Florida), here is a good clip of "Pappy" Neal McCormick that is just an awesome piece.

http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Multimedia.jsp?id=m-4109

Enjoy, and have a great weekend.

Hello, Everybody

It has been three years since I went over the road in a big old Peterbilt. I now know what Dave Dudley, Red Sovine, and Dick Curless were singing about in all those truck driving songs.

I would still be doing it now, if my legs would cooperate. I have been battling arthritis and debilitating foot, leg, back, and knee problems for some time now. I was told in 2004 that I should retire immediately, but I didn't and today I am paying the price.

However, one of the great things I get to do is come home and sleep in either my own bed or in my Lane Big Man's recliner. For that I am thankful. I also now have time to work on this website, and to see people I have not seen in a long time. I even will get to go to church, where I hope I will get a dose of that old time religion, and maybe hear some great gospel tunes again.

I hope all of you who used to come to this site when Erin and I hosted it, after Erin founded it, will become reacquainted with us, and make it even more successful than it was before. We can listen to good music, talk about our favorite artists, music, and venues, and life in general. Country music is nothing more than our lives and good country music sometimes goes right down to the very heart and soul of our beings.

I look forward to posting here, and to conversing with you on facebook. Ya'll take care, and as we say down here in Lower Alabama, Ya'll come back, Ya here.

John

Welcome!

It is time to restart this web site. This site will be about Classical and Traditional Country Music. If you are into the contemporary sound of today, you probably will not like it here. If you like Texas Country, you will probably like it here. And if you like really great music by really great artists, you will love it here. I will very slowly start adding content, and invite discussions here.