In 1931, Scotty Moore, ranked 44th in the list of all time great guitarists, was born in Gadsden, Tennessee. He was the original backing guitarist and member of the Blue Moons, who backed Elvis in his history making days of Sun Records, and early RCA days.
In 1933, steel guitarist John Hughey was born in Elaine, Arkansas. He was a member of the bands of Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and Vince Gill, and was known for his crying steel guitar. He also played with, and behind, many other great artists, including Elvis Presley, Marty Stuart, Willie Nelson, and Dickie Betts. Vince Gill insists that it is John Hughey's crying steel that makes "Look At Us" recognizable before the vocals had started.
In 1948, singer, songwriter, and musician Les Taylor, of the band Exile, was born in Oneida, California. Though he did have a stint as a soloist, he is most remembered for his work in Exile, with major backing from Buddy Killen and Mike Curb. Exile was probably the most successful group before Alabama.
In 1952, Skeets McDonald began a three week run at the top of the charts with "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes".
In 1962, Jeff Bryant, founding member of Ricochet, was born in Pecos, Texas.
In 1978, Bob Luman passed away from a bout with pneumonia in Nashville, Tennessee. He is most famous for his hits "Let's Think About Livin'" and "Lonely Women Make Good Lovers".
In 1980, Johnny Lee started a two week run at the top of the charts with "One In A Million".
In 1986, Hank Williams Jr. was enjoying a two week stint at the top of the charts with "Mind Your Own Business", aided by Reverend Ike, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, and Tom Petty.
In 2003, Southern Gospel pioneer Vestal Goodman died from the effects of flu in an ambulance bound for the hospital in Celebration, Florida. She is probably the best remembered of all the Southern Gospel singers, having been famous for her performances with the Happy Goodman Family, on the Gospel Jubilee.
In 2004, Hank Garland, one of the best guitar players in Nashville prior to a 1961 auto accident, passed away at is home in Orange Park, Florida from a staph infection. He was one of the premier session players in Nashville.
