In 1920, Rex Allen, singing cowboy from Wilcox, Arizona, was born. His biggest country and western hit was "Crying In The Chapel".
In 1927, songwriter Dale Noe was born in New Boston, Ohio. He is most famous as the writer of "It's Such A Pretty World Today". He was also a celebrated instrumentalist.
In 1933, guitarist Fred Carter, Jr. was born in Winnsboro, Louisiana. He was the father of Deanna Carter, but in the industry he is remembered as one of the best guitarists of all time. He played on many pop AND country hits during his career, but we at TTCB remember him for his parts on Vern Gosdin recordings.
In 1943, John Denver was born in Roswell, New Mexico. Looking back, he was one of the very best of country entertainers, though many of his works did very well on the pop charts.
In 1952, Hank Williams was on his way to a New Year's Show, but never made it, being discovered in his Cadillac dead the next morning in Oak Hill, West Virginia.
In 1985, Rick Nelson, and his entourage, were killed in a plane crash.
In 1995, William Lee Golden replaced Steve Sanders, who had replaced Golden as Baritone in the Oak Ridge Boys in 1987.
In 1997, pianist Floyd Cramer passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a heralded session performer, but had a big hit with the classic, "Last Date".
In 2000, country rock artist Eddy Shaver, son of Billy Shaver died of an overdose.
In 2000, the original Country Music Hall Of Fame closed for the last time, to be unceremoniously torn down. All who are real fans of real country music agree that the new hall is proof that bigger and more expensive is not always better. I miss the old Hall.
In 2002, Jim McReynolds, of Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys, passed away. TTCB people were supposed to be with Charlie Louvin at the Opry for a performance, but Charlie was mourning the loss of one of his best friends.
In 2002, TTCB personnel WERE still at the Opry at the Ryman as Hank, Jr. and Hank III performed on the fiftieth anniversary of Hank, Sr.'s death. It was a great show.
