Thursday, February 28, 2013

March 1 in Country Music History

In 1898, Uncle Cyp Brasfield was born. A major star on the Ozark Jubilee, he was the older brother of Rod Brasfield. He and his wife, Aunt Sap, were on the Jubilee, the first successful country music television show, for its entire run.

In 1917, country music legend Cliffie Stone was born in Stockton, California.  He was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, music executive and TV and radio personality who was instrumental in the West Coast Country Sound after WWII.  He was deservedly inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989.

In 1952, "Wondering" became a Number One hit for Webb Pierce, and it stayed at that position for four weeks.  

In 1964, singer, songwriter, and fiddler Clinton Gregory was born in Martinsville, Virginia.  He is most famous for his recording, "(If It Weren't For Country Music)I'd Go Crazy", but he is a great fiddler, who has played with many of the great recording artists of our time, including Gene Watson.  

In 1969, Jerry Lee Lewis took "To Make Love Sweeter For You" to the top spot on the charts. 

In 1975, Cal Smith, former Troubadour, went to Number One with "It's Time To Pay The Fiddler". 

In 1980, Waylon Jennings was Number One with "I Ain't Living Long Like This". 

In 1986, Steve Wariner was atop the charts with "You Can Dream Of Me". 

In 1988, Pearl Dee Butler, of the Carl and Pearl Butler duo, died. The duet's biggest hits were "Don't Let Me Cross Over" and "Honky Tonkitis".

In 1997, Rick Trevino was at Number One with "Running Out Of Reasons To Run".   

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

February 28 in Country Music History





In 1911, Hall of Fame member Jim Denny was born in Silverpoint, Tennessee.  He was one of the most successful music publishers and talent managers in country music history.  He also was one of the greatest of the Opry managers. 

In 1923, Audrey Sheppard was born in Banks, Alabama. She became the first wife of country music legend Hank Williams and the mother of Hank Williams, Jr. She is also the grandmother of Shelton Hank Williams and Holly Williams.

In 1927, Don Helms, great steel guitar player, who was most famous for his work in the Drifting Cowboys Band of Hank Williams,  was born in New Brockton, Alabama.  Influenced by Pappy Neal McCormick, he also was famous for working with Patsy Cline, and many other greats, including Stonewall Jackson, the Louvin Brothers, Lefty Frizzell and Loretta Lynn.  Quite a resume for probably one of the more unique steel guitar players in country music history. 

In 1940, Joe South was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, in country music he is most well known for his role as songwriter on "Rose Garden". 

In 1971, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith passed away.  He was a star of the Grand Ole Opry for many years. 

In 1981, Dottie West was at Number One with "Are You Happy Baby?"

In 1987, Earl Thomas Conley was at Number One on the charts with "I Can't Win For Losin' You".

February 27 in Country Music History

In 1936, Chuck Glaser, of the Glaser Brothers, was born in Spalding, Nebraska.  The three Glaser Brothers were one of the best backup groups in the history of country music, and are most remembered for their backup work on "El Paso", with Marty Robbins.   

In 1961, Marty Robbins grabbed the top spot on the charts with "Don't Worry", which stayed there for ten weeks.


 In 1972, former Sons of the Pioneers singing star Pat Brady, also one of Roy Rogers' sidekicks, died in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. He originally replaced Leonard Slye(Roy Rogers) in the Sons of the Pioneers, and after leaving them, rejoined them in 1959, replacing Shug Fisher.

In 1982, Don Williams was at Number One with "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good". 

In 1988, Tanya Tucker topped the charts with "I Won't Take Less Than Your Love". 

In 1993, "What Part Of No" by Lorrie Morgan began a three week run at the top of the charts. 

Monday, February 25, 2013

February 26 in Country Music History


In 1926, Billy Jack Wills was born. The youngest brother of Bob Wills was an underrated swing bandleader.

In 1932, Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas. He charted fourteen Number One records on the country charts, another thirty seven Top Tens, and one hundred thirty five total charted singles. He was the real deal.

In 1955, Charlie and Ira, The Louvin Brothers, made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1955, Webb Pierce went to Number One with "In The Jailhouse Now". It held the top position for twenty one weeks.

In 1976, Willie Nelson won a Grammy for "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain". 

In 1977, Tom Jones was at Number One with "Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow".

In 1983, Charlie Pride went to Number One with "Why Baby Why".

Sunday, February 24, 2013

February 25 in Country Music History

In 1927, Dr. Ralph Stanley, bluegrass legend, was born in Big Spraddle Creek, Virginia.  Not only has he had a big influence on bluegrass and roots music, but he helped develop traditional country music stars Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs. 

In 1932, the Singing Sheriff, Faron Young, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.  One of the top country music stars of all time, he placed five its in the Number One spot, but many, many into the Top Ten, of the almost ninety that he charted in his career.  He also gave many others a shot at stardom by helping in their careers, including Willie Nelson, Roy Drusky, Don Gibson, Gordon Terry, Darrell McCall, Johnny Paycheck, Lloyd Green, Vassar Clements, and, if not for Faron Young, Charlie Pride would not have made such a big splash in the world of Country Music. 

In 1956, "I Forgot To Remember To Forget", by Elvis Presley, began a five week run at the top of the charts. 

In 1984, "Stay Young" by Don Williams was the Number One song on the charts. 

In 1989, Dwight Young was enjoying time at Number One on the charts with "I Sang Dixie". 

In 1995, starting two weeks at the top of the charts with his hit of the same name, Wade Hayes was "Old Enough To Know Better", but still too young to care. 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

February 24 in Country Music History

In 1902, legendary producer Don Law was born in London, England.  He was the head of Columbia Studios-Nashville through most of the sixties and seventies, during the Golden Age of country music. 

In 1949, another legendary producer, Steve Buckingham, was born in Richmond, Virginia.  Though he was successful in just about every genre of music, in country he was associated with great hits by artists such as Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, EmmyLou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt, among others. 

In 1950, singer-songwriter Becky Hobbs was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  Though her biggest hit as a singer was "Jones On The Jukebox", her biggest hit as a songwriter was probably "Angels Among Us". 

In 1958, Sammy Kershaw was born in Kaplan, Louisiana.  Sammy has had ten Top Tens in addition to a Number One, "She Don't Know She's Beautiful". 

In 1991, The Littlest Cowboy, George Gobel, passed away.  He was a beloved member of the WLS Barn Dance Show, starting at age thirteen.  He was probably the most prolific artist of the fifties, and charted almost one hundred records in his career.  He had thirteen Number One Records, and forty one more records that were Top Tens, a lot of them just missing the top spot.  He is in the Hall of Fame, and with good reason. 

In 1991, Webb Pierce, one of the biggest stars in the fifties and sixties, passed away.

In 2005, Goldie Hill passed away. A major star herself, she married Carl Smith and retired. 

Friday, February 22, 2013

February 23 in Country Music History

In 1948, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor Thom Bresh was born in Hollywood, California.  As the son of Merle Travis, he has kept alive the great sounds of the guitar, and is one of the most talented guitarists in the world.


In 1957, the Wagonmaster, Porter Wagoner, joined the Grand Ole Opry.


In 1959, Johnny Cash went to Number One with "Don't Take Your Guns to Town".  This great single stayed at the top spot for six weeks. 

In 1974, Tammy Wynette began a two week run at the top of the charts with "Another Lonely Song". 

In 1980, "Years" was worth only a week at the top of the charts for Barbara Mandrell. 


In 1985, Mel McDaniel was at the top spot with "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On".

In 1991, former Cincinnati Bengal football player Mike Reid, a singer/songwriter, began a two week rn at the top of the charts with his biggest hit, "Walk On Faith".   

Thursday, February 21, 2013

February 22 in Country Music History

In 1920, pianist and Grand Ole Opry member Del Wood was born .

In 1962, "Walk On By", by Leroy Van Dyke, was at the top of the charts for another of its total of nineteen weeks.  It is one of the most successful tunes of all times.   

In 1975, Tom T. Hall was at Number One with "I Care".

In 1986, Marie Osmond was atop the charts with "There's No Stopping Your Heart". 


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

February 21 in Country Music History

In 1927, Don Reno, of Reno and Smiley, was born in Buffalo, South Carolina.  A member of the International Bluegrass Hall Of Fame, he was a great bluegrass singer, songwriter,and banjo player.

In 1946, singer/songwriter Ava Aldridge was born.  In country music, she is most famous for her songwriting credits on "Treat Her Right", by Sawyer Brown.  

In 1953, after his death, Hank Williams' "Kaw-liga" was at Number One on the charts. 

In 1958, Mary Chapin Carpenter, singer, songwriter, and musician, was born in Princeton, New Jersey.  From 1989 until 1996, she was a regular on the Country Music charts.  She had one Number One and several Top Tens.  

In 1976, Waylon and Willie hit Number One with "Good Hearted Woman".  

In 1981, Mel Tillis topped the charts with "Southern Rains".

In 1981, Boxcar Willie joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1987, Crystal Gayle was atop the charts with "Straight To The Heart".  

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

February 20 in Country Music History

 In 1951, singer, songwriter Kathie Baillie was born in Morristown, New Jersey.  She was a member of Baillie and the Boys, a trio of session singer-songwriters who came to prominence in the late eighties and early nineties when they scored seven Top Ten hits, and another three Top Twentys. 

 
In 1954, Hank Thompson went to Number One with "Wake Up, Irene".  On the Billboard charts for this date, "Slowly", by Webb Pierce, was also at Number One.

In 1955, The Louvin Brothers, one of the best duos of all time, with Ira certainly being close to the best, if not THE best tenor, joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1965, Buck Owens Scored a Number One with "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail".

In 1982, T.G.Shepard was atop the charts with "Only One You".  

In 1988, Merle Haggard hit the top spot with "Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star", which he co-wrote with his steel guitar player of many years, Norm Hamlett.  It was his last Number One hit, of thirty eight.  

In 1991, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss both won their first Grammy.

In 1999, Sarah Evans topped the charts with "No Place That Far", with Vince Gill handling backup vocals.  

Monday, February 18, 2013

February 19 in Country Music History

In 1913, Cedric Watts was born in Monticello, Florida.  He was once the bassist for Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboy Band. 

In 1957, Lorianne Crook, radio and tv personality, was born in Wichita, Kansas.

In 1966, Buck Owens began a seven week run at the top of the charts with "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line".

In 1972, Faron Young started a two week run at Number One with "It's Four In The Morning".  He charted almost ninety hits, and this would be the last of his five Number Ones.

In 1977, Elvis Presley was atop the charts with "Moody Blue".

In 1983, the duo of T.G.Shepard and Karen Brooks was at Number One on the charts with "Faking Love". 

In 1992, Country Music Personality Biff Collie passed away in Brentwood, Tennessee.  He died after a career as a world renown deejay, promoter, booking agent, and stage manager. 

In 1998, Grandpa Jones died as the result of a series of strokes.  He was one of the most famous of the Opry stars, and was famous for his abilities as a banjo player, singer, and comedian.  He even had a Top Ten in 1962 with "'T' For Texas".  He was a Grand Ole Opry member for fifty two years, and was a Hee Haw star from the start to the end of that fine show.  We miss him. 


Sunday, February 17, 2013

February 18 in Country Music History

In 1914, Pee Wee King was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He is best known as a singer, songwriter, and a bandleader who co-wrote "Tennessee Waltz", and prepared Eddy Arnold for his role as the Number One Country singer of all time.  He and his bands, including the one fronted by Redd Stewart Ten Top Ten records, and two more Top Fifteen, with their only Number One being one of my favorites, "Slow Poke".

In 1945, the man who I believe is responsible for the demise of traditional and classic country music on the airwaves was born in Nashville, Tennessee.  I personally believe that Ed Benson did more to take our kind of music off mainstream radio than anybody else.

In 1952, Juice Newton was born in Lakehurst, New Jersey.  She charted twenty six singles in her career, with four of them going to the top spot on the charts, and five more being Top Tens.  Her biggest hit, according to Billboard was "The Sweetest Thing(I've Ever Known)".

In 1967, Buck Owens was on top of the world and the charts with "Where Does The Good Times Go".  It owned the top spot for four weeks.  

In 1978, Tootsie Bess, owner of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, a popular Nashville watering hole across the alley from the Ryman Auditorium, and the birthplace of many songs and legends, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. 

In 1978, Margo Smith was atop the charts for two weeks with "Don't Break The Heart That Loves You". 

In 1984, Ricky Skaggs was at Number One on the charts with "Don't Cheat In Our Hometown".

In 1989, Dan Seals scored another Number One with "Big Wheels In The Moonlight".

In 1995, Collin Raye was at Number One on the charts with "My Kind Of Girl". 



Saturday, February 16, 2013

February 17 in Country Music History

In 1920, Billy Byrd, known as Ernest Tubb's lead guitar player for many years, was born in Nashville, Tennessee.  "Aw, play it, Billy Byrd" became a common sound in Ernest's shows and on his recordings.  Billy also was his bus driver and limo driver.

In 1931, Uncle Jimmy Thompson succumbed to pneumonia in Laguardo, Tennessee.  He was the first performer on the Grand Ole Opry, and was known to be one of the best old time fiddlers in his time.

In 1935, Johnny Bush, also known as the Country Caruso, was born in Houston, Texas.  Although he had twenty four charted country hits, and has had a long, successful career, Bush is most often remembered for his songwriting credits on "Whiskey River", on which he charted twice, and which is a staple for his good friend Willie Nelson, for whom he also worked in the sixties.  As a drummer and guitarist, he also worked for Ray Price, so his ties to real country music are strong.

In 1935, Buck Trent, inventor of the electric banjo, and one of the best guitar and banjo players in ANY genre of music, was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  He is most famous for his time with Porter Wagoner and Roy Clark, and for his own show in Branson, Missouri.  I personally think his guitar playing in the Wagonmasters was some of the best of ANY sideman.

In 1969, singer, songwriter, and musician Jon Randall was born in Dallas, Texas.  Though he has major label deals, it is as a backing musician and a songwriter that he has had major success.

In 1973, Merle Haggard was at the top of the charts with "I Wonder Do They Ever Think Of Me".   

In 1974, Bryan White, singer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer, was born in Lawton, Oklahoma.  He had four Number Ones rather quickly, and since, has not had that same success.

In 1990, Eddie Rabbitt began a two week run at the top of the charts with "On Second Thought".

In 1996, Joe Diffie went to the top of the charts with "Bigger Than The Beatles".  It stayed there for two weeks.  

In 1996, Gus Hardin, a very talented singer who didn't make the big splash that she should have, died in a car crash near Salina, Oklahoma.


Friday, February 15, 2013

February 16 in Country Music History

In 1914, Jimmy Wakely was born in Mineola, Arkansas.  Of twenty three hits, he had one that charted as low as Number Fourteen, and ALL of the rest were Top Tens, three Number Ones.  Though his biggest hit was "Slipping Around", a duet with Margaret Whiting, he was known as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, star of radio and TV, and was also successful in the movies.  In fact, he was successful at everything which he did.  HE SHOULD BE IN THE HALL OF FAME!

In 1924, Jo Walker-Meador was born in Orlinda, Tennessee.  She was one of the great music executives in the golden age of country music, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1995, along with Roger Miller. Having met her, I can assure you that she was one of the many nice ladies that did so much for country music, and who are not recognized by the public for their contributions to the genre.  Since she left as executive director of the CMA, the genre has never been the same.

In 1943, hit making machine Ronnie Milsap was born in Robbinsville, North Carolina.  This blind artist, who is a singer, songwriter, and keyboard artist, first reached pay dirt when he worked with Elvis Presley on an album in 1969.   In his career to date, he has charted 62 singles, with 35 of them being Number Ones.  Another thirteen were Top Ten hits.  Why is HE not in the Hall of Fame?

In 1950, guitarist Paul Worley was born in Nashville, Tennessee.   Though he has produced some POP country acts, his biggest contributions to country music were as a session guitarist.

In 1967, Smiley Burnette passed away in Encino, California.  Though maybe remembered for all his appearances in Western movies, in addition to his acting roles, he is remembered for his talents as a comedian, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist.  This movie, radio and TV star is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, with his songs having been covered by many of the biggest country and western stars.  He was also able to play more than 100 instruments, including almost anything with strings, keys, including the accordion and concertina, and others.

In 1969, George Jones and Tammy Wynette were married.  It was one of the stormiest marriages, with many legendary tales of their disagreements and actions, including Jones riding to the liquor store on his lawnmower because Tammy had taken his car keys.

In 1974, Johnny Rodriguez topped the charts with "That's The Way Love Goes".  Ten years later it would be a Number One for Merle Haggard.

In 1980, Don Williams was atop the charts with "Love Me Over Again".

In 1985, The Oak Ridge Boys were at Number One on the charts with "Make My Life With You". 


Thursday, February 14, 2013

February 15 in Country Music History

In 1917, Wally Fowler was born in Adairsville, Georgia.  He was an American Southern gospel music singer, manager, and music promoter and businessman who founded the Oak Ridge Boys, and who made all night gospel sings a common thing.  He is probably THE single most important person in Southern Gospel music history. 

In 1918, our friend, and former "neighbor", Hank Locklin, was born in McClellan, Florida.  He was a gifted Irish tenor who became a country music superstar before that word was in vogue.  He charted thirty three times on the country charts, with two of them being "Let Me Be The One" and "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" going to Number One on the charts, with the latter occupying that position for fourteen weeks.  He had eight more Top Ten records, and was famous for his long membership with the Grand Ole Opry, and the fact that he never had to change keys, even though his songs were notoriously high pitched.  Hank is buried right down the road from the Ranch House, and we often and check his resting place.  He was a real pioneer, and should be in the Hall of Fame. 

In 1927, the lady who became Mrs. Earl Scruggs, Louise Certain was born in Grant, Tennessee.  She was a pioneer in the booking, management, and promoting fields, as she took control of her husband's career, and did a great job of it. 

In 1964, "B.J. The D.J." became a Number One record for Stonewall Jackson. 

In 1969, Jack Greene soared to the top of the charts for two weeks with "Until My Dreams Come True". 

In 1975, T.G.Shepard was at the top of the charts with "Devil In The Bottle". 

In 1986, the duo of Crystal Gayle and Gary Morris went to the top of the charts with "Makin' Up For Lost Time(The Dallas Lovers' Song)". 

In 1992, Garth Brooks began a four week run at the top of the charts with "What She's Doing Now". 

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

February 14 in Country Music History

In 1898, Harry Stone was born in Jacksonville, Florida.  He was one of the most important figures in the history of WSM and The Grand Ole Opry, having been a major player in the establishing of both of these as national icons, one in radio, the other as a radio show. 

In 1939, Razzy Bailey was born in Huguley, Alabama, or Five Points, Alabama, depending upon your source of information.  He is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who has charted thirty one times.  In the late seventies and early eighties, he was a mainstay at the top of the charts, having five Number One hits, and eight more Top Tens, as well.  His Number Ones include "She Left Love All Over Me", "Friends", "Midnight Hauler", "Loving Up A Storm", and "I Keep Coming Back".

In 1970, Sonny James began a four week run at the top of the charts with his monster hit, "It's Just A Matter Of Time".

In 1981, Charlie McClain was atop the charts with "Who's Cheatin' Who".

In 1987, Ronnie Milsap was on top of the country countdown with "How Do I Turn You On".  

In 1987, banjo player Wendy Holcombe passed away in Alabaster, Alabama from the effects of an enlarged heart.  She made a real  mark on music in her twenty three years on earth, as she was an exceptional entertainer who starred on many country shows, including the Midnight Jamboree and the Grand Ole Opry. 


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

February 13 in Country Music History

 In 1919, Tennessee Ernie Ford was born in Bristol, Tennessee.  He was a singer, songwriter, radio and TV personality and comedian who will be best remembered for his biggest hit, "Sixteen Tons", written by Merle Travis.

In 1920, songwriter Boudleaux Bryant was born in Shellman, Georgia, He and his wife, Felice, were excellent songwriters who will always be remembered for their work on many of the Everly Brothers tunes,as well as "Rocky Top".

In 1927, Jim McReynolds, of Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys, was born in Carfax, Virginia.  Though known as members of the Grand Ole Opry, these master musicians and singers were some of the most famous and most revered bluegrass performers.  They did score ten tunes on the country charts with the biggest of them being "Diesel On My Tail".

In 1971, "Help Me Make It Through The Night", penned by Kris Kristofferson and sung by Sammi Smith, became the Number One song on the country charts.   It remained there for three weeks.

In 1982, Eddie Rabbitt owned the top spot on the charts with "Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight".

In 1988, Roseanne Cash was atop the charts with "Tennessee Flat Top Box",   Though written and recorded previously by her father, Roseanne claimed that she did not know the history of the song until after she had recorded it.

In 1993, Travis Tritt was on top of the charts as he sang the question, "Can I Trust You With My Heart"?, and it remained at the top for two weeks. 

In 1998, booking agent and promoter Buddy Lee, who founded Buddy Lee Attractions, passed away.  Though he worked in other genres of music, he was impressed with Country from the time he saw his first Faron Young concert, and moved to Nashville to handle Hank Jr.'s bookings on a request from Audrey Williams.  Buddy said that it was the best thing he ever did, as he became one of the true superpowers in artist bookings in Nashville.  I was working with an artist who he represented when he passed, and they had just visited a concert booking fair for the Plains states when Buddy passed. 

In 2002, Waylon Jennings passed away at his home in Chandler, Arizona. There are not enough words to express how much we "outlaws" miss him. He was a pioneer who did it his way.

Monday, February 11, 2013

February 12 in Country Music History

In 1911, legendary producer and RCA executive Stephen Sholes was born in Washington, DC.  As a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, he, after Ralph Peer was the executive who put RCA at the forefront of the country music business with his associations with Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Eddy Arnold, The Browns, Hank Snow, and Jim Reeves, and many others.  

In 1912, Lucky Moeller, who was famous as a talent booker, and promoter, was born in Okarche, Oklahoma.  Through his associations with Jim Denny and Webb Pierce, he was one of the most powerful and successful men as he worked for Jim Denny, and then took over for him after his death. 

In 1936, Jay Lee Webb, recording artist and  brother of Loretta Lynn, was born in Van Lear, Kentucky. 

In 1944, country singer Moe Bandy was born in Meridian, Mississippi.  Among his fifty one charted hits, he has scored a solo Number One, a duet Number One, eighteen Top Tens, and thirty five Top Twenties.  As a true country singer, I believe his long successful career should put him in the Hall of Fame. 

In 1983, Crystal Gayle was atop the charts with "'Til I Gain Control Again".  

In 2005, singer-songwriter Sammi Smith passed away in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  All though a regular visitor to the country charts from 1967 until 1986, she will always be remembered for her chart topping success, "Help Me Make It Through The Night", penned by Kris Kristofferson. 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

February 11 in Country Music History

In 1918, Wesley Rose, music executive and record producer, was born in Chicago, Illinois.  He was known for his work with Hank Williams and his business associations with Acuff-Rose Publishing Company, founded by his father, Fred Rose, and Roy Acuff. 

In 1956, "Why Baby Why" by Red Sovine and Webb Pierce was at the Number One spot on the charts.  This version, with songwriting credit to George Jones, was atop the charts for four weeks. 

In 1967, Loretta Lynn was atop the charts with "Don't Come Home A'Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)".

In 1978, Larry Gatlin with Brothers and Friends was atop the charts with "I Just Wish You Were Someone I  Love".

In 1984, Merle Haggard owned the top spot on the charts with "That's The Way Love Goes".

In 1989, Alabama was atop the charts with "Song Of The South".  


Saturday, February 9, 2013

February 10 in Country Music History

In 1951, Eddy Arnold was enjoying chart topping success with "There's Been A Change In Me".  It occupied the top spot for eleven weeks.  

In 1960, multi-talented Lionel Cartwright was born in Glen Dale, West Virginia.  He placed twelve hits on the country charts, even hitting Number One.  He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, mandolin player, and fiddle player, and has scored work for TV and movie projects.

In 1979, Eddie Rabbitt began a three week run at the top of the charts with "Every Which Way But Loose", from the Clint Eastwood movie of the same name.  

In 1986, legendary record producer Arthur E. Satherly passed away.  He was the man at Columbia in the days of Ralph Peer at RCA Victor.  

In 1990, Alabama was atop the charts with "Southern Star". 

In 1995, Kendall Hayes, songwriter, passed away.  He was the songwriter of record on "Walk On By". 


Friday, February 8, 2013

February 9 in Country Music History

In 1914, The Texas Troubadour, Ernest Tubb, was born in Crisp, Texas.  After the great success of his "Walkin' The Floor Over You", he became the first in a line of many true honky-tonk singers.  He was given a helping hand by Carrie  Rodgers, widow of Jimmie Rodgers, who donated a guitar to the cause, and helped him along as he tried to further his career within the height of the depression.  He became known for many firsts in his career, and was always willing to give a helping hand to young, talented artists. 

In 1939, songwriting great Red Lane was born in Zona, Louisiana. 

In 1963, Travis Tritt was born in Hiram, Georgia.  As far as I am concerned, he is one of the best with his voice, guitar, and even the banjo, and has been caught in the fallout as the Nashville establishment has gradually kicked good country music to the side.  He also is one who shares my ultra-Conservative political tendencies, which have been formulated through a life that has had its shares of ups and downs.  He has had five Number One hits, and around twenty Top Tens.  Among his awards are two Grammys, when those awards actually meant something. 

In 1970, Danni Leigh was born in Strasburg, Virginia.  She is a country singer who, had she been handled correctly, probably would have been a big star, as she had the looks, the personna, and the basic musical ability required for stardom.  I believe that several of her biggest fans still come to this page, and Ms. Erin formerly did website work for her in the past. 

In 1974, Bill Anderson was atop the charts with "World Of Make Believe". 

In 1980, The Oak Ridge Boys were at Number One with "Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight". 

In 1985, Conway Twitty was enjoying another chart-topper with "Ain't She Somethin Else". 

In 1991, Mark Chesnutt began a two week run atop the charts with "Brother Jukebox". 


Thursday, February 7, 2013

February 8 in Country Music History

In 1902, Pappy Dailey was born in Yoakum, Texas.  He was a music executive and producer who is probably best remembered for his association with George Jones.

In 1947, "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed" became the Number One record on the country charts.  The recording, by Merle Travis, owned the top spot for fourteen weeks.  

In 1948, one of the most versatile singers, songwriters, and guitarists was born in McCamey, Texas.  Also a great sax player, Dan Seals first was known as a member of England Dan and John Ford Coley.  Later, he became a great part of country music.  Although he did record some things that were not necessarily as stone cold country as we would like, all of his music was very good, and very entertaining.  He charted twenty five records on the country charts, with eleven of those being Number One hits, and an additional five being Top Tens.  I particularly liked the way he played his guitar, a regular right handed version, upside down and backwards, strung normally.  He was very good at picking in his unorthodox style.  He was related to Johnny Duncan, Troy Seals, and Brady Seals.

In 1949, blues, country, folk, and bluegrass performer Merle Watson was born in Deep Gap, North Carolina. 

In 1960, Jim Reeves' "He'll Have To Go" began a fourteen week fun at the top of the charts.  In 1960, there would be only five Number One hits on the country charts, with "El Paso", "Please Help Me, I'm Falling", "Alabam", and "Wings Of A Dove" being the other four. 

In 1964, Marty Robbins was celebrating another Number One hit with "Begging To You".  This hit was a chart topper for three weeks. 

In 1975, Charley Pride was atop the charts with "Then Whom Am I". 

In 1986, Juice Newton was on top of the charts, and in her prime with "Hurt". 

In 1997, Mark Chesnutt was beginning a two week run at the top of the charts with "It's A Little Too Late". 

In 1999, Lulu Belle, of Lulu Belle and Scotty, died in Ingalls, North Carolina as a result of Alzheimer's disease.  She and Scotty were one of the most popular acts in country music in the thirties and forties. 

In 2005, Keith Knudsen, singer, songwriter, and drummer for the Doobie Brothers and Southern Pacific, died as a result of pneumonia. 


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

February 7 in Country Music History

In 1[921, the artist we all knew as Wilma Lee Cooper was born in Valley Head, West Virginia.  She and her husband, Stoney, and their band, the Clinch Mountain Clan became well known touring acts, and became even more famous as members of the Grand Ole Opry.  They were also the parents of their well known daughter, who was the namesake of the Carol Lee Singers, who performed on the Opry for so many great years.

In 1934, Donna Stoneman, of the Stoneman Family, was born in Alexandria, Virginia.

In 1943, Texas Honky-Tonk music maker Tony Booth was born in Tampa, Florida.  Once a member of the Bakersfield Sound machine, under Buck Owens, he charted several good records, and then became a member of the Gene Watson road show.  He toured on the Texas Roadhouse circuit, and was one of the best at our kind of music.

In 1953, "I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes", by Goldie Hill, began a three week run at the top of the charts.   

In 1962, Garth Brooks was born in Troyal, Oklahoma.  Although he came into country music like a lion, he went out as a lamb, having probably contributed more to real country music's decline that all other forces combined, save Gaylord Enterprises.  For all the country that his first two albums contained, his last few were nothing but pop junk.

In 1976, "Sometimes" became a Number One hit for the duo of Bill Anderson and Mary Lou Turner.

In 1981, Razzy Bailey was at Number One with "I Keep Coming Back".

In 1987, Garry Morris was atop the charts with "Leave Me Lonely".   

In 2001, our favorite cowgirl passed away.  Dale Evans was an American writer, actor, singer, and songwriter, and along with her husband, Roy Rogers, kept us on the straight and narrow path for most of their years.  We sure miss entertainers with morals and principles like these two had.




Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February 6 in Country Music History

In 1971, "Joshua" went to the top of the charts for Dolly Parton.

In 1982, "Lonely Nights" became a Number One for Mickey Gilley.

In 1988, "Wheels" was atop the charts for Restless Heart.

In 1993, TTCB friend Doug Stone was atop the charts with "Too Busy Being In Love". 

In 2005, everybody's friend, Merle Kilgore, died in Mexico of a heart attack while undergoing cancer treatment.  He was a great singer, songwriter, and executive director of Hank Jr.'s affairs.  He was co-writer of "Wolverton Mountain" and "Ring Of Fire", in addition to "Let Somebody Else Drive".  We do miss our friend. 


Monday, February 4, 2013

February 5 in Country Music History

In 1933, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Claude King was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.  His biggest hit was "Wolverton Mountain", but he hit the charts another twenty nine times.  "Wolverton Mountain" was Number One for nine weeks, and, though his only Number One, was one of six Top Ten records, and several more Top Twenties. 

In 1941, Henson Cargill was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was most famous for his biggest hit, "Skip A Rope", and never again came close to a hit record of the same prominence.  He also worked as a rancher, and on TV shows. 

In 1944, Al Dexter's "Pistol Packin' Momma" went to the top of the charts for a three week run. 

In 1972, Loretta Lynn's "One's On The Way" began a two week run at the top of the charts. 

In 1977, George Jones and Tammy Wynette were enjoying a two week stint at the top of the charts with their duet, "Near You". 

In 1983, Ronnie Milsap was atop the charts with "Inside". 

In 1994, John Michael Montgomery went to the top of the charts for the first of a four week run there with the pop hit, "I Swear", written by Baker and Myers. 

Sunday, February 3, 2013

February 4 in Country Music History

In 1943, Barry Beckett, piano player and record producer, was born in Birmingham, Alabama.  He is known for his work in Muscle Shoals, and for his production of much of Hank Jr.'s work. 

In 1962, Clint Black was born in Long Branch, New Jersey.  He was a member of the Class of 1989, which became the last group of country entertainers who could actually qualify as country music performers.  He was, at first, the most successful of the bunch, but he slid behind several of them in importance as he forgot to keep recording good material as he did when he became a star.  His writing became to involved with too much inner meaning, and what wasn't, was fluff.  The last meaningful hit he had was "Nothing But The Taillights", co-written by Steve Wariner, and it fulfilled all the expectations of those of us who still like country music.  Sadly, he didn't get much onto the airwaves after that that most mainstream country listeners liked. 

In 1984, Ronnie Milsap was atop the charts with "Show Her".

In 1989, Earl Thomas Conley ruled the charts with "What I'd Say".  

In 1989, Jethro Burns passed away.  He was the mandolin player for Homer and Jethro, a comedic duo who were mainstays in the country music field for many years.  He was definitely a mandolin virtuoso.

In 1995, the underrated Pam Tillis began a two week stint at the top of the charts with "Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life".  


Saturday, February 2, 2013

February 3 in Country Music History

In 1945, Al Dexter was enjoying a seven week stay at the top of the charts with "I'm Losing My Mind Over You".

In 1958, Johnny Cash began a ten week run at the top of the charts with "Ballad Of A Teenage Queen".  

In 1964, Matraca Berg, songwriter and performer, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Though never well received on the charts as a singer, she has written many chart topping songs. 

Iin 1968, Henson Cargill began a five week run atop the charts with "Skip A Rope".

In 1973, "She Needs Someone To Hold Her (When She Cries)" was serving two weeks at the top of the charts for Conway Twitty.  

In 2002, James Blackwood, founding member of the Blackwood Brothers AND the Masters V, passed away from the effects of a stroke.  He was the last surviving member of the Blackwood Brothers original singers. 


February 2 in Country Music History

In 1938, Rusty Kershaw, brother of Doug, and member of the brotherly duo of Doug and Rusty, was born in Tiel Ridge, Louisiana. 

In 1946, Howard Bellamy, brother of David, and member of the brotherly duo of the Bellamy Brothers, was born in Darby, Florida.  This popular duo charted forty six records, with twenty six of them attaining Top Ten status, and TEN of them being Number Ones.  They should probably be in the Hall of Fame as one of the top duos of all time.

In 1946, Al Dexter was atop the charts with "Guitar Polka".  This classic owned or coowned the top spot for some sixteen weeks.

In 1952, Lefty Frizzell was enjoying the top of the charts with "Give Me More, More, More (Of Your Kisses)".  He owned the spot with this tune for a total of three weeks.  It was his fifth Number One.

In 1957, Sonny James began a nine week run at the top of the charts with "Young Love".

In 1974, Dolly Parton was atop the charts with "Jolene".

In 1985, "A Place To Fall Apart", recorded by Merle Haggard with Janie Fricke, was atop the charts.

In 1991, "Daddy's Come Around" was Number One on the charts, sang by singer songwriter Paul Overstreet.  

In 2001, songwriting great Hal Blair passed away in Biggs, California.  He was associated as a writer with many great hits, including "One Has My Name, The Other Has My Heart" and "Please Help Me, I'm Falling". 

In 2005, Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member Jimmy Crawford passed away.  He was not only a player, but an arranger who wrote and arranged for many other members of the Hall of Fame, and was a producer, as well as a well known touring musician.  He was an innovator, having had the leading hand in the knee levers, and also built steel guitars in a company cofounded and coowned by he and John Hughey. 

In 2006, Louise Scruggs, who became prominent as a music business executive for the handling of her husband's career, passed away.  Earl Scruggs was indeed a blessed man to have been  married to someone who both loved, and managed him, so well.