Tuesday, August 16, 2011

August 17 in Country Music History

In 1921, Wayne Raney was born in Wolf Bayou, Arkansas. He was a popular singer and harmonica player who at one time worked with the Delmore Brothers, and worked on the California Hayride, Wheeling Jamboree, and Grand Ole Opry, and who even appeared on Hee Haw. His three biggest hits were "Lost John Boogie", "Jack and Jill Boogie", and "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me" which went to Number on in the late forties.

In 1927, Bud Wendell was born. He became the general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and also was head of Gaylord Enterprises.

In 1968, "Heaven Says Hello" added to the list of Number Ones in "Sonny James" resume.

In 1974, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn were sharing the spotlight at the top of the charts with their "As Soon As I Hang Up The Phone". They were one of the most popular duos of the seventies.

In 1985, "Highwaymen" by the Highwaymen ruled the charts and was the Number One Country song in America. The Highwaymen was a group made up of four legends, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash.

In 1991, George Strait was at the top spot on the charts with "You Know Me Better Than That".