In 1938, country music executive Tandy Rice was born. He is one of the better known booking agents working out of Nashville and represents or has represented many top acts including Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Jerry Clower, and Gene Watson.
In 1939, singer and songwriter Billy Joe Shaver was born in Corsicana, Texas. He is one of the more original of all Outlaw movement artists, and has also acted in several films, including "The Apostle" and "Second Hand Lions". Even though he hasn't sold millions of records, he is considered to be one of the more critically acclaimed singer-songwriters, having won several top awards for his works.
In 1952, "A Full Time Job" became a Number One hit for Eddy Arnold.
In 1969, Merle Haggard went to the top with his anthem to the working man, "Workin' Man Blues".
In 1977, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley passed away in his home on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis was known for combining rhythm and blues, gospel, and country to become the biggest star of rock and roll. He did however record many country songs, and was on the country charts many times in his life.
In 1980, Alabama scored a Number One hit with "Tennessee River".
In 1986, a very talented actor named John Schneider went to the top of the charts with "You're the Last Thing I Needed Tonight". He charted seventeen hits, and this was his fourth and final Number One hit.
In 2004, Melvin Endsley passed away. He was a songwriter who wrote over 400 songs, with the biggest being "Singing the Blues".
In 2005, Vassar Clements, one of the best fiddlers of all time, passed away. He played for Bill Monroe and then started playing regularly on the Grand Ole Opry in 1949. He played on more than 2000 albums and those stars that he performed with include many on the Who's Who list of Nashville recording stars.
