In 1927, Jack McFadden was born in Sikeston, Missouri. He was best known for his artist management abilities. He was the manager for Buck Owens at the top of his career, and was also known for his involvement in the promotion of the careers of Merle Haggard, Rose Maddox, and Tommy Collins when he was based on the West Coast. When he moved to Nashville, he was involved in the careers of Steve Wariner, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rhonda Vincent, Keith Whitley, and Lorrie Morgan.
In 1934, steel guitarist Jimmie Day was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He has worked with many of the best, but is most well known for his work at the Louisiana Hayride, and with Jim Reeves, Ray Price, and Willie Nelson. He also backed Elvis Presley, Johnny Horton, Hank Williams, Charlie Walker, and Faron Young at points during his career.
In 1940, Big Al Downing was born in Oklahoma. He was a talented entertainer, being a singer, songwriter, and pianist who was a regular at the Grand Ole Opry. He was most known for his song, "Touch Me (I'll Be Your Fool Once More", which was his highest charting hit, and was an immensely successful song for Tom Jones.
In 1940, Billy Sanford, acclaimed guitarist and session player, was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He has played on many Number One records down through the years.
In 1951, Crystal Gayle was born in Paintsville, Kentucky. Being from a musically talented family that included Loretta Lynn, she has been a major star for years. She has graced the country charts fifty two times, with eighteen of them going to Number One, and another sixteen being Top Tens. Hall of Fame material?
In 1954, "Bimbo", by Jim Reeves, was amidst a three week run at the top of the charts. It was his second Number One.
In 1961, Louisiana Hayride favorite Johnny Horton went to the top of the charts with "North To Alaska". It occupied Number One for five weeks.
In 1982, Gene Watson went to Number One with "Fourteen Carat Mind".
In 1988, Exile was again at Number One on the charts with "I Can't Get Close Enough".
In 2004, Lorene Allen, noted songwriter who wrote or co-wrote many of Loretta Lynn's hits, passed away in Nashville, Tennessee from lung cancer.
