In 1936, Bill Phillips, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, was born in Canton, North Carolina. He charted nineteen records, and was a regular performer on the TV show circuit. He got his start in Nashville with Mel Tillis' help, and he recorded some songs by Dolly Parton and her uncle. On his biggest hit, "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" the lady singer in the background is none other than Dolly. Between her singing ability, and her songwriting prowess on the records recorded by Bill Phillips, this was enough to put Dolly's career in high gear. Bill had two Top Tens, and also worked on a few movies, notably "The Sugarland Express".
In 1938, Jim Rooney, who has produced Nanci Griffith, John Prine, Hal Ketchum, and Iris DeMent, among others, was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
In 1949, Eddie Bayers was born in Pautaxant, Maryland. He is a drummer and session musician who has played on many gold and platinum albums. He is married to Lane Brody, and works as her manager.
In 1950, Eddy Arnold's "Take Me In Your Arms And Hold Me" went to Number One on the charts.
In 1976, Skeeter Willis, of the Willis Brothers, passed away.
In 1978, Loretta Lynn began a two week stint at the top of the charts with "Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed".
In 1984, Crystal Gayle was atop the charts with "The Sound Of Goodbye".
In 1984, Al Dexter passed away in Lewisville, Texas. He was a singer-songwriter who was one of the true pioneers of country music. He charted sixteen Top Fifteen hits, with seven of those being Number Ones.
In 1984, Earl Taylor passed away. He was a singer, songwriter, and musician who could play guitar and harmonica, but specialized on the mandolin. He was closely associated with Jimmy Martin.
In 1989, Randy Travis was atop the charts with "Deeper Than The Holler".
In 1995, Alan Jackson was at Number One with the satirical "Gone Country", but those of whom he was making fun didn't get the joke. They still don't.
