In 1925, Rose Maddox, of the Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose, was born in Boaz, Alabama. She was a vocalist and fiddler with America's Most Colorful Hillbilly Band, and was one of the pioneers of country music, rockabilly, and rock and roll. She has been mentioned as one of the major influences of EmmyLou Harris and Dolly Parton. Her family band was also known for their colorful stage outfits.
In 1933, Bobby Helms was born in Bloomington, Indiana. Discovered by Ernest Tubb, he is best remembered for his smash hits "Fraulein" and "Jingle Bell Rock", which is a perennial Christmas time favorite.
In 1941, Don Rich was born in Olympia, Washington. He became famous as Buck Owens' side man who did vocal harmonies with Buck, and lead the Buckaroos until his death with his lead guitar and fiddle playing. He was missed by Buck in the years between Don's death and Buck's death, and is still missed by millions of fans today.
In 1979, Asa Martin, old time country artist, passed away. He was a pioneer who gave David Akeman the nickname of Stringbean. He recorded mostly in the thirties and forties, but did make a comeback in the seventies.
In 1981, Kenny Rogers owned another chart topper with "I Don't Need You".
In 1987, Michael Martin Murphey went to the top of the charts with "I Come From A Long Line Of Love".
In 1990, Lou DeWitt of the Statler Brothers passed away after a long battle with Crohn's Disease. He was one of the cofounders of the group, and wrote their signature hit "Flowers On The Wall". He retired from the Statlers, who were originally called the Kingsmen, in 1982, and except for a short stint as a solo performer, he pretty much spent the rest of his years fighting his illness. He was one of the greatest tenor singers in any kind of music.
