In
1906, Pie Plant Pete, aka Claude J. Moye, was born in Shawneetown,
Illinois. He was a star of the WLS Barn Dance in Chicago, and was a
great performer of old time music in his time. The hit that I remember
is "Hand Me Down My Walking Cane".
In 1907, singing Cowboy Eddie Dean was born. Thought by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry to be the best Cowboy singer, he wrote and sang many numbers on screen and off. He is most famous for writing "One Has My Name(The Other Has My Heart)" and "I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven". He will also be remembered for the love affair with his wife. They enjoyed a long marriage, and he also referred to her as "Dearest", which is also on her tombstone.
In 1923, Molly O'Day was born as Lois Laverne Williamson in Pike County, Kentucky. She worked in and around country music until she actually was the leader of a band named Molly O'Day and the Cumberland Mountain Folks. In her brief, but storied career, she worked shows with Hank Williams and Mac Wiseman. She was so good that both Ralph Stanley and the Smithsonian Institute tried to get her out of retirement,but in her later years she did mostly gospel.
In 1929, Jesse McReynolds of Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys was born in Coeburn, Virginia. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jesse is a mandolin virtuoso known for his split string picking, and had a big country hit with "There's A Diesel On My Tail".
In 1929, Lee Hazelwood was born. He worked in several areas of music, but is mostly known on the country side for his work with Duane Eddy.
In 1942, pioneering Country artist Kelly Harrell passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was the first Country artist to be recorded with electronic recording equipment, and was one of the few artists of his time that did not play an instrument.
In 1952, Carl Smith and June Carter were married. To this union of Country superstars would be born Rebecca Carlene Smith, also known as Carlene Carter. Smith and Carter would only stay married until 1956.
In 1953, David Ball was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is probably best known for two songs, "Thinking Problem" and "Riding With Private Malone", but David Ball is definitely one of the best Country Music singers working today. This Grammy Award winner put out "Amigo" as an album several years ago that is one of the best albums of all time.
In 1955, Porter Wagoner was at Number One with "Satisfied Mind".
In 1977,Charlie Pride had another Chart topper entitled "I'll Be Leaving Alone".
In 1983, Ricky Skaggs had the "Highway Forty Blues" and another Number One hit.
In 1986, Lewis Talley, passed away. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and manager who will always be remembered for his work with Merle Haggard and Fuzzy Owen.
In 1988, Alabama was "Fallin' Again" to another chart topping tune.
In 2013, legendary Nashville music executive Jim Foglesong passed away at age 90, in Nashville, Tennessee.
