June 1 in Country Music History

In 1886, Elsie McWilliams, sister-in-law of Jimmie Rogers, and cowriter of many of his songs, was born in Mississippi.

In 1915, Country Music Hall of Fame member Johnny Bond was born in Enville, Oklahoma. He was very popular in the forties, and had seven Top Ten hits.  He wrote "I Wonder Where You Are Tonight" which may be the best song ever written that did not go to Number One. In fact, I don't think it ever made the charts. Somebody give this song the ride it deserves.

In 1920, Esmereldy, The Streamlined Hillbilly aka Verna Sherrill, and mother of Amy Holland(wife of Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers), was born in Middleton, Tennessee.

In 1925, Jimmie Dale Warren of the Sons of the Pioneers was born in Kentucky.

In 1926, Andy Griffith, talented actor, singer, and musician, was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina. I happened to catch his Opry performance at the Ryman Auditorium, and he was awesome.

In 1935, Hazel Dickens, bluegrass pioneer, was born in West Virginia.

In 1941, talented singer-songwriter-guitarist Wayne Kemp was born in Greenwood, Arkansas.

In 1953, The Lonestar State welcomed the birth of Ronnie Dunn.

In 1974, Ronnie Milsap scored a Number One with "Pure Love".

In 1985, Conway Twitty took "Don't Call Him A Cowboy" to Number One on the Billboard Charts.

In 1991, Alan Jackson released the four million selling "Don't Rock The Jukebox".

In 1991, Diamond Rio took "Meet In The Middle" to Number One on the charts.  It stayed there for two weeks. 

May 31 in Country Music History

In 1922, Vic Willis of the Willis Brothers was born in Oklahoma.  The Willis Brothers were most famous for "Give Me Forty Acres(To Turn This Rig Around" in 1964, a Top Ten hit. 

In 1938, Donald Eugene Lytle, aka Donnie Young, aka Johnny Paycheck, was born in Greenfield, Ohio.  Paycheck charted sixty hits, with "Take This Job And Shove It" being his only Number One hit, but he had ten more Top Ten hits, and many Top Forty hits.  His name was synonymous with Country Music, as he played with some of the most famous performers in Country Music, including George Jones, Ray Price, Faron Young, and Porter Wagoner.  His life's story also read like a great country song.  Ms. Liz, Miss Erin, and I saw his last performance at Fan Fair in 1997, when they had to tote him out on stage sitting on a stool, and he had to phrase his words, then gulp oxygen, in order to sing.  He still did a great job.  I still get choked up when I hear "Old Violin". 

In 1954, Paul Franklin, steel guitarist of note, was born in Detroit, Michigan. He has played on a lot of hits. 

In 1969, Tammy Wynette took "Singing My Song" to Number One on the charts.  It stayed there for two weeks. 

In 1975, John Denver took "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" to Number One on the charts.

In 1977, Lloyd Perryman of the Sons fo the Pioneers died in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

In 1980, Ronnie Milsap took "My Heart" to the top of the charts.  It occupied the top spot for three weeks. 

In 1986, Reba McIntyre went to the top spot on the charts with "Whoever's in New England".

In 1991, Lib Hatcher, Randy Travis' manager, became his wife, as well.  They are now divorced. 

May 30 in Country Music History

In 1909, Lewis Crook, of the Crook Brothers, was born in Castalian Springs, Tennessee.  They were major Grand Ole Opry stars. 

In 1926, fiddle virtuoso and legend Johnny Gimble was born near Tyler, Texas.  He has been the CMA musician of the year many times, and is a legend in Texas Swing music, having even played with The Texas Playboys of Bob Wills. 

In 1942, publishing and producing great Tom Collins was born in Lenoir, Tennessee.

In 1960, Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider was born in Gleason, Tennessee. He is one of the finest comedians and instrumentalists to hit the Opry stage.

In 1964, Wynonna Judd, nee Christina Claire Ciminella, was born in Ashland , Kentucky.

In 1966, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married in Georgia.

In 1981, the  Oak Ridge Boys went to Number one with "Elvira". Did you know that Kenny Rogers and the First Edition had this same number on their "Tell It All, Brother" album. There were some great cuts on that First Edition album, but this wasn't one of them.

In 1987, The Oak Ridge Boys went to Number One with "It Takes A Little Rain(To Make Love Grow)".

May 29 in Country Music History

In 1965, "This Is It", by Jim Reeves, reclaimed the Number One spot on the charts.  It stayed there a total of three weeks.

In 1971, "I Won't Mention It Again", by Ray Price, began its last of three weeks at the top of the charts.  

In 1976, Johnny Cash had a Number One Hit and apparently a new car. He got it "One Piece At A Time". It stayed there for two weeks.  There really was a car built for this song, and the accompanying video.  It used to sit at the House of Cash. 

In 1982, Waylon and Willie were at the top of the charts with "Just To Satisfy You", for the second week. 

In 1993, John Michael Montgomery began his third, and last, week at the top of the charts with "I LoveThe Way You Love Me". 

May 28 in Country Music History

In 1945, Honky-tonk singer Gary Stewart was born in Letcher County, Kentucky.  He charted thirty hits, with his biggest hits being "She's Actin' Single(I'm Drinkin' Doubles)", "Out Of Hand", and "Drinkin' Thing", all three of which are classic honky tonk songs. 

In 1956, Jerry Douglas, renown dobro, resonator, and lap steel player, was born in Warren, Ohio. 

In 1956, Brent Rowan, probably the most popular guitar session player of the last twenty years, was born in Waxahachie, Texas. 

In 1983, Merle Haggard was atop the charts with "You Take Me For Granted". 

In 1994, Tim McGraw went to the top of the charts with "Don't Take The Girl".  It stayed there for two weeks. 

May 27 in Country Music History

In 1921, Redd Stewart was born in Ashland City, Tennessee.  He changed his name to Redd because of his hair and complexion.  He was known for his ability to play piano, fiddle, guitar, and banjo, and for his songwriting ability.  Of the many songs that he was was afforded writer's credit, the biggest were "Tennessee Waltz", "Soldier's Last Letter", and "Slow Poke".  He was a member of the Golden West Cowboys, and also starred in several movies. 

In 1925, Patsy Stoneman was born in Galax, Virginia. Naturally she was a member of the pioneering group, the Stonemans, who charted five times in the sixties, and were honored one year as the group of the year.

In 1931, Kenny Price was born in Florence, Kentucky.  "The Round Mound Of Sound" charted thirty four times, with four of them being Top Ten singles.  His biggest hit was "Walking On New Grass".  He was also a beloved cast member of Hee Haw. 

In 1939, Don Williams was born in Floydada, Texas. This talented performer charted fifty six times, with seventeen of them going to Number One, and another twenty eight of them being Top Tens.  Is there any wonder that he is in the Country Music Hall of Fame?  Even though it wasn't a Top Ten, my favorite of his singles is his version of "Amanda".

In 1950, Red Foley was at the top of the charts for one of the four weeks his "Birmingham Bounce" was occupy the position.  

In 1957, Jim Reeves hit the top spot on the charts with "Four Walls".  "Honky Tonk Song", by Webb Pierce, was also Number One this week according to one survey. 

In 1972, Conway Twitty scored a Number One with "(Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date". 

In 1978, The Statler Brothers went to Number One with "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine".  It was there for two weeks. 

In 1989, Rodney Crowell went to the top spot on the charts with "After All This Time".

In 1995, Ty Herndon was at Number One with "What Mattered Most".  

May 26 in Country Music History

In 1907, Marion Robert Morrison, aka Marion Michael Morrison, aka John Wayne, aka The Duke, was born in Winterset, Iowa. The greatest movie star of them all, he gave many others plenty of work including James Arness and Ken Curtis.

In 1923, James Arness, star of "Gunsmoke", was born. Gunsmoke included many country music stars such as Ken Curtis and Shug Fisher of the Sons of the Pioneers, and Glenn Strange of the Arizona Wranglers. 

In 1933, The Singing Brakeman, Jimmie Rodgers, died in his hotel room in New York City. Jimmie Rodgers is considered by many to be the Father of Country Music.

In 1946, Elizabeth Jane Haaby married Casey Anderson. Liz Anderson went on to become a great songwriter-singer who a major influence on Merle Haggard's career, as well as becoming the mother of Lynn Anderson.

In 1949, Hank Williams, Jr, also know as Rockin' Randall Hank Williams, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1951, Lefty Frizzell went to Number One with "I Want To Be With You Always".  It held that spot for eleven weeks.

In 1958, Marty Robbins was at Number One with "Just Married", one of two weeks that he held the spot with this hit.  

In 1971, Keith Gattis was born. Keith was a truly great country voice and a great musician to boot.

In 1973, Jeanne Pruett scored a Number One with the most important song of her career-"Satin Sheets". She held the top spot for three weeks. 

In 1984, Onie Wheeler passed away on the Grand Ole Opry stage while performing in Jimmie Snow's Grand Ole Gospel Show. He is also the father of entertainer Karen Wheeler. If you haven't seen her perform, you have missed one of the truly great entertainers in country music.

In 1984, John Conlee went to Number One with "As Long As I'm Rockin' With You".

In 2001, Loretta Lynn opened a museum at her ranch. I think it is one of the best, if not the best in the nation.

May 25 in Country Music History

In 1893, Pop Stoneman was born in Monorat, Virginia.  His Stoneman Family would become one of the pioneering acts in recorded country music, courtesy of the Bristol Sessions, even though he had been recorded by Ralph Peer prior to these history making moments. 

In 1936, Tom T. Hall was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. Though a songwriter first, he charted fifty four hits as a singer, with seven of them being Number One hits.  His biggest hit was "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died". 

In 1947, Jessi Colter was born in Phoenix, Arizona.  The First Lady of Outlaw is a singer, songwriter, and pianist who has been on the singles charts thirteen times, with her biggest hit being "I'm Not Lisa", a Number One.  She also was one of the artists on the first platinum album in country music, "The Outlaw", that featured Waylon (her husband) Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Tompall Glaser, as well as herself.

In 1949, producer Don Cook was born in San Antonio, Texas.  He has written several top songs, and has produced many hits, since going to Nashville to sign with Acuff-Rose Music as a songwriter.  His first Number One was "Lady Lay Down", by John Conlee.  He co-wrote "Brand New Man" for Brooks and Dunn, and produced thirteen of their Number One hits.  

In 1968, "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro went to Number One on the charts.  It held the spot for three weeks. 

In 1974, singer-songwriter Melba Montgomery went to Number One with "No Charge".  It was her only Number One hit, but she certainly was a great singer and songwriter. 

In 1985, Charly McClain went to Number One with "Radio Heart". It would be her last of three Number One records, but she charted many more hits.  In fact, she charted almost forty times in her career. 

In 1991, Doug Stone went to Number One with "In A Different Light".

In 1995, Dick Curless, The Baron of Country Music died. He was a beloved singer of trucking songs, who performed with an eyepatch.  He charted twenty two times, with his biggest hit being the legendary "A Tombstone Every Mile".

In 2005, tunesmith Ben Peters passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.  Charley Pride recorded forty or more of his compositions, with several of them being Number One hits.  He is known for "Before The Next Teardrop Falls", "Turn The World Around", "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'", "It's Gonna Take A Little Bit Longer", "Love Put A Song In My Heart", "More To Me", "Daytime Friends", and "You're So Good When You're Bad", among many, many others. 

May 24 in Country Music History

In 1947, Eddy Arnold was at Number One with "What Is Life Without Love".

In 1947, songwriter Mike Reid was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.  He penned some big hits, and even scored a few himself, with "Walk On Faith" being the biggest, his only Number One. 


In 1955, Roseanne Cash was born in Memphis, Tennessee.  She charted with twenty four songs, and eleven of them being Number One hits.  Her biggest hit was "Never Be You", but my personal favorites are "Seven Year Ache" and "Blue Moon With Heartache". 

In 1975, Jessi Colter went to Number One with "I'm Not Lisa".

In 1980, Dolly Parton went to Number One with "Starting Over Again". 

In 1986, Kenny Rogers took "Tomb of the Unknown Love" to Number One on the charts.

In 2005, Vivian Liberto, the first wife of Johnny Cash, and mother of four daughters, including Roseanne Cash, passed away.  

May 23 in Country Music History

In 1925, Mac Wiseman was born in Crimora, Virginia.  He is one of the best entertainers in country music, and a nice man, who always has a smile on his face. 

In 1944, Ken Irwin, one of the founders of Rounder Records, was born in New York City. 

In 1948, Alvis Alan Owens, a.k.a. Buddy Alan and Buddy Alan Owens, was born to proud parents Buck and Bonnie Owens in Arizona.

In 1951, singer-songwriter Judy Rodman was born in Riverside, California. "Girls Ride Horses Too" was one of her biggest hits.

In 1953, Jim Reeves debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1958, Shelley West was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She and David Frizzell teamed up in the eighties to form one of the best duos of all time.

In 1981, Roseanne Cash scored a Number One with "Seven Year Ache". 

In 1983, Rex Gosdin, of the Gosdin Brothers, died.

In 1987, The Okanes went to Number One with "Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You".

In 1992, Star Search Alumni Sawyer Brown went to Number One with "Some Girls Do".

May 22 in Country Music History

In 1892, Ralph Peer, the first country music talent scout, and RCA Victor executive was born. This true pioneer of country music was the producer of the Bristol sessions that made household names of Jimmie Rodgers and A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter.

In 1976, Conway Twitty went to Number One with "After All The Good Is Gone".

In 1982, Waylon and Willie achieved the top spot on the charts with "Just To Satisfy You".  They kept the spot for two weeks.  

In 1998, Royce Kendall, one half of the duo The Kendalls, died after suffering a stroke while on tour.

May 21 in Country Music History

In 1966, Gentleman Jim Reeves went to the top of the charts with "Distant Drums".

In 1977, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings made their way to Number One by way of "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)".

In 1983, "Common Man" By John Conlee was the Number One song on the charts.

In 1988, Kathy Mattea went to Number One with "Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses".

In 2006, Billy Walker, along with his wife, Bettie, and bassist Charles Lilly, Jr., and guitarist Daniel Patton, was killed in a late night accident near Fort Deposit, Alabama on Interstate 65.  He and his entourage were heading back to Nashville in a van after performing at an RV park just north of Foley, Alabama.  Billy charted sixty five times with his smooth voice, with his biggest hit being "Charlie's Shoes".  

May 20 in Country Music History

In 1919, The Littlest Cowboy, George Gobel, star of the WLS Barn Dance and world renown comedian and actor, was born.

In 1957, Marty Robbins went to Number One with "A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)".  It topped the charts for five weeks.  

In 1978, Johnny Duncan went to Number One with "She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed (Anytime)".

In 1989, Alabama went to Number One with "If I Had You".

In 1995, Mark Chesnut went to the top of the charts with "Gonna Get A Life".  

May 19 in Country Music History

In 1921, Martha Carson was born in Neon, Kentucky.  She was an American country Gospel singer, who was most popular in the fifties. 

In 1940, Mickey Newbury was born in Houston, Texas.  Though he is mostly remembered for his creation of "American Trilogy" made famous by Elvis Presley, he wrote many big hits.  "Funny, Familiar, Forgotten Feelings", "She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye", and "Makes Me Wonder If I Ever Said Goodbye" are just a few of the great ones that he wrote.  

In 1945, Gene Autry was at  Number One with "At Mail Call Today".  It owned that position for a total of eight weeks. 

In 1951, Eddie Arnold went to Number One with "Kentucky Waltz", where it stayed for three weeks.  

In 1962, the great stylist George Jones went to Number One with the timeless hit "She Thinks I Still Care", holding that position for six weeks. 

In 1973, Tanya Tucker sat atop the charts with "What's Your Mama's Name". 

In 1979, The Bellamy Brothers had a Number One on a "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me". I was at one of their concerts one time, and they did have a lady say yes. How many of you were at that Riverfront Concert in Nashville? If you were there, you will remember.  By the way, this great hit stayed at the top of the charts for three weeks. 

In 1990, Clint Black scored a Number One with "Walkin' Away", and held the position for two weeks.  

May 18 in Country Music History

In 1933, Jimmie Rodgers recorded The Last Blue Yodel (The Women Make A Fool Out Of Me).

In 1936, Leon Ashley was born Leon Walton in Georgia. He is the first artist who wrote, published, recorded and distributed his own songs. He is also famous for his hit "Laura, What's He Got That I Ain't Got".

In 1942, Rodney Dillard, of The Dillards, was born in Salem, Missouri.

In 1945, singer, songwriter, and piano player Little David Wilkins was born in Parsons, Tennessee. He is known for seventeen charted hits as a singer, a major hit, "Georgia Keeps Pulling on My Ring" as a songwriter, and also as an inspiration on the Jerry Chesnut written "T-R-O-U-B-L-E", a major hit for both Elvis Presley and Travis Tritt. 

In 1946, Bob Wills went to Number One with "New Spanish Two Step".  This recording stayed at Number One for a total of sixteen weeks. 

In 1948, Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1949, Gary Scruggs, son of Earl Scruggs, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee.  

In 1949, Eddie Arnold went to Number One "One Kiss Too Many".

In 1952, George Strait was born in Poteet, Texas.

In 1957, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Grand Ole Opry Debut.

In 1959, Johnny Horton went to Number One with "The Battle Of New Orleans". It owned the top of the charts for ten weeks.  John Rich sometimes does a tribute show to Johnny Horton, and does a fantastic job on this song.

In 1968, Glen Campbell was at the top of the charts for one of three weeks with "I Wanna Live".  

In 1974, Cal Smith went to Number One with the Traditional Classic, "Country Bumpkin".

In 1985, Sawyer Brown went to Number One with "Step That Step". Not very country, but a good tune that would have probably been a top pop song in my younger years.

In 1996, Brooks and Dunn went to Number One with a pop remake of "My Maria".  They kept the position for three weeks. 

May 17 in Country Music History

In 2001, the NEW Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum opened in downtown Nashville. I personally still miss the old one, and especially the Walk Of Fame where all the stars were.


In 1912, Grant Turner, Grand Ole Opry announcer for 49 years, was born in Abilene, Texas.

In 1925, Red Smiley of Reno and Smiley was born in Marshall, N.C. What a beautiful town!!!

In 1947, Red Foley scored a Number One with "New Jolie Blonde (New Pretty Blonde).  It spent two weeks atop the charts. 

In 1948, Penny DeHaven was born in Winchester, Virginia.  This talented singer placed seventeen hits on the charts.  The last time I saw her she was backing up Porter Wagoner.  She was a really well respected member of the Nashville community.

In 1969, Bill Anderson went to the top of the charts with "My Live (Throw It Away If I Want To)".  It retained the position for two weeks. 

In 1975, B.J. Thomas scored a Number One with "(Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song". Larry Butler and Chips Moman won the Grammy for writing this song. 

In 1980, Eddie Rabbit discovered he had "Gone Too Far", and wound up at Number One on the country charts. 

In 1987, Hank Williams, Jr. went to Number One with the old Hoagie Carmichael classic, "Ain't Misbehavin'".

In 2001, the NEW Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum opened in downtown Nashville. I personally still miss the old one, and especially the Walk Of Fame where many of our favorite stars were enshrined.   

May 16 in Country Music History

In 1925, Wendy Bagwell, great gospel singer and comedian, was born in Chamblee, Georgia.  His recording of "Here Come The Rattlesnakes" sold over one million copies.  It is hilarious.

In 1948, "Anytime" by the late, great Eddie Arnold was at Number One, where it resided for nine weeks.

In 1960, the legendary Hank Locklin took "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" to the Number One spot on the Billboard Charts. This gentleman deserves to be in the Hall of Fame for this and the other many great works in his portfolio. By the way, this song was Number One for 14 weeks. Is that awesome, or what??????

In 1964, Buck Owens took "My Heart Skips A Beat" to Number One on the charts.  It owned that spot for seven weeks.

In 1970, "My Love", by Sonny James, started a three week run at the top of the charts. 

In 1981, T.G. Sheppard went to Number One with "I Loved "Em Every One".

In 1987, the Trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and EmmyLou Harris went to Number One with "To Know Him Is To Love Him".

In 2013, Doug Dillard, of The Dillards, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.  He was a major influence on many inside and outside the realm of country music, and is remembered for his part as one of The Darlings on the Andy Griffith Show.  

May 15 in Country Music History

In 1918, Eddy Arnold was born in Henderson, Tennessee.  What more can we say about this Hall of Fame singer.  He owned the charts for close to twenty years, and has had one song spend more time at Number One than many "stars" ever have with ALL of their hits.  

In 1929, Eddy Arnold's father passed away, leaving the family destitute. Later the family would lose the farm and Eddie would spend the remainder of his youth in poverty. After he got into the music business, he became one of the richest, and most frugal, people in the U.S.  He is the highest rated Billboard star of all time.

In 1942, K.T.Oslin was born in Crossett, Arkansas.  She is a singer, songwriter, pianist, and actress who placed a total of eighteen hits on the country charts, five of them being Number One hits.  She was a major force until she started doing things that weren't like her original hits, which really had a lot of meaning to many folks, especially women.

In 1948, Eddy Arnold celebrated his birthday at Number One on the charts with "Bouquet of Roses", which held the top spot for a total of nineteen weeks. 

In 1954, Eddy Arnold celebrated his birthday by going to the top of the charts with "I Really Don't Want To Know".

In 1965, the late and great entertainer Del Reeves went to Number One with "Girl on the Billboard". It retained that position for two weeks.

In 1971, Ray Price added to his collection of classic country Number Ones with "I Won't Mention It Again", where it stayed for three weeks. 

In 1976, Ronnie Milsap went to Number One with "What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down".

In 1982, Ricky Skaggs joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1993, John Michael Montgomery went to Number One with "I Love The Way You Love Me". 

In 2003, June Carter Cash died in Nashville, Tennessee.  She was a member of the Carter Sisters who performed with Mother MaeBelle Carter, their real mother.  Not only was she a great singer, as evidenced by her hits with her third husband Johnny Cash, but she was a great comedian, and an actress who received a lot of notice.   Her work, along with the Carter Sisters, as a backup group, was some of the best, and I have often said that if I  could sing with the Carter Sisters as backup, it would probably sound good, due to their musical abilities. 

May 14 in Country Music History

In 1977, Don Williams was at Number One with "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend".

In 1983, B.J. Thomas went to Number One with "Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love". I wonder whatever happened to old fashioned country music? I do like B. J. Thomas, though. More for the filler cuts on his albums than for the majority of his hits. "Most Of All", "Brown Eyed Woman", and "Rainy Night In Georgia" are three of my favorites of his cuts. 

In 1986, Mose Rager passed away.  One of the most revered guitarist in country music history, who was in the same league with Merle Travis and Chet Atkins, he invented the thumb-picking style, which he taught to Travis.  

In 1988, Eddie Raven went to the top of the charts with "I'm Gonna Get You".

In 1984, Shenandoah hit the top of the charts with "If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)".  

In 2005, the King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin, passed away. He was probably one of the most underrated and misunderstood performers of his time.  

May 13 in Country Music History

In 1914, Johnny Wright of Johnny and Jack was born in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.  He also had hits as a solo artist, and was married to the Queen of Country Music, Kitty Wells.  After the death of his brother-in-law, Jack Anglin, Johnnie had eleven more charted hits with "Hello Vietnam" being a Number One hit. 

In 1916, Jack Anglin of Johnnie and Jack was born in Columbia, Tennessee. He and Johnny Wright were brothers-in-law.  Of Johnnie and Jack's eleven Top Fifteen records they had a Number One, "(Oh Baby Mine)I Get So Lonely", later made even more famous by the Statler Brothers.

In 1954, Ray Kennedy, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, arranger, and recording engineer, was born in Buffalo, New York.  As a singer, he will best be remembered for his Top Ten record, "What A Way To Go".   

In 1960, Gid Tanner of the Skillet Lickers passed away at age 74.

In 1967, Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1967, Buck Owens went to Number One with "Sam's Place".  It stayed at the top for three weeks. 

In 1972, Merle Haggard was atop the charts with "Grandma Harp", holding that position for two weeks. 

In 1975, Bob Wills died of pneumonia. Willie Nelson may be playing in Austin, but Bob Wills is still the King......

In 1989, Randy Travis hit Number One with "Is It Still Over?". 

In 1997, Rose Carter of the Chuck Wagon Gang passed away.

In 2000, Kenny Rogers became one of the the oldest single performers, if not the oldest, to have a number one on the charts with "Buy Me A Rose". 

May 12 in Country Music History

In 1901, The Duke of Paducah, Whitey Ford, was born.

In 1921, Joe Maphis was born in Suffolk, Virginia.  The King Of Strings was known for his abilities on almost anything that had strings, but he is remembered for his big double necked Mosrite guitar that now rests in the Country Music Hall of Fame.  All of the Cash and Carter family adored him and his status as a virtuoso on his Mosrite guitar, and actually picked out his grave site, and helped cover his grave.  Quite a tribute, I would say.

In 1937, producer Bob Montgomery was born in Lampasas, Texas.  He did some of his best work as the producer for some of Vern Gosdin's albums.

In 1942, Billy Swan was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He is known for being multi-talented, playing drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards, and for his work as a singer, songwriter, producer, and backing musician.  He will  be remembered for all the work he did with some of the biggest names in music, including Bill Black, Kris Krisofferson, Randy Meisner, and  Elvis Presley, but the biggest memory will always be his Number One hit, "I Can Help", which he made in two takes, and played the organ which Kris Kristofferson and his then wife, Rita Coolidge, had given him as a wedding gift.  He also will be remembered as the producer of the Tony Joe White classic, "Polk Salad Annie".

In 1951, Hank Williams took "Cold, Cold Heart" to Number One on the charts.  

In 1955, Kix Brooks was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1965, Eddie Kilgallon of Ricochet was born in New York.

In 1973, Roy Clark scored a Number One with "Come Live With Me".  

In 1979, Conway Twitty went to the top spot on the charts by begging and singing "Don't Take It Away".

In 1984, Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson went to Number One with "To All The Girls I've Loved Before".  It was atop the charts for two weeks. 

In 1990, Travis Tritt went to Number One on the charts with "Help Me Hold On".

May 11 in Country Music History

In 1955, Mark Herndon, drummer for Alabama during all their hit-making years, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.  He is no longer a part of the band, since a lawsuit caused by disagreements on his part in the band, and accounting for monies due him, and due the band. 

In 1968, David Houston was atop the charts with "Have A Little Faith".

In 1974, Sonny James went to Number One with "Is It Wrong For Loving You". 

In 1978, Glenn Sherley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sherley was an imate in Folsom Prison when Johnny Cash recorded possibly the greatest live album ever produced. He wrote "Greystone Chapel" which Johnny Cash performed on the album, which, is in my estimation, one of the best gospel songs written in the last fifty years.

In 1979, Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.  He was a bluegrass legend, along with long time partner, Earl Scruggs, and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  He helped develop youngsters such as Marty Stuart and Keith Whitley.  

In 1985, Reba McEntyre went to the top spot on the charts with "Somebody Should Leave". 

In 1991, George Strait went to Number One with "If I Know Me".  It was Number One for two weeks. 

In 1996, Steve Wariner joined the Grand Ole Opry. 

In 1999, Eddie Arnold announced his retirement. I don't think he did ever really retire, just slowed down.

In 2003, Minnie Snow, widow of Hank Snow, died in Nashville. 

In 2008, Dottie Rambo, acclaimed songwriter and Gospel artist, passed away from injuries received in a wreck that involved her tour bus.  She died near Mount Vernon, Missouri. 

May 10 in Country Music History

In 1909, Mother Maybelle Carter was born in Nicklesville, Virginia.  She, along with AP and Sarah, made up the Carters, and were among the first groups recorded by Ralph Peer for the Bristol Sessions, which made the not just country music pioneers, but country music royalty. 

In 1952, Hank Thompson took "The Wild Side of Life" to the top spot on the charts.  It was at Number One for fifteen weeks.  

In 1969, Merle Haggard took "Hungry Eyes" to the Number One position on the charts.

In 1975, Gary Stewart went to Number One with the classic "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles". 

In 1980, EmmyLou Harris went to Number One on the charts with "Beneath Still Waters". 

In 1986, The Judds went to Number One on the charts with "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days". 

In 1999, Shel Silverstein died in Key West, Florida.  He was a very talented songwriter, who wrote songs recorded by Johnny Cash, Bobby Bare, Mel Tillis, Waylon Jennings, and Jerry Reed.  

May 9 in Country Music History

In 1914, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada. One of the greatest imports ever, and my kind of immigrant.  Hank charted eighty five songs, with seven of them making it to Number One, and another thirty six of them being Top Ten records. 

In 1953, Jim Reeves topped the charts with "Mexican Joe". 

In 1970, Dave Dudley was at Number One with "The Pool Shark".

In 1981, Ronnie Milsap was at Number One for asking the musical question: "Am I Losing You?"

In 1983, country music promoter Bob Neal died. He was a legend due to his work with Sun Records, and especially Elvis.

In 1984, Nudie Cohn, tailor to the stars, passed away in North Hollywood, California. If any of you have one of his suits hanging in a size 54 or 56 Extra Tall, and are in a generous mood, I would sure like to have one. 

In 1987, Michael Johnson hit Number One with "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder". This was a tune that was much like the pop hits he had in the seventies. Johnson is one of the greatest classical guitarists in the world.


In 1989, Keith Whitley passed away. In his brief time here he left a musical legacy that we will remember for a long time.  On the charts nineteen times, he had five Number One records, and five more Top Tens.  I wonder if country music would be in such a sad state if he were still here with us.

In 1992, Brooks and Dunn ruled the charts with "Neon Moon".

May 8 in Country Music History

In 1922, Homer Bailes, of the Bailes Brothers, was born in Kanawha County, West Virginia.

In 1928, Benny Martin was born in Sparta, Tennessee. He was a noted fiddler that, if memory serves me correctly, always was in untied dress shoes.

In 1961, Faron Young's "Hello Walls" became the Number One song on the charts.  It stayed there for nine weeks.  

In 1963, singer-songwriter Keith Harling was born in Greenwood, South Carolina. 

In 1968, The Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay passed away.

In 1971, "How Much More Can She Stand" by Conway Twitty went to Number One.

In 1976, Charley Pride took "My Eyes Can Only See As Far As You'  to the top of the charts.  It was the sixteenth of his twenty nine Number Ones.  

In 1982, "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson went to Number One, for the first of two weeks at that position.

In 2008, the singer regarded as the Number One Billboard artist in country music passed away.  One week short of his nintieth birthday, Eddy Arnold charted more than one hundred forty five records in his career, with twenty eight of them being Number Ones, many of which stayed at the top of the charts for many weeks.  He had twelve Top Twos, and had fifty seven Top Tens before he had a Christmas record that only made it to Number Twelve on the charts.  He had NINETY TWO Top Tens in his career.  His biggest hits were "I'll Hold You In My Heart (Til I Can Hold You In My Arms", which stayed at Number One for twenty one weeks, "Bouquet of Roses", Number One for nineteen weeks, "Don't Rob Another Man's Castle", Number One for twelve weeks, "I Wanna Play House With You", Number One for eleven weeks, and "There's Been A Change In Me", also at the top of the charts for eleven weeks.  That is what I call a superstar. 

May 7 in Country Music History

In 1894, Riley Puckett of the Skillet Lickers was born in Alpharetta, Georgia.

In 1915, Kyle Bailes, of the Bailes Brothers, was born in Kanawha County, West Virginia.

In 1931, songwriter Jerry Chesnut was born in Harlan County, Kentucky.  Among the many hits this Songwriter Hall Of Fame member has written are "A Good Year For The Roses", "T-R-O-U-B-L-E", "Another Place, Another Time", "Holding On To Nothing","It's Four In The Morning", "Looking At The World Through A Windshield", and several more Elvis Presley cuts, which in itself makes him very successful. 

In 1949, "Lovesick Blues" by the late and great Hank Williams was amid a SIXTEEN week run at Number One on the charts. It was his first Number One.

In 1977, "Play, Guitar Play" by Conway Twitty went to Number One on the Charts.

In 1983, "Jose Cuervo" by Shelley West went to Number One on the Billboard Charts. 

In 1988, "Cry, Cry, Cry" by Highway 101 was at Number One on the Billboard Charts.

In 1998, singer-songwriter Eddie Rabbit passed away from lung cancer. 

May 6 in Country Music History

In 1903, country music pioneer Cliff Carlisle was born in Taylorsville, Kentucky. 

In 1945, Texas country music singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore was born in Amarillo, Texas.  He is a true country outlaw, who has had a lot of success simply by sticking to his roots, and refusing to give in to the demands of those who control mainstream music in this day and age. 

In 1959, George Jones was enjoying his first Number One Hit, as it was holding that position for the fourth of five weeks.  "White Lighting" was written by J.P. Richardson, also known as The Big Bopper.

In 1960, Jim Reeves was almost at the end of a sixteen week run at the top of the charts with his smash, "He'll Have To Go", written by the legendary Joe Allison.  

In 1978, Dolly Parton was at Number One for the first of two weeks with "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right". 

May 5 in Country Music History

In 1922, Jay Miller was born in Iota, Louisiana.  He was a songwriter, producer and and musician who specialized in Cajun flavored music.  He is probably most famous for "Diggy Liggy Lo". 

In 1938, Roni Stoneman was born in Washington, D.C.  As a member of the pioneering group, the Stonemans, she is also known for her many years as one of the long time members of the Hee Haw cast. 

In 1942, Tammy Wynette was born in Itawamba County, Mississippi.  This Country Music Hall of Fame member placed seventy two records on the charts, with twenty of them being Number One hits, and many of her songs being legendary hits that will always be considered as among the best of ALL hits recorded in country music.  With nineteen additional Top Ten hits, she will always be remembered for hits like "Don't Wanna Play House", "D-I-V-O-R-C-E", "Stand By Your Man", "He Loves Me All The Way", "My Elusive Dreams", and all of her great duets with her one-time husband, George Jones. 

In 1979, John Conlee was at Number One with "Backside Of Thirty". 

In 1984, The Oak Ridge Boys were atop the charts with "I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometime", my favorite by the Mighty Oaks. 

May 4 in Country Music History

In 1905, Al Dexter was born in Jacksonville, Texas.  He was still active in the recording business when Country Charts were separated, and afterwards charted sixteen hits, with seven of those being Number Ones.  Two of them would be considered Monster hits today, as they were atop the charts for more than ten weeks. 

In 1948, Tim DuBois was born in Southeast City, Missouri.  He has worked his way to the upper echelons of the music business, and has worked as an accountant, professor, songwriter, producer, and label executive.  He was the man behind the business when there was a Arista-Nashville, which sold 80,000,000 records in its first decade or so of existence, thanks to his abilities to spot good artists and pair them with good music.  Alan Jackson, Diamond Rio, Pam Tillis, and Steve Wariner were just some of the great names that he developed at Arista before moving to Universal South to join Tony Brown, another great. 

In 1949, Stella Parton was born in Sevierville, Tennessee, sister of Dolly Parton.  She is a successful singer, songwriter and actress in her own right. 

In 1952, J.L.(Joe) Frank, Country Music Hall Of Fame member and revered music executive, passed away.  He was a great success as a promoter, and as a talent manager. 

In 1959, Randy Travis was born in Marshville, North Carolina.  He has earned sixteen Number One records, and has charted fifty three times.  He is a true traditional and classic country artist, and should be in the Hall of Fame. 

In 1963, posthumously, Hawkshaw Hawkins scored his biggest hit, and was atop the charts for one of four weeks with "Lonesome 7-7203". 

In 1974, Merle Haggard went atop the charts with "Things Aren't Funny Anymore". 

In 1985, Alabama sang "There's No Way", but there was, and it was the song by that name became a Number One hit for them. 

In 1991, Dolly Parton and Ricky Van Shelton took "Rockin' Years" to the top of the charts.  The song was written by Floyd Parton, Dolly's brother. 

May 3 in Country Music History

In 1928, Dave Dudley was born in Spencer, Wisconsin.  He charted forty one times with his biggest hit, "The Pool Shark", being his only Number One. 

In 1952, Eddy Arnold topped the charts with "Easy On The Eyes".

In 1975, Joe Stampley was atop the charts with "Roll On Big Mama".

In 1980, Debbie Boone was ruling the charts with "Are You On The Road To Lovin' Me Again".  

In 1986, Earl Thomas Conley went to the top of the charts with one of his greatest, "Once In A Blue Moon". 

In 1996, Patsy Montana passed away in San Jacinto, California.  She was most famous for being the first female with a million selling single, "I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart".

May 2 in Country Music History

In 1948, Larry Gatlin was born in Seminole, Texas.  Along with his brothers, he has been a part of forty two charting records, with three of them being Number One hits.  He has also enjoyed success with fifteen more Top Ten records, and has written many, if not all, of them.  He broke into the big time with Dottie West, and has been a major force in country music since that time.

In 1960, Merle Haggard was in San Quentin when incorrigible Caryl Chessman was executed.  "The warden led a prisoner down the hallway to his doom......."

In 1962, 1990's country recording star Ty Herndon was born in Meridian, Mississippi.  He charted seventeen songs with three of them being Number One hits.

In 1970, Marty Robbins went to the top spot on the charts with "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife".  Of his ninety four charted records, it was the fourteenth of sixteen Number Ones.  He added thirty one Top Ten records to those Number Ones, and wrote many of his own hits.  He was also a great guitarist and pianist, and was probably the greatest entertainer in country music history.  Is there any wonder that he was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame before he died?

In 1981, Conway Twitty was atop the charts with "Rest Your Love On Me", penned by Barry Gibb, lead singer of the BeeGees.

In 1987, T. Graham Brown scored a Number One with "Don't Go To Strangers".