In 1911, producer and music executive Ken Nelson was born in Caledonia, Minnesota. He was one of the pioneers of the Bakersfield Sound, having brought many of those artists to Capitol Records, including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
In 1919, Oscar Sullivan, of Lonzo and Oscar, was born in Edmonton, Kentucky. Several different duos that made up this Lonzo and Oscar act became famous as they worked their musical AND comedy magic on many attendees of the Grand Ole Opry. Their biggest hit was "I'm My Own Grandpa".
In 1933, Stu Phillips was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is a singer, songwriter, guitarist who is best known for his membership on the Grand Ole Opry and his work as the owner of a winery, and as an Episcopal minister. He is also known for his smooth voice, and is known as "The Western Gentleman".
In 1946, Dolly Parton was born in Sevierville, Tennessee. She has made a name as a singer, songwriter, musician, entertainer, producer, actor, and entrepreneur. But, as George and the Hag used to sing in the song "No-Show Jones", Dolly also has two big reasons she is well known.......
In 1959, Jim Reeves big hit, "Billy Bayou", began a five week run at the top of the charts.
In 1960, entrepreneur and music executive and producer Ralph Peer died in Hollywood, California. He probably did more to advance roots, hillbilly, and country music than anybody, although his motive was for profit and to get into the mainstream music business. His real break was when he convinced Victor Records to let him control the publishing rights for all the recordings he made, and he insisted on recording only things on which he could control those publishing rights. He became manager of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, and managed Rodgers until his death.
In 1963, "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" began a three week run at the top of the charts. This version was performed by Flatt and Scruggs, who also occasionally guest starred on the TV series of the same name.
In 1974, "I Love", by Tom T. Hall, started a two week stint at the top of the charts.
In 1980, Vic McAlpin, of the Country Music Songwriter's Hall of Fame, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. Though he was a prolific writer with many hits to his list of credits, he also was involved in the business of music, having had partnered up with Joe Allison in a joint venture. He also was an author.
In 1985, Reba McEntire was atop the charts with "How Blue".
In 1998, legendary singer, guitarist, and songwriter Carl Perkins died from strokes caused by a long battle with throat cancer. His contributions to country, rock, pop, and rockabilly can not be overstated, as he was one of the most talented performers in ANY genre, and he could not be classified as a performer of just one. He passed away in his home town of Jackson, Tennessee. As a singer and songwriter his biggest accomplishment may have been "Blue Suede Shoes", and as a guitarist, he performed on many great records, including "A Boy Named Sue".
