In 1923, Joaquin Murphey, Western Swing steel guitarist, was born in Hollywood, California. It was his association with Spade Cooley that brought him into the limelight. He is in the Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame.
In 1927, Bob Ferguson, singer, songwriter, music executive, actor, author, philanthropist, and producer, was born in Willow Springs, Missouri. He at one time managed Ferlin Husky, and wrote "On The Wings Of A Dove", before jumping into the music business full time. He later wrote "Carroll County Accident", and became a major part of RCA, where he worked with some of the biggest stars of the sixties, seventies, and eighties, including Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, and Connie Smith, among many others. He also co-wrote the book "So You Want To Be In Music". He was also very intelligent, being a member of MENSA.
In 1931, Skeeter Davis was born in Dry Ridge, Kentucky. She started as one of the Davis Sisters, but after a car accident killed her partner, and hurt her very badly after the success of their first hit, she became a regular on the country music singles chart, and also placed quite a few on the pop charts. This talented singer was one of the most beloved of female country singers until her death from cancer. We managed to buy some of the memorabilia from her home in Brentwood.
In 1937, the eccentric John Hartford was born in New York City, New York, and became one of the most gifted singer, songwriter, and musician combinations in the world, also being probably the most knowledgeable of Mississippi steamboat lore. He had a pilot's license and worked on a steamboat every summer. He was known for his abilities to play guitar, banjo, and fiddle equally as well, and wrote many great songs, including "Gentle On My Mind".
In 1938, Mike Auldridge was born in Washington, DC. He was one of the best dobro players, who also influenced the design of newer models of the resonator guitars. He passed away as I was preparing this entry on December 29, 2012.
In 1950, "Moanin' The Blues" became a chart topper for Hank Williams.
In 1959, songwriter Don Henry was born in San Jose, California. He has written many great songs for some of the best in the business, including Kathy Mattea's "Where've You Been".
In 1972, "She's Got To Be A Saint" began a three week run at the top of the charts for Ray Price.
In 1976, John Burris and Liz Shelton were married in Pensacola, Florida, beginning a lifetime together while listening, and working around, our favorite genre of music, traditional and classic country.
In 1980, Amber Digby, one of the best of the younger generation of country singers, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Her father worked for Loretta Lynn, her mother worked with Connie Smith, her step father worked for many legends, her uncle is a guy named Darrell McCall, who is a legend himself. I guess she has the pedigree.
In 1985, Elsie W. McWilliams, sister-in-law of Jimmie Rodgers, and co-writer of at least thirty nine of his songs, passed away in Meridian, Mississippi. She was the first female songwriter in country music who really had an impact on the business.
