In 1917, singer/songwriter/guitarist Merle Travis was born in Rosewood, Kentucky. Aside from being one of the best guitarists in the twentieth century, he wrote and sang many songs that became hits, but his greatest songwriting accomplishment was "Sixteen Tons", which, though recorded by Travis, became a monster hit for Tennessee Ernie Ford.
In 1941, country music artist Jody Miller was born in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 1975, Merle Haggard was at the top of the charts with one of my favorite juke box hits of all time, "It's All In The Movies".
In 1980, "If You Ever Change Your Mind" became a Number One hit for Crystal Gayle. Not just a sister of Loretta Lynn, she charted many records during her recording career, with eighteen of them being Number Ones.
In 1986, Alabama was atop the charts with "Touch Me When We're Dancing".
In 1998, a founding member and drummer with the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Butch McDade passed away from the effects of cancer.
