In 1903, The King Of Country Music, Roy Acuff, was born in Maynardville, Tennessee. He was, along with Jimmie Rodgers and Ernest Tubb, one of the first superstars in country music, and was one that insured that the Opry and its offerings were always within the parameters with which he would define country. With the death of Mr. Acuff, country music only exists on small, independent radio stations, and certain venues, mostly in Texas and Missouri, with a few sprinkled here and there throughout the land. But the heartbeat of Mr. Acuff still beats within us that love the real stuff.
In 1956, Elvis ruled ALL genres of music, even country, with "Don't Be Cruel", which began a ten week run on the country charts on this date. Afterwards, the flip side, "Hound Dog" ruled for another ten weeks.
In 1960, Cowboy Copas was atop the charts with his "Alabam". He kept the top spot for twelve weeks, and the only other artists occupying that spot that year were Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Hank Locklin, and Ferlin Husky.
In 1961, George Jones was on a tear with a seven week stint at the top of the charts with "Tender Years".
In 1962, Marty Robbins was enjoying an eight week run at Number One with "Devil Woman".
In 1968, Merle Haggard was in the middle of a four week run at the top of the charts with "Mama Tried".
In 1979, Charlie Pride was at the top of the charts with "You're My Jamaica".
In 1984, one of the smoothest voices in Country Music, Jim Glaser, scored a Number One with "You're Gettin' To Me Again".
