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".
