In 1936, Doug Kershaw, also known as the "Ragin' Cajun", was born in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Although his prowess as a singer and fiddler is well known, he is also one of the best on guitar, and performs "Jambalaya" on his acoustic on many of his shows just to showcase his abilities on the instrument. During his years with his brother Rusty, and as a soloist, his biggest hit has been "Louisiana Man".
In 1939, Ray Stevens, country entertainer, was born in Clarksdale, Georgia. His list of talents reads as follows: singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, music publisher, musician (playing several instruments), TV star, and entrepreneur. He has had great success on the pop AND the country charts, and though he is known for his songs based on comedy, his biggest country hit is his version of "Misty".
In 1950, Becky Hobbs, singer, songwriter, and pianist, was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She is best known for her hit "Jones On The Jukebox", but she is also a great songwriter. In the past she has been featured on Billy Yates' "Countriest of the Country" show.
In 1953, Marty Robbins was credited with his first Number One, "I'll Go On Alone".
In 1954, Glenn Worf, Nashville based bass player and session musician, was born in Dayton, Ohio. Just check your cds and you will probably have some of his work in your collection.
In 1963, Keech Rainwater, drummer for Lonestar, was born in Plano, Texas.
In 1981, Dolly Parton was atop the charts with "9 to 5". What a way to make a livin'......
In 1987, The Judds were at Number One with "Cry Myself To Sleep".
In 1991, iconic steel guitar player Shot Jackson passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1998, Justin Tubb died after undergoing surgery for an aneurysm. He was a great singer, songwriter, and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. As the son of Ernest Tubb, he would chart three Top Tens including his biggest, "Looking Back To See". I found him to be one of the most intelligent, and candid, men in the music business, as I had the opportunity to talk with him for a couple of times in 1996 and 1997.
