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".