May 26 in Country Music History

In 1907, Marion Robert Morrison, aka Marion Michael Morrison, aka John Wayne, aka The Duke, was born in Winterset, Iowa. The greatest movie star of them all, he gave many others plenty of work including James Arness and Ken Curtis.

In 1923, James Arness, star of "Gunsmoke", was born. Gunsmoke included many country music stars such as Ken Curtis and Shug Fisher of the Sons of the Pioneers, and Glenn Strange of the Arizona Wranglers. 

In 1933, The Singing Brakeman, Jimmie Rodgers, died in his hotel room in New York City. Jimmie Rodgers is considered by many to be the Father of Country Music.

In 1946, Elizabeth Jane Haaby married Casey Anderson. Liz Anderson went on to become a great songwriter-singer who a major influence on Merle Haggard's career, as well as becoming the mother of Lynn Anderson.

In 1949, Hank Williams, Jr, also know as Rockin' Randall Hank Williams, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1951, Lefty Frizzell went to Number One with "I Want To Be With You Always".  It held that spot for eleven weeks.

In 1958, Marty Robbins was at Number One with "Just Married", one of two weeks that he held the spot with this hit.  

In 1971, Keith Gattis was born. Keith was a truly great country voice and a great musician to boot.

In 1973, Jeanne Pruett scored a Number One with the most important song of her career-"Satin Sheets". She held the top spot for three weeks. 

In 1984, Onie Wheeler passed away on the Grand Ole Opry stage while performing in Jimmie Snow's Grand Ole Gospel Show. He is also the father of entertainer Karen Wheeler. If you haven't seen her perform, you have missed one of the truly great entertainers in country music.

In 1984, John Conlee went to Number One with "As Long As I'm Rockin' With You".

In 2001, Loretta Lynn opened a museum at her ranch. I think it is one of the best, if not the best in the nation.