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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