May 31 in Country Music History

In 1922, Vic Willis of the Willis Brothers was born in Oklahoma.  The Willis Brothers were most famous for "Give Me Forty Acres(To Turn This Rig Around" in 1964, a Top Ten hit. 

In 1938, Donald Eugene Lytle, aka Donnie Young, aka Johnny Paycheck, was born in Greenfield, Ohio.  Paycheck charted sixty hits, with "Take This Job And Shove It" being his only Number One hit, but he had ten more Top Ten hits, and many Top Forty hits.  His name was synonymous with Country Music, as he played with some of the most famous performers in Country Music, including George Jones, Ray Price, Faron Young, and Porter Wagoner.  His life's story also read like a great country song.  Ms. Liz, Miss Erin, and I saw his last performance at Fan Fair in 1997, when they had to tote him out on stage sitting on a stool, and he had to phrase his words, then gulp oxygen, in order to sing.  He still did a great job.  I still get choked up when I hear "Old Violin". 

In 1954, Paul Franklin, steel guitarist of note, was born in Detroit, Michigan. He has played on a lot of hits. 

In 1969, Tammy Wynette took "Singing My Song" to Number One on the charts.  It stayed there for two weeks. 

In 1975, John Denver took "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" to Number One on the charts.

In 1977, Lloyd Perryman of the Sons fo the Pioneers died in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

In 1980, Ronnie Milsap took "My Heart" to the top of the charts.  It occupied the top spot for three weeks. 

In 1986, Reba McIntyre went to the top spot on the charts with "Whoever's in New England".

In 1991, Lib Hatcher, Randy Travis' manager, became his wife, as well.  They are now divorced.