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".
