June 11 in Country Music History

In 1939, Wilma Burgess was born in Orlando, Florida.  "Misty Blue" was the biggest of her fifteen charted hits, topping out at Number Four. 

In 1949 Hank Williams debuted as a guest on the Grand Ole Opry. He appeared on the 9:30-10:00 PM segment sponsored by Warren Paint, and hosted by Ernest Tubb. He sang "Lovesick Blues," and received six encores, according to legend.  Porter Wagoner has said that this happened on his first visit to the Opry, when he was just a fan with the price of admission in his pocket. 

In 1969, Jay McDowell of BR-549 was born in Bedford, Indiana.  Though they only charted three times, this band has always been one of the best, and most talented, in country music.  They lean towards the old sounds which were popular when Bob Wills, Hank Williams, and Ray Price ruled the charts.


In 1979, the great Western actor John Wayne passed away from cancer.

In 1983, Crystal Gayle went to Number One with "Our Love Is On The Faultline".

In 1988, Patty Loveless, cousin of Loretta Lynn, joined the Grand Ole Opry.  She has charted forty four times with five of them being Number One hits.  Fourteen more of her songs were Top Ten hits, so she has had a great career.  She is one of the most talented female singers in the history of country music, as she, like Janie Fricke, has sang back up on many cuts for other performers.  

In 1988, Randy Travis scored a chart topper with "I Told You So".  The hit stayed at Number One for two weeks. 

In 1994, Brooks and Dunn went to Number One with "That Ain't No Way To Go".