August 1 in Country Music History

In 1927, The Carter Family made their first recordings for Ralph Peer and RCA in Bristol, Tennessee.

In 1931, American folk performer Ramblin' Jack Elliot was born in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1953, Hank Thompson went to the top of the charts with "Rub-A-Dub-Dub". It stayed there for three weeks, and was his second Number One hit. In 2003, Hank was a performer at the Last Ride On The Hayride, and put on a stellar performance, as he not only sang, but played lead guitar.

In 1966, George Ducas was born in Texas City, Texas. He is best remembered for his top ten hit, "Lipstick Promises".

In 1981, Hank Williams, Jr. scored a Number One record with "Dixie On My Mind". It was his fourth Number One record.

In 1987, Howdy Forrester passed away. He was a great fiddler who worked many years with Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys.

In 1987, Ronnie Milsap ruled the charts with "Snap Your Fingers".

In 1992, Brooks and Dunn ignited the line dance craze with "Boot Scootin' Boogie", their fourth Number One hit.

August 8 in Country Music History

In 1921, The Wondering Boy, Webb Pierce was born in Monroe, Louisiana. Webb Pierce was the Number One rated Billboard artist of the fifties. He is in the Hall of Fame, and is not only famous for his singing and many hits, but for his self promotion, and his Pontiac with all the silver dollars and the longhorns.

In 1922, actor Rory Calhoun was born. You may remember him as Ernest Tucker in "Pure Country" starring George Strait.

In 1922, Irene Smith, Hank Williams' sister was born. She was one of his first managers, and became a collector of memorabilia with many museum pieces, and is considered one of the great country music historians

In 1932, Mel Tillis, world class singer and songwriter, was born in Pahokee, Florida. He is known for "I Ain't Never", "Good Woman Blues", "Send Me Down To Tucson", "Southern Rain", and "Coca-Cola Cowboy". He also made an infamous video called "The Cowboys Dream" that featured a Playboy Playmate, but I have not seen a copy of that video available in years. In addition, Mel is also a world class comedian.

In 1933, Joe Tex was born in Baytown, Texas. He was one of the success stories of Buddy Killen when he was a major player in Nashville.

In 1934, The Sons of the Pioneers recorded for the first time.

In 1935, Howard Jenkins, Conway Twitty's brother and band member, was born. 

In 1939, Phil Balsley of the Statler Brothers was born in, well, where else? Stanton, Virginia. The Statlers are very deserving of their place in the Hall of Fame. All five of them were excellent singers, all were involved in writing, and they were excellent entertainers, on and off the record.

In 1944, Michael Johnson was born in Alamosa, Colorado.

In 1950, Jamie O'Hara was born in Toledo, Ohio.

In 1953, "Crying In The Chapel"debuted on the charts, on its way to a high point of Number Four for singing cowboy Rex Allen. 

In 1964, The Osborne Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry. 

In 1970, Sonny James scored a Number One hit with "Don't Keep Me Hangin" On".

In 1975, Hank Williams, Jr.'s life changed when he was critically injured in a fall from Ajax Mountain in Montana.

In 1981, Crystal Gayle had "Too Many Lovers", and a Number One record to boot. She is the younger sister of Loretta Lynn, and has had a great career herself.

In 1987, Reba McIntyre held the top spot with "One Promise Too Late".

In 2013, Jack Clement, most famous for his work with Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride, passed away at age 81.  




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July 31 in Country Music History

In 1937, Bonnie Brown, of the Browns, was born in Sparkman, Arkansas. The Browns were a group that had several major hits on the pop charts before the group disbanded, except for special occasions. Their biggest hit was "The Three Bells" in 1959, which became a crossover Number One hit on the pop charts as well. The Browns tight harmonies were matched by few, with the Louvins and Browns being masters of family harmony. They performed on the Louisiana Hayride and the Grand Ole Opry as well as many other shows of the day. Bonnie is now retired and lives with her physician husband.

In 1952, guitarist, producer,and musical director Steve Gibson was born in Peoria, Illinois.

In 1954, the Number One song in the land was "One By One" by Kitty Wells and Red Foley.

In 1963, professional wrestler Chad Brock was born in Ocala, Florida. He did make a tiny ripple in the waters of country music several years ago.

In 1964, Jim Reeves lost his life in a plane crash in Brentwood, Tennessee. Allegedly, he was trained by the same instructor who trained Randy Hughes who piloted the craft that took the lives of Hughes, Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Cowboy Copas. Reeves was already rich from his career and his many shrewd investments, and his voice was to be familiar on the radio charts for almost two decades after his death.

In 1971, Charlie Pride was at the top of the charts with "I'm Just Me".

In 1982, "I Don't Care", a remake of an old Webb Pierce hit written by Pierce and Cindy Walker, went to Number One again, this time for Ricky Skaggs.

In 1987, Kenneth "Thumbs" Carllisle passed away from a heart attack while driving from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Decatur, Georgia. He was a great guitarist who played the lead guitar with it laying across his lap. He played many years with Little Jimmy Dickens and Roger Miller.

In 1996, Willie Lee (Jay) Webb passed away. He was Loretta Lynn's brother, and was also a country music performer.

July 30 in Country Music History

In 1949, Eddy Arnold had a Number One hit with "I'm Throwing Rice (At The Girl That I Love).

In 1958, Neal McCoy was born in Jacksonville, Texas. 

In 1983, George Jones was Number One with "I Always Get Lucky With You". It was the Possum's ninth Number One as a solo artist, and was cowritten by Merle Haggard.

In 1988, "Don't We All Have The Right" by Ricky Van Shelton was the Number One hit on the Country charts.

In 2003, Sam Phillips passed away. Phillips was known as being the owner of Sun Records, which was the most innovative studio in the country during the time that Phillips owned it. He is known for his contributions to rock and roll, blues, and soul, but he should be given credit for his contributions to country through Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Through Elvis, here are just some of the names in country music that still bring a smile to our face. Eddie Rabbitt, Tony Brown, Richard Sterban, Emory Gordy, Jr., Dave Rowland, Jerry Chesnut, D J Fontana, James Burton, Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels, Ronnie Milsap, Jim Ed Brown, Maxine Brown, Bonnie Brown, Mac Davis, Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell, and the Jordanaires are just a few of the names that we all recognize, and most of them got their big breaks by working with Elvis.

July 29 in Country Music History

In 1944, Louis Jordan went to Number One on the charts as he asked the music question, "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (Me Baby). I think we were in English class together.

In 1954, Pete Cassell passed away. Born near Atlanta, Georgia, this blind singer and musician who played both guitar and piano became a legend in the Atlanta area, and also on the WVA airwaves. He was said to be a smooth singer such as George Morgan or Eddie Arnold, and was a major influence on the career of Marty Robbins.

In 1967, Marty Robbins went to the top of the country charts with "Tonight Carmen". It was his twelfth of sixteen Number Ones in his career. He also had 47 Top Tens and and 85 Top Forties among his 94 charted releases.

In 1988, steel guitarist Pete Drake passed away after a long battle with emphysema. He backed such greats as Don Gibson and Marty Robbins, and played as a session player on many cuts, as well as recording on his own. He played on the hits "Rose Garden", "Behind Closed Doors" and "Lay Lady Lay" and many, many more. He also worked as a producer. He is buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1989, Reba McIntyre's version of "Cathy's Clown" went to Number One. The video that accompanied this video was meant for her to be Miss Kitty, and Bruce Boxleitner to be Matt Dillon, characters of "Gunsmoke".  It also featured many more Western characters from the past. 

In 1997, Mercury Records released "Takin' The Country Back" by John Anderson. This album contained the single by the same name that was written by Curtis Wright and Marty Stuart, and that single and the video was the inspiration for this website which, in the nineties and early 2000s was a major player in the internet country music field.

In 1999, Anita Carter, a member of the Carter Sisters, passed away in Hendersonville, Tennessee. In 1950, she joined the Grand Ole Opry as a member of the Carter Sisters, and opened shows for both Elvis and Johnny Cash. She performed in duets with several male singers including Hank Snow, Don Davis, and Waylon Jennings. There is a video available of "I Can't Help It" with her and Hank Williams. She also recorded as a solo artist, and allegedly was the first one to record what became a big Johnny Cash hit entitled "Ring Of Fire". She and Don Davis, who was her husband twice, were the major stars on a Mobile, Alabama Country Music morning show on WKRG that aired for five years in the sixties.

July 28 in Country Music History

In 1938, Buddy Spicher, one of the best fiddlers in the world, was born in Dubois, Pennsylvania.

In 1939, Harold Brent Burkett, founding member of the Four Guys, was born in Steubenville, Ohio. The Four Guys were offered a spot on the Grand Ole Opry though they never had a hit. In fact, the crowd pleasers, and they certainly were crowd pleasers, only had three top 100s in their career, though they were some of the most popular of entertainers not only at Opry, but everywhere they performed.

In 1945, Jack Guthrie went to the top of the very young Country Charts with "Oklahoma Hills". Jack Guthrie died in 1948 after a battle with tuberculosis. He had had three Top Five hits on the newly created country charts in the last three years before his death. He was a cousin of Woody Guthrie.

In 1973, Donna Fargo went to the top of the charts with "You Were Always There".

In 1979, "You're The Only One" became a Number One hit for Dolly Parton.

In 1984, Earl Thomas Conley scored his fourth Number One in a row, and the sixth of his career with "Angel In Disguise".

July 27 in Country Music History

In 1896, Clark Kessinger, one of the best if not the best old time country music fiddlers, was born in South Hills, West Virginia. He played in many fiddle contests and was made the World's Champion Fiddler at the 47th Annual Union Grove Old Time Fiddlers and Bluegrass Festival when he was in his mid-eighties.

In 1920, Henry D. Haynes, also known as Homer of Homer and Jethro, was born near Knoxville, Tennessee. He owned a Fender Stratocaster with serial number 0001 and was a member of this act from 1936 until his death in 1971. Homer and Jethro were a talented acted, being famous for their picking, singing, and comedy.

In 1925, Annie Lou Dill nee Stockard, was born in Skull Bone, Tennessee. She was known for being one of the "Sweethearts of Country Music" who performed on the Grand Ole Opry, and as opening acts on many of the package shows of the forties, fifties and early sixties. Her husband was Danny Dill, who co-wrote "Detroit City" and "Long Black Veil".

In 1925, Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers had their first recording session. 

n 1933, Nick Reynolds, guitarist and founding member of the Kingston Trio, was born in San Diego, California.

In 1944, Roberta Lee Streeter, aka Bobbie Gentry, was born in Chickasaw County, Mississippi.  She charted six times on the country charts, but her "Ode To Billy Joe" was a Number One on the pop charts for four weeks, and was a gold record.  

In 1956, Duncan Cameron was born in Utica, New York. He is most famous for his stints as guitarist in the Amazing Rhythm Aces and Sawyer Brown.

In 1957, Bill Engvall was born in Galveston, Texas. 

In 1959, Takinthecountryback.com favorite Stonewall Jackson went to the top of the charts with "Waterloo". Stonewall, who is a descendant of the Civil War General by the same name, is still a performing member of the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1963, Johnny Cash went to the top of the charts with "Ring of Fire". It was co-written by his future wife to be, June Carter and her distant cousin, Merle Kilgore, both favorite Country Music personalities.

In 1974, Donna Fargo topped the charts with "You Can't Be A Beacon (If Your Light Don't Shine".

In 1985, "Love Don't Care (Whose Heart It Breaks)" went to Number One for Earl Thomas Conley. Conley was one of the top artists of the eighties. He is also a great songwriter.

In 1991, Ricky Van Shelton was Number One with "I Am A Simple Man". Though he is now retired, Ricky Van Shelton was a neo-traditionalist who was constantly at the top of the charts, having ten chart toppers with four years.

In 1997, Richochet was at Number One for "Daddy's Money". Though the song is more pop fluff than Country, this group was a fine collection of country performers who actually were great as singers, songwriters, and musicians. One of the finest performances of the "Star Spangled Banner" was done by the group, as well as a great version of "Seven Bridges Road".

July 26 in Country Music History

In 1922, Jim Fogelsong was born in Lundale, West Virginia. He was one of the top music executives in Nashville, especially during the seventies and eighties, and he was president of ABC, Capitol,Dot, and MCA records during his career. He signed popular artists, among them Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Garth Brooks, Donna Fargo, Reba McEntire, the Oak Ridge Boys, Con Hunley, George Strait, Tanya Tucker, Sawyer Brown, and Suzy Boggus to his labels, ensuring himself a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame, to which he was inducted in 2004. If Hall of Fame signings mean anything, Fogelsong has Williams, Strait, and Mandrell joining him in the hall already, indicating he was very good at spotting talent.

In 1931, Fred Foster was born in North Carolina. Foster is probably most famous for being the founder of Monument Records, though he produced many great hits for some of the biggest artists in the world. He produced almost all of Roy Orbison's greatest hits, and also produced Billy Grammer, Ray Stevens, Kris Kristofferson, Tony Joe White, Larry Gatlin, Charlie McCoy, Al Hirt, Boots Randolph, Jerry Byrd, Billy Joe Shaver, Grandpa Jones, The Velvets and Robert Mitchum. He was the first Nashville producer to work with Dolly Parton, and he worked with Willie Nelson on a Cindy Walker tribute album as well as a Merle Haggard/Ray Price collaboration entitled "Last of the Breed". Off the Haggard/Price album, he won a Grammy for the cut "Lost Highway".

In 1956, Scott Hendricks was born in Clinton, Oklahoma. He produced many of the top Arista artists during the 90s as well as many of the Capitol artists in the late 90s, including Trace Adkins. Later, he managed Virgin records, but now is back doing what he does best, production. He has produced albums for Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn, Trace Adkins, Faith Hill, John Michael Montgomery, Steve Wariner, Suzy Bogguss and Blake Shelton. During the 1990s, Hendricks co-produced over 30 Number One country hits.

In 1969, Buck Owens was at the top of the charts with "Johnny B. Goode".

In 1980, Clint Eastwood and Merle Haggard were "Barroom Buddies" and doing fine with a Number One record from the Eastwood flick "Bronco Billy".

In 1986, Randy Travis scored his first of many Number One hits with "On The Other Hand". When this happened I went to a Walmart in Houston and bought this album, along with the Keith Whitley album with his first major hit,  "Miami, My Amy".  On this album was Keith's version of "On The Other Hand". 

July 25 in Country Music History

In 1894, three time Oscar winner Walter Brennan was born in Swampscott, Massachussetts. He was known also for his Number Three hit recording, "Ole Rivers", and was one of the best at spoken word recordings, especially Christmas records.

In 1903, Jack Grant of the Grant Brothers, also known as the Tenneva Ramblers, was born in Bristol, Tenneva. He and his group became a part of the Jimmie Rodgers Entertainers for a brief time, and then went back to recording on their own. 

In 1927, Ralph Peer's famous Bristol Sessions began on State Street on the line between Tennessee and Virginia. The two biggest acts to come out of these recording sessions would be Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family.

In 1948, songwriter Steve Goodman was born in Chicago, Illinois. He is well remembered for two songs, "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" and "City Of New Orleans". Not well known is that he was a songwriting and singing protege of Kris Kristofferson and Paul Anka. He died at a young age due to leukemia, and some of his ashes were scattered at Wrigley Field.

In 1965, Marty Brown was born in Maceo, Kentucky. He had one charted hit, and seemed stardom bound. Though his albums were critically acclaimed, he didn't achieve much commercial success.

In 1967, Tommy Duncan passed away in San Diego, California after a performance. Duncan was a great singer in Bob Wills Texas Playboys, and was the lead singer on all their hits except "Faded Love". It was said that he knew all the words to at least 3,000 songs, and he also helped write many of the songs that he sung. Many consider him to be a hillbilly "Bing Crosby" with a golden voice, and an uncompromising style of his own.

In 1970, Charlie Pride was at the top of the charts with "Wonder Could I Live There Anymore". The Pride of America had twenty nine Number One hits, and twenty three more Top Tens. This golden voiced wonder from Sledge, Mississippi was also a good baseball player in his time.

In 1978, Hank Newman of the Georgia Crackers passed away. 

In 1987, Steve Wariner was happy with his new Number One, "The Weekend". Steve, like Larry Gatlin, received his start in country music with Dottie West.

In 1990, Harold Weakley passed away. Though known for his long stint as the drummer on the Grand Ole Opry, he was also a great singer.

In 1992, Garth Brooks was at Number One with "The River".

In 1994, songwriter Artie Glenn passed away. He is most famous for writing "Crying In The Chapel", which was a hit for his own son, Darrell, and Rex Allen, which sold two million copies, and Elvis, which sold untold numbers, and was a Number One. Eddy Arnold was among the many others who recorded this song.

In 1995, the Silver Fox, Charlie Rich, passed away from a blood clot in the lung at Hammond, Louisiana. He was a jazz lover, and the love of jazz brought him and producer Billy Sherrill together as a team. The singer and pianist became a major force on not only the Country charts in the seventies, but also the pop charts. He had nine Number One Country Hits, and also had a Number One Pop Hit. His career hit was "The Most Beautiful Girl", and it topped all charts.

In 2001, The Ryman Auditorium was officially named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.

July 24 in Country Music History

In 1914, popular WLS radio announcer and talented musician Donald "Red" Blanchard was born in Pittsville, Wisconsin.

In 1922, singer-songwriter Lawton Williams was born in Troy, Tennessee. He is best known for writing the hits "Fraulein", a Number One for Bobby Helms, "Farewell Party", a hit for Gene Watson, "Geisha Girl", a hit for Hank Locklin, "Color of the Blues", a hit for George Jones, and "Shame on Me", Bobby Bare's first charted country hit.

In 1926, Marion Garner, country music entertainer and bass player, was born in Arkansas. In his day, bass players had to be entertainers, usually comedians, and he was one of the best, touring with the likes of Hank Williams, Sr., Patsy Cline, and Red Foley. He was a very popular member of the Big D Jamboree in Dallas, Texas.

In 1926, The Crook Brothers started appearing on what was to become known as the Grand Ole Opry. That night on the WSM Barn Dance started a sixty two year run on the Opry for these talented and beloved performers on the show that would become the premier radio show in the world.

In 1936, song writing legend Max D. Barnes was born. He wrote "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes", a hit for George Jones, "Drinkin' and Dreamin'" performed by Waylon Jennings, "If You're Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do It Right)" for Vern Gosdin, as well as  "Way Down Deep", "Chiseled in Stone", "Look At Us", "Don't Take It Away", "Thank God For The Radio", "Drinkin' and Dreamin", "Joe Knows How To Live", "Ten Feet Away", "Do You Believe Me Now", "I Won't Need You Anymore", "Let Go Of The Stone", and "Storms Of Life".. He was born in Hardscratch, Iows, grew up in Nebraska, and had a forty year career as a tunesmith.  I believe he definitely earned that word, "legend". 

In 1957, Pam Tillis, singer, songwriter, and member of the Grand Ole Opry, was born in Plant City, Florida. Tillis was a major force on the charts in the nineties, but she also is a great songwriter, having written songs recorded by many major stars.

In 1971, "Bright Lights, Big City" became a chart topper for the Southern Gentleman, Sonny James. He had twenty three Number Ones, forty three Top Tens, and over sixty Top Forty country hits.

In 1982, Alabama was at Number One on the Country charts with "Take Me Down".

July 23 in Country Music History

In 1917, Eva Overstake was born in Decatur, Illinois.  She and her sisters were born to Salvation Army workers and were originally known as the Overstake Sisters, before they were renamed "The Three Little Mermaids" as they were remembered on the National Barn Dance.  She married fellow National Barn Dance star Red Foley in 1933, and became the mother of three daughters.  One, Shirley, became Mrs. Pat Boone.

In 1919, Paul Rice of the Rice Brothers was born in Gainesville, Georgia. It is said that Paul Rice actually wrote "You Are My Sunshine" and that Jimmy Davis bought the song from him.

In 1940, country singer Johnny Darrell was born in Hopewell, Alabama. He was the first to record "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town", written by Mel Tillis.

In 1943, Tony Joe White was born in Oak Grove, Louisiana. I wonder if he still eats poke salad, with all his songwriting bucks. 

In 1971, Allison Krauss, was born in Decatur, Illinois. This talented country and bluegrass performer is a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry, and with Rhonda Vincent, is probably one of the two most influential female singers in country and bluegrass today.

In 1977, Alabama debuted on the charts with "I Want To Be With You Tonight".

In 1983, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson went to Number One as a duo with the Townes Van Zandt written "Pancho and Lefty".

In 1988, Vern Gosdin scored another Number one with "Set 'Em Up Joe", a tribute to Ernest Tubb and his blockbuster hit, "Walkin' The Floor".

In 1994, Alan Jackson rode to the top of the charts with "Summertime Blues", originally cowritten and performed by Eddie Cochran.

July 22 in Country Music History

In 1924, Margaret Whiting was born in Detroit, Michigan, though she was raised in Hollywood. This singer was probably best known in country music as the duet partner of Jimmie Wakely, and they had a Number One hit with their version of "Slippin' Around". She was also associated with eight other Top Ten singles. 

In 1947, Terry Clements, folk guitarist, was born in Detroit, Michigan. He was most famous for his collaborations with Gordon Lightfoot. 

In 1967, David Houston occupied the top spot on the charts "With One Exception".


In 1972, Charlie Pride topped the charts with "It's Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer".

In 1975, country and gospel singer Sonya Isaacs was born. 

In 1976, Hattie Stoneman, also known as Mom Stoneman of the Stoneman Family, passed away. Pop and Mom Stoneman were legendary Country Music pioneers and then the addition of their family band made them even bigger stars. They were popular radio, tv, and concert performers. Pop Stoneman had "Sinking of the Titanic" which sold an estimated four million copies, and the family had several charted hits later on. 

In 1984, Jack Benny Lynn, Loretta Lynn's son, drowned in Waverly, Tennessee.

In 1989, George Strait asked the question, "What's Going On In Your World", and received a Number One record for his trouble.

In 2001, singer-songwriter Bob Ferguson, also known as Eli Possumtrot, passed away in Jackson, Mississippi. He was best known as writer of "Wings of a Dove" and "Carroll County Accident". He was manager for Ferlin Husky, and was an assistant to Chet Atkins at RCA, where he helped produce many of the biggest names in the industry.

July 21 in Country Music History

In 1895, cowboy Ken Maynard was born in Vevay, Indiana. He was known for his fiddling ability and other talents, including the ability to play many instruments.  

In 1899, Sarah Dougherty was born in Cooper Creek, Virginia. She later married A.P.Carter, and they, with her cousin, who was also her husband's sister-in-law, Maybelle, became the First Family of Country Music, The Carter Family. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.

In 1928, Roy Madison Huskey, Jr., known as Junior, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a great bass player, famous for his Czechoslavkian stand up bass. He is not to be confused with his son, Roy Milton Huskey, who was also a renown bass player and a member of the A-Team.

In 1933, Bobby Hicks, Fiddlers Hall of Fame member, was born. He worked with Bill Monroe as a bass player and a fiddler, and worked for twenty-three years as fiddler in Ricky Skaggs Kentucky Thunder.

In 1936, Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member Hal Rugg was born. As well as working with many of the best in Country Music, Hal also was the music director on the Statler Brothers Show for seven years.

In 1956, Johnny Cash scored his first Number One single with "I Walk The Line". It would stay on the charts for a total of forty three weeks. Johnny Cash would only have fourteen Number One hits, but he would sell many albums, as he had a truly devoted following.

In 1958, Faron Young went to the top of the charts with "Alone With You", and it held this position for thirteen weeks.

In 1972, Paul Brandt was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada as Paul Renee Belobersycky. Some how I believe that he made a good career choice in changing his name.  There are those who believe he can remember almost everybody who has ever met him, but usually there are giveaways to this gift. 

In 1973, Jeannie Pruett became the last one to join the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium before the move to the new Opry House.  Later, Brad Paisley would be inducted in one of the winter shows at the Ryman.  

In 1979, Canadian songbird Anne Murray achieved the top spot on the charts with "Shadows In The Moonlight".

In 1984, Anne Murray was again at the top of the charts with "Just Another Woman In Love". In her career, she had ten Number Ones, twenty five Top Tens, and over forty Top Forty hits, so she was a fixture on the charts.

July 20 in Country Music History

In 1898, mountain and roots music pioneer J.E. Mainer was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

In 1918, Cindy Walker, Country Music Hall Of Fame Songwriter, was born in Texas. The first song of hers to be recorded was cut by Bing Crosby, and she had many cut by Eddy Arnold and Bob Wills. She may be the best female songwriter of all time, and even though her prowess as such is well known, she could also sing and dance. One of the most beloved ladies in country music.

In 1944, T G Sheppard was born William Neal Browder in Humboldt, Tennessee. In a great career, he had fourteen Number Ones, twenty-nine Top Tens, and almost forty Top Forties. He did tour in a bus that Elvis once owned, which later became a Kentucky Headhunters tour bus. He was one of the top acts of the eighties, having eight Number Ones in a row, and ten of twelve charted hits at one time became Number Ones.

In 1959, neo-traditionalist Radney Foster was born in Del Rio, Texas.

In 1968, Johnny Cash had a Number One hit on his remake of "Folsom Prison Blues". It was originally a hit for Cash in 1958, and went to Number Four on the charts.

In 1974, Bobby Bare had a Number One with "Marie Laveau", about the legendary Witch Queen of New Orleans.

In 1985, Lee Greenwood was informed that he had another Number One hit as he was riding down a "Dixie Road".

In 1996, Ricochet scored a Number One with "Daddy's Money". Though they were not a true Country group, Ricochet was a group well known for their harmonies, most famously their versions of "The Star Spangled Banner", and "The Seven Bridges Road".

July 19 in Country Music History

In 1896, William Roy Hardison was born in Maury County, Tennessee. He was the banjo picker for the Old Time Country group known as the Gully Jumpers, allegedly given that name by the Solemn Old Judge of the Grand Ole Opry, George D. Hay. They supposedly cut the first record recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1926, Sue Thompson was born in Nevada, Missouri. She was married to both Dude Martin and Hank Penny, and among her hits are "Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)" and "Norman". 

In 1937, George Hamilton IV was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. "The International Ambassador of Country Music" was known to all of our friends for his devotion not only to spreading the music that we love around the world, but he regularly contributed of his time to the Hank Williams Festivals in Georgiana, Alabama.

In 1939, country singer and dj Billy Parker was born in Okemah, Oklahoma. He won many awards for his radio shows.

In 1944, Commander Cody was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He and his Lost Planet Airmen were a cross between Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, Tex Williams, Bob Will's Playboys, and a forerunner of Asleep at the Wheel. They had most of their success on the pop charts.

In 1947, Tex Williams went to Number One with "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)".  It owned the spot for sixteen weeks. 

In 1952, Carl Smith's first Number One after his marriage to June Carter was "Are You Teasing Me". 

In 1966, Johnny Rivers recorded "Poor Side Of Town". It is one of my favorite crying in my beer jukebox songs even though I don't drink....
....come to think of it I haven't seen a jukebox in a while, either.

In 1969, "I Love You More Today" took Conway Twitty back to the top of the charts.

In 1969, Kenny Rogers of Kenny Rogers and the First Edition made his first country chart visit with "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town", written by Mel Tillis. 

In 1975, Lefty Frizzell passed away after suffering a stroke. This Texan was known for being one of the best singer-songwriters and a superb entertainer. He had several Number One hits, and will always be remembered for his style as well as his substance. His influences on real country music are apparent today in the music of George Jones, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakum, and in the works of the late Keith Whitley.

In 1975, Conway Twitty was again at the top of the charts with "Touch The Hand". It was the first of two weeks at the top of the charts. 

In 1980, "True Love Ways" became a Number One hit for Mickey Gilley.

In 1986, a somewhat forgotten Judy Rodman was on the top of the charts with "Until I Met You". She was hot at this time in the eighties, and she was one of the nicest people off stage. She was gracious if you had the opportunity to meet her at a concert, which we did. She is still active in Nashville as a songwriter.

In 1997, George Strait was atop the charts again with "Carryin' Your Love With Me". It was not only a great song, it was one of the few videos he made, and it was a good piece, also.  It carried the top spot on the charts for four weeks. 

July 18 in Country Music History

In 1919, Walter David "D" Kilpatrick was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was one of the legends in behind the scenes Nashville.

In 1954, Ricky Skaggs was born in Cordell, Kentucky. He is a noted singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and composer. He plays mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and banjo. He made his first major appearance with Bill Monroe at 6 years of age, following that up with an appearance with Flatt and Scruggs. He became acquainted with Keith and Dwight Whitley, and they formed life long friendships, and He and Keith became members of Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys. He went on to JD Crowe's New South Band, and then to EmmyLou Harris' Hot Band. He then became one of the biggest country acts of the eighties and nineties, and finally returned to his roots in bluegrass, where he and his Kentucky Thunder are one of the biggest acts in any kind of music.

In 1954, Mark Jones of Exile was born in Harlan, Kentucky. 

In 1960, Hank Locklin was in the middle of a fourteen week run at the top of the charts with "Please Help Me, I'm Falling". 

In 1964, "Dang Me" became a Number One hit for the King of the Road, Roger Miller. It held the top spot for six weeks.

In 1981, Alabama, the supergroup made up of Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook, and Mark Herndon, went to the top spot in the charts with "Feels So Right". It was atop the charts for two weeks. 

In 1987, the Judds had a hit with "I Know Where I'm Going". They did know, too, for they were at Number One.

July 17 in Country Music History

In 1918, singer Red Sovine was born in Charleston, West Virginia. He was probably best known for his hits "Why Baby Why" with Webb Pierce, "Giddy-Up Go", "Phantom 309", "Teddy Bear", and "Little Rosa".

In 1951, Harry Choates, "Fiddle King Of Cajun Swing" died in a jail cell in Austin, Texas after allegedly putting himself into a coma by banging his head on the jail cell bars.

In 1952, Nicolette Larson was born in Helena, Montana.

In 1964, Craig Morgan was born.  He is one of my favorites to come along in the past fifteen years.  

In 1974, perhaps the best sideman of all time passed away in California. Don Rich of the Buckaroos died in a mysterious motorcycle accident on Highway 1. He was a superb fiddler, lead guitarist, vocalist, and especially harmony singer, who contributed much to the musical career of Buck Owens. He will forever be remembered by us for his many contributions to Country Music.

In 1974, Jay Hanna Dean, also known as Dizzy, passed away in Reno, Nevada. This Hall of Fame pitcher, who was the last National Leaguer to win thirty games in a season, was also known for being a sportscaster who loved Roy Acuff and his "Wabash Cannonball". He was the one who nicknamed Roy Acuff the "King of Country Music".

In 1976, Red Sovine celebrated his birthday with a Number One Record. "Teddy Bear" was a hit in the golden age of cb radio. Though still used in big trucks today, cell phones have rendered them as just a minor communications device. "Teddy Bear" held the top spot for three weeks. 

In 1982, Barbara Mandrell aced a Number One with "'Til You're Gone".

In 1985, another pioneering Bakersfield Sound artist passed away. Wynn Stewart was most well known for "It's Such A Pretty World Today", but he was a major influence on Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, who basically owned the Country Music Charts in the 60s and 70s.

In 1993, "Chattahoochee" became the Number One song for Alan Jackson. Enough said.

In 2010, guitarist Fred Carter, Jr. passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. Though young fans will know him as the father of Deanna Carter, he was a world class guitarist who performed on many records, and is most well known for his work on "El Paso" with Marty Robbins. He also did some great things on Vern Gosdin cuts.

July 16 in Country Music History

In 1915, Speck Rhodes was born in West Plains, Missouri. Speck was an accomplished bassist and banjo player, as well as a fine comedian before he signed on with Porter Wagoner. He was a member of the Wagoneers for over twenty years, and one of the most beloved figures of the Opry and the Porter Wagoner Show.

In 1949, Ronnie Robbins, son of Marty and Marizona Robbins, was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He put his career on hold to take care of the estate, but in my estimation, he was a great singer also. He just had to overcome the expectations of the name.

In 1955, Webb Pierce went to the top of the charts with "I Don't Care". It held the top spot for a total of twelve weeks. 

In 1977, Ronnie Milsap was at the top of the charts with "It Was Almost Like A Song", for the first of three weeks at that position. 

In 1983, Alabama had another chart topper with "The Closer You Get".

In 1988, Roseanne Cash was Number One with "If You Change Your Mind".

In 1994, Travis Tritt took his "Foolish Pride" to the top of the charts.

July 15 in Country Music History

In 1913, Lloyd (Cowboy) Copas was born in Jefferson Township, Ohio. His first big break as a singer came when he replaced Eddy Arnold in Pee Wee King's band, the Golden West Cowboys. He then struck it big with "Filipino Baby" and went on to become a star on the Grand Ole Opry and the Ozark Jubilee. His biggest hit was his only Number One, "Alabam" which stayed at that position for twelve weeks in 1960.

In 1914, Dolph Hewitt of the WLS Barn Dance was born. He also played on the WWVA Jamboree.

In 1946, Linda Ronstadt was born in Tucson, Arizona. She was the first really big female singer in rock and pop, but crossed over into the Country charts several times, and is also known for her collaborations with EmmyLou Harris and Dolly Parton as Trio.  In fact, she has been associated with twenty four charted country hits, with two of them being Number One hits, eight more being Top Ten hits, and three more being Top Twenty hits. 

In 1950, "Mississippi" became a Number One hit for Red Foley.

In 1957, Mac MacAnally was born in Red Bay, Alabama. He is a noted singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.

In 1972, "Made In Japan" went to the top of the charts for Buck Owens.

In 1978, Ronnie Milsap had a chart topper with "Only One Love In My Life".

In 1986, Columbia unceremoniously released Johnny Cash from his recording contract. And they wonder why nobody is loyal to them today. 

In 1989, Eddie Raven gained the top spot on the charts with "In A Letter To You".

In 1998, Hal Southern, songwriter of "I Dreamed Of A Hillybilly Heaven", passed away.

In 2003, George Strait released what was arguably his best country album, "Honkytonkville".

In 2010, Hank Cochran, one of the greatest Country songwriters, and also a singer, passed away in Tennessee. He wrote or co-wrote many songs including "Don't Touch Me" for Jeannie Seely, "I Fall to Pieces" and "He's Got You" both by Patsy Cline, "The Chair" and "Oceanfront Property" both recorded by George Strait, and "Make the World Go Away" recorded by half of all the artists in sixties music. He also had a hit of his own with "Sally Was A Good Old Girl".

July 14 in Country Music History

In 1912, Woody Guthrie, singer, songwriter, musician, and popular folk hero was born in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is probably best known as the songwriter of "This Land Is Your Land".

In 1920, Marijohn Wilkin, nee Melson, was born in Kemp, Texas. She was known as the "Den Mother Of Music Row", and was one of the most talented songwriters on Music Row. Though probably known most for her collaboration with Kris Kristofferson on "One Day At A Time", she also wrote "Waterloo", and with Danny Dill penned "Long Black Veil", probably one of the best songs in country music history. She was known for the efforts to help fledgling songwriters get a foothold in the music business, including Kristofferson, Ed Bruce, and Johnny Duncan. She also was a good vocalist and toured with Red Foley, and also cut several solo albums.

In 1933, singer, songwriter, comedian, and great entertainer Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina. Though he was probably best known for his hit, "Girl On The Billboard" in 1965, he put on one of the best shows, being able to sing, joke, and do some of the greatest impressions. I still remember seeing him do a Roy Acuff impression as the Roy Acuff walked up behind him. We missed him as he didn't do many Opry appearances in his last few years, and we miss him now.

In 1951, Eddie Arnold had another of his many chart toppers with "I Wanna Play House With You". Arnold has twenty eight Number Ones, ninety two Top Tens, and at least one hundred twenty five Top Forty records to his credit in an amazing career.

In 1952, The Eddy Arnold Show premiered on CBS-TV. 

In 1956, Johnson Mountain Boys member Richard Underwood was born. He was the banjo player in this fantastic group that also had our favorite country music dj and historian, Eddie Stubbs, as fiddler. For a real treat, try to catch Eddie when he is fiddling around with Marty Stuart.

In 1956, Elvis ruled the country charts with "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".

In 1960, Ray Herndon of McBride and the Ride was born in Phoenix, Arizona.

In 1961, Bill Anderson joined the Grand Ole Opry. This talented singer, songwriter, and entertainer is probably one of the most successful people in the Nashville music business.

In 1973, Clarence White, flatpicking bluegrass guitarist extraordinaire, died in an accident in Palmdale, California. For the last five years of his life he was the lead guitar player for the Byrds, who had a big influence on Vern Gosdin and EmmyLou Harris.

In 1973, Loretta Lynn had the top Country song in the nation with "Love Is The Foundation".

In 1984, Exile was atop the charts with "I Don't Want To Be A Memory".

In 1985, Lily May Ledford of the Coon Creek Girls died of lung cancer. She was known for being a true country fiddle and banjo player who enjoyed a long career.

In 1990, Garth Brooks was Number One with "The Dance".

July 13 in Country Music History

In 1895, popular folk entertainer and radio personality Bradley Kincaid was born in Point Level, Kentucky. One of his notable accomplishments was nicknaming Marshall Jones, Grandpa, a moniker that is well known by country fans all over the US. Grandpa Jones and Bradley Kincaid both were stars on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1908, Tim Spencer of the Sons of the Pioneers was born. 

In 1910, Clarence Ganus was born in Searles, Alabama. He is most famous for writing "Take A Cold Tater And Wait", and "Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed". I have experienced the kind of life style referenced in these songs.

In 1924, Vernon Dalhart recorded "Wreck Of The Old 97".

In 1939, Cajun legend Joe Barry was born in the swamps of Louisiana.

In 1958, Rosey Carter Adams was born Rozanna Lea Nix, the daughter of Rip Nix and June Carter. Her stepfather was Johnny Cash, and she was a third generation member of the Carter Family.

In 1959, guitarist Brent Mason, one of the best session players in Nashville, and probably the most recorded at this time, was born in Vanwert, Ohio.

In 1962, Rhonda Vincent was born in Kirksville, Missouri. Rhonda is not only the premier bluegrass artist of our time, but one of the purest country singers, as her duets with Daryle Singletary and Gene Watson are some of the best works to come out of Nashville in the past decade or two. She also has had some success as a solo country act. She gets my vote as the reigning queen of Americana.

In 1962, singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw was born in New York City.

In 1985, "Forgiving You Was Easy" became a chart topper for the Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson.

July 12 in Country Music History

In 1945, Butch Hancock of the Flatlanders was born in Lubbock, Texas. A true Texas outlaw who performs with Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

In 1952, Webb Pierce went to Number One on the charts with "That Heart Belongs To Me".

In 1975, Merle Haggard was "Movin' On" with a Number One hit from the TV series of the same name. Do you remember Will and Sonny, played by Claude Akins and Frank Converse?

In 1980, Charlie Pride won another Number One award with "You Win Again", a remake of a Hank Williams written hit from decades earlier.

In 1986, Lee Greenwood scored a chart topper with "Hearts Aren't Made to Break (They're Made to Love)".

In 1998, Jimmy Driftwood, popular singer, songwriter, musician, and one of the first true folklorist in the country, passed away.  He is probably most well remembered for writing the songs "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud". He is also remembered for his love of his Arkansas home and lifestyle.

In 2003, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson ruled the charts with "Beer For My Horses".

July 11 in Country Music History

In 1930, Jimmie Rodgers recorded "Blue Yodel No. 8 (Mule Skinner Blues) at Hollywood Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California.

In 1947, Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was born in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1953,Webb Pierce scored his fourth Number One with "It's Been So Long". He went on to have thirteen Number Ones, fifty-four Top Tens, and eighty three Top Forty country hits.

In 1981, Earl Thomas Conley scored his first Number One with "Fire and Smoke". It came on the heals of his first Top Ten "Silent Treatment".

In 1987, George Strait was atop the Country Music charts again with "All My Ex's Live In Texas", written by Sanger (Whitey) and Lyndia Shafer.

July 10 in Country Music History

In 1908, Paul Howard, leader of the Arkansas Cotton Pickers, was born in Midland, Arkansas.

In 1938, singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Kirby was born in Brady, Texas. He wrote many hit songs, with "Is Anybody Going To San Antone" being one of the biggest. He also wrote "What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?" recorded by Merle Haggard and Charlie Louvin. He played as a session guitarist and regular touring guitarist for many of the best acts in Country Music. He had a pure country pedigree, his uncle being Big Bill Lister who played with Hank Williams.

In 1958, Bela Fleck, banjo virtuoso, was born in New York City, New York. He is one of the most technically proficient banjo players in the business.

In 1960, "Hawk" Shaw of BR-549 was born in Topeka, Kansas. The drummer is one of the original members of this "retro" group, that has often been spotted at Roberts on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1961, Queen of Country Music Kitty Wells was at Number One with "Heartbreak U.S.A". This was the third and last Number One for the lady also known for being the wife of Johnny Wright, but she had 35 Top Ten, and 61 Top Forty records. This Hall of Fame member broke through with her recording of "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" in 1952.

In 1965, Ken Mellons was born in Kingsport, Tennessee. He had one major hit, but, in the minds of Takinthecountryback.com staffers, was one of the most underrated of all Country artists in the last twenty years. He wrote and recorded many great country songs. Any one of his first three albums is worthy of a listen if you like stone cold country mixed with a little "Joe Diffy" type honky-tonk thrown in. George Strait recorded his "Honk If You Honky-Tonk". 

In 1976, "The Door Is Always Open" went to Number One for Dave and Sugar. Dave Rowland was a member of the Stamps Quartet, known for backing Elvis, and always with two ladies as a backing group, Sugar, this combination was one of the most talented acts in the late 70s having three Number Ones and many more charted hits. They were part of an all RCA tour that consisted of Charlie Pride and Ronnie Milsap that was one of the biggest draws of its time, playing to sell out crowds everywhere.

In 1980, Burt Hutcherson, guitarist for the Gully Jumpers, an early traditional music group that played the Opry, passed away at the tender age of 86. 

In 1982, Janie Fricke went to Number One with "Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby". It was the second of nine Number Ones for this talented lady that, with EmmyLou Harris, this writer feels is one of the two most talented females to perform during the seventies and eighties.

In 1993, John Anderson knew that a Number One hit was like "Money in the Bank".

In 2001, Marizona Robinson, widow of Marty Robbins, died in Brentwood, Tennessee. Marty used to proudly introduce her as "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife".

July 9 in Country Music History

In 1906, Pie Plant Pete, aka Claude J. Moye, was born in Shawneetown, Illinois. He was a star of the WLS Barn Dance in Chicago, and was a great performer of old time music in his time. The hit that I remember is "Hand Me Down My Walking Cane".

In 1907, singing Cowboy Eddie Dean was born. Thought by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry to be the best Cowboy singer, he wrote and sang many numbers on screen and off. He is most famous for writing "One Has My Name(The Other Has My Heart)" and "I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven". He will also be remembered for the love affair with his wife. They enjoyed a long marriage, and he also referred to her as "Dearest", which is also on her tombstone.

In 1923, Molly O'Day was born as Lois Laverne Williamson in Pike County, Kentucky. She worked in and around country music until she actually was the leader of a band named Molly O'Day and the Cumberland Mountain Folks. In her brief, but storied career, she worked shows with Hank Williams and Mac Wiseman. She was so good that both Ralph Stanley and the Smithsonian Institute tried to get her out of retirement,but in her later years she did mostly gospel.

In 1929, Jesse McReynolds of Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys was born in Coeburn, Virginia. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jesse is a mandolin virtuoso known for his split string picking, and had a big country hit with "There's A Diesel On My Tail".

In 1929, Lee Hazelwood was born. He worked in several areas of music, but is mostly known on the country side for his work with Duane Eddy.

In 1942, pioneering Country artist Kelly Harrell passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was the first Country artist to be recorded with electronic recording equipment, and was one of the few artists of his time that did not play an instrument.

In 1952, Carl Smith and June Carter were married. To this union of Country superstars would be born Rebecca Carlene Smith, also known as Carlene Carter. Smith and Carter would only stay married until 1956.

In 1953, David Ball was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is probably best known for two songs, "Thinking Problem" and "Riding With Private Malone", but David Ball is definitely one of the best Country Music singers working today. This Grammy Award winner put out "Amigo" as an album several years ago that is one of the best albums of all time.

In 1955, Porter Wagoner was at Number One with "Satisfied Mind".

In 1977,Charlie Pride had another Chart topper entitled "I'll Be Leaving Alone".

In 1983, Ricky Skaggs had the "Highway Forty Blues" and another Number One hit.

In 1986, Lewis Talley, passed away. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and manager who will always be remembered for his work with Merle Haggard and Fuzzy Owen.

In 1988, Alabama was "Fallin' Again" to another chart topping tune.

In 2013, legendary Nashville music executive Jim Foglesong passed away at age 90, in Nashville, Tennessee.  

July 8 in Country Music History

In 1924, legend has it that Uncle Dave Macon cut his first record.

In 1926, electric guitar pioneer and Western swing guitarist Bill Carson was born in Meridian, Oklahoma. He is credited with designing the Fender Stratocaster, and worked for Fender Guitars for many years.

In 1958, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters was born in Glasgow, Kentucky.

In 1961, Toby Keith was born as Toby Keith Covel in Clinton, Ohio. 

In 1978, Mel Tillis went to Number One on the charts with "I Believe In You".

In 1989, Ricky Skaggs was on top of the charts with "Lovin' Only Me".

In 1997, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith were married on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Marty had first predicted that he would marry Connie Smith as a youngster.

July 7 in Country Music History

In 1897, country entertainer Bunny Biggs was born. He was known as Jamup of the Jamup and Honey comedy team popularized on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1917, Red Sovine was born in Charleston, West Virginia, he was most famous for trucking songs, although he had hits with other songs such as "Little Rosa" and "Why, Baby, Why?" He was probably most famous for "Giddy-up Go", "Teddy Bear", "Phantom 309", and "Daddy's Girl".

In 1917, Johnny Sullivan, of Lonzo and Oscar, was born in Kentucky. He was a real brother to "Oscar" Sullivan, and was actually the second Lonzo, after the first one parted company with "Oscar". Their breakthrough hit was "I'm My Own Grandpa".

In 1927, our friend, the great Charlie Louvin, was born in Section, Alabama. He and his brother Ira became the best country duo of all time, and influenced many others including Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris. The Louvin Brothers were probably best known for "Cash on the Barrelhead", "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby", "You're Running Wild", and "When I Stop Dreaming". Charlie had a great career of his own after the duo broke up with the best being "See the Big Man Cry", "I Don't Love You Anymore", and "Diana", which he recorded on lone of his last albums.
The Louvin Brothers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1930, Doyle Wilburn of the Wilburn Brothers was born in Hardy, Arkansas. As a member of the family group of four, he first performed on the Opry in the forties, then, because of government bureaucracy, lost that job, kept singing, wound up on the Louisiana Hayride, and then back to the Opry in the fifties. Doyle and his brother Teddy became a popular duo, and were famous for their participation on many of Webb Pierce's shows and records because of their great harmony. Some of their best records were "It's Another World", "Hurt Her Once For Me", and their version of "Cryin' Time". They also owned and co-owned publishing companies that, among others, held the rights to Loretta Lynn's catalog.

In 1945,"Stars and Stripes On Iwo Jima" went to Number One for Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.

In 1973, Kris Kristofferson went to the top of the Country Charts with "Why Me".

In 1975, George Morgan passed away after bypass surgery in Nashville. He was the last singer to sing in the Old Ryman before the Opry moved to the Opry House at Opryland. The Opry now returns to the Ryman for several months each year. Sadly, the Opry caters more to the Pop-Country crowd now than to traditional and classic country.

In 1984,Conway Twitty was atop the charts with "Somebody's Needin' Somebody". It was to be his thirty sixth COUNTRY chart topper.

July 6 in Country Music History

In 1940, Jeannie Seely was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania. She is known as "Miss Country Soul", and had a Number One hit, "Don't Touch Me" penned by the late Hank Cochran. She also wrote Faron Young's Number One hit,"Leavin' and Sayin' Goodbye". Well known for her unique singing voice, she was the first female to host a portion of the Grand Ole Opry, and is still known today for her membership on the Opry, and for being the beautiful lady she is, heart, body, and soul.

In 1974, Anne Murray went to the top of the charts with her version of "He Thinks I Still Care".

In 1985,Exile was at Number One with "She's A Miracle".

In 1985, Johnny Russell joined the Grand Ole Opry. He was one of the most popular members of the Opry, known for writing "Act Naturally", singing "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer", and doing a comedy routine in which his 300 pound person wears a bright shirt and asks the audience, "Can You See Me Now?"

In 1991, Alan Jackson claimed the top spot on the charts with "Don't Rock The Jukebox".

In 1998, Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys, died in Apple Valley, California. Roy Rogers was inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a solo artist, and as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers. Born Leonard Slye, he was a movie star, TV star, singing star, and songwriter. Even as late as 1991, he had a hit album of duets entitled "Tribute".

In 2001,Johnny Russell, Opry member, was buried in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The Pallbearers were Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Jim Ed Brown, Billy Walker, Porter Wagoner, Jack Greene and Little Jimmy Dickens. He is entombed next to his card playing buddy, Sheb Wooley.

In 2003, Skip Battin, member of the Byrds and also the Flying Burrito Brothers passed away in Silverton, Oregon from Alzheimers disease.

July 5 in Country Music History

In 1915, Guy Willis of the Willis Brothers was born in Alex, Arkansas. The Brothers were to become a popular recording act and stars of many of the ensemble music productions of their day, and as the Oklahoma Wranglers were on the Grand Ole Opry and the Ozark Jubilee among others. Their biggest hit was "Give Me Forty Acres And I'll Turn This Rig Around". Having driven Peterbilts with 53 foot Utility reefer trailers, I can certainly relate to this.

In 1939, around this date, the Grand Ole Opry moved to the War Memorial Auditorium, where it stayed for about four years.

In 1954, Elvis cut his first two-sided disc for Sun and Sam Phillips, with Scotty Moore on lead, and Bill Black on bass. Those first two cuts were "That's Alright, Mama" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky". Bill Monroe loved his rendition of "Blue Moon Of Kentucky". 

In 1969, "Statue of a Fool" became a Number One hit for the Jolly Greene Giant, Jack Greene. 

In 1975, Tanya Tucker scored another chart topper with "Lizzie and the Rainman".

In 1980, George Jones went to Number One with what many consider the best Country song of all time, "He Stopped Loving Her Today". It was written by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock. This song is from the perspective of a friend of someone who never got over a love for a lady that never came back again. Often overlooked is a song from the deceased's point of view written by Bobby Braddock, and entitled "Over You". I do know that if you play them back to back, you get a great picture of a "'til death do us part" kind of love. 

In 1980, John Conlee debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1986, "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)" by Dan Seals turns out to be a golden record. Written by Dan Seals and Bob McDill, it was Seals' third straight Number One record. He would go on to have nine straight Number Ones, and eleven total chart toppers.

In 2003, Loretta Lynn hosted the opening of her new museum at Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. If you haven't seen it, you need to do so. I think it is one of the best.

July 3 in Country Music History

In 1946, Johnny Lee was born in Texas City, Texas. Through his appearance in Urban Cowboy, he was to have a recording career that netted him five Number One records. "Lookin' For Love" was a crossover pop hit as well as Number One country hit, and, though some "critics" deny it, this song and all of his hit records have become classic country hits. He, in real life, performed at Gilley's, the setting for "Urban Cowboy" for many years. Having met him several times, I think he is one of the most underrated performers in country music. 

In 1958, Aaron Tippin was born in Pensacola, Florida, with Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden's grandfather being the attending physician. Aaron has always sung about the middle class guy, and the patriotic people among us.

In 1968, John Maddox of Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose passed away.

In 1993, Allison Kraus joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 2001, Johnny Russell, singer, songwriter, and comedian, passed away after a long battle with diabetes. As a singer he was best known for "Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer". As a songwriter, he had his first success on the flip side of Jim Reeves' "He'll Have To Go", and when on to write the ever popular "Act Naturally", which is a story of its own, and "Let's Fall To Pieces Together" recorded by George Strait. He also was the first one to record probably the greatest song of all time, "He Stopped Loving Her Today".

In 2001, Roy Nichols, all-time great guitarist, passed away. Aside from being a well known television personality in Bakersfield, Roy played with the Maddox Brothers and Rose, Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart, and for around twenty years with Merle Haggard as the first member of the Strangers. He is probably the most influential guitarist in Country Music.

In 1982, "Any Day Now" by Ronnie Milsap was the Number One Country song in the US.

In 1993, Garth Brooks was atop the charts with "That Summer".

In 2007, saxophonist Boots Randolph passed away. He was most famous for "Yakety Sax", which he wrote, but worked on many recordings, and made forty or more albums of his own. His sax can be heard on Elvis Presley's "Return to Sender", Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman", and the great Brenda Lee hits, "I'm Sorry" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". Here at Takinthecountryback.com we still remember his night club in Nashville, Tennessee.

July 2 in Country Music History

In 1916, Ken Curtis, also known as Festus on "Gunsmoke", was born Curtis Wain Gates in Lamar Colorado. Many forget that Ken was also a featured singer in the Sons of the Pioneers, and actually took Frank Sinatra's place in the Tommy Dorsey Band, and was a great actor in movies prior to landing his "Gunsmoke" role. In fact, he was a guest star in "Gunsmoke" several times before he was cast as Festus, and he worked in several John Wayne movies. How we miss him and Ruth.

In 1919, Fred Maddox of Maddox Brothers and Rose was born in Boaz, Alabama. 

In 1923, Janette Carter, daughter of A.P. and Sara Carter and member of the Carter Family, was born in Maces Springs, Virginia. She was the last of the second generation of the Carter to pass on from this life. She was also known for establishing the Carter Fold entertainment theater. It was our pleasure to enjoy a night of entertainment, and to meet her just shortly before her death.

In 1925, Marvin Rainwater was born in Wichita, Kansas. He is known for his 1957 hit "Gonna Find Me A Bluebird" which went to Number Three on the charts.

In 1966, "Think of Me" went to Number One. It was the eleventh Number one for Alvis Edgar Owens, Jr., also known as Buck.

In 1977, Donna Fargo was at the top of the charts with "That Was Yesterday".

In 1982, Deford Bailey, first superstar of the Grand Ole Opry, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. Though known as the "Harmonica Wizard", he was also proficient on guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and was also known to play the fiddle, but not as well as the other instruments. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1983, Don Williams was on a roll with "Love Is On a Roll". It was his fourteenth chart topper, and he certainly deserved induction into the Hall of Fame. Those Williams boys still mean a lot to me, Both Hanks, Don, and Tennessee.

In 1988, Tanya Tucker hit the Number One spot with "If It Don't Come Easy". At this time in her career, things were coming easy for Tanya as she was near the top with everything she sang, solo or otherwise.

July 4 in Country Music History

In 1826, Stephen Foster was born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. (Lawrenceville is now a part of Pittsburgh. He wrote many songs that have survived the test of time. "Oh, Susanna", "Camptown Races", "My Old Kentucky Home", "Beautiful Dreamer", and my favorite Foster song, "Old Folks At Home" also known as "Swannee River".

In 1903, Charlie Monroe, older brother of Bill Monroe and pioneering bluegrass singer and musician, was born in Rosine, Kentucky.

In 1933, Baker Knight, songwriter, was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Two of his biggest hits were "The Wonder of You" made most famous by Elvis Presley, and "Don't The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time" by Mickey Gilley.

In 1937, Grand Ole Opry member Ray Pillow was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is one of the best pure country singers in the country today, though he gets very little credit for his singing ability. One of the reasons I still love the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1970, Tammy Wynette was at Number One with "He Loves Me All The Way".

In 1976, "All These Things" was a Number One for Joe Stampley.

In 1981, Barbara Mandrell has a career Number One single, "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool" with a little of George Jones help.

In 1987, Earl Thomas sat atop the charts with "That Was A Close One".

In 1992, Wynonna sat atop the charts with "I Saw The Light".

In 1996, Arlie Duff, best known as the writer of "Ya'll Come" passed away while playing golf.