June 5 in Country Music History

In 1943, The Grand Ole Opry moved from War Memorial Auditorium to the Ryman Auditorium, where it would stay until 1974. 

In 1945, Don Reid of the Statler Brothers was born in Staunton, Virginia. That's what the book says. I was just wondering how he got to be a member of the Class of '57 at age twelve. (I always thought Harold was the smart one).

In 1948, Patricia Gail Dickerson, aka Gail Davies, was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. A major part of the "Caught In The Webb" tribute, she is one of the unsung greats in our industry. She put over twenty hits on the charts, with many of them being Top Ten hits.  Not only is she a major talent, she is a very nice lady who always has time for the fans

In 1948, Eddie Arnold went to the top spot on the charts with "Bouquet of Roses". He owned this spot from November 1,1947 until January 22, 1949, with "I'll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms", "Anytime", "Bouquet of Roses", "Texarkana Baby", "Just A Little Lovin" (Will Go A Long Way", and "A Heart Full Of Love(For A Handful Of Kisses)", with Jimmy Wakely being the only other artist to hold the position with "One Has My Name(The Other Has My Heart)" for eleven weeks.  By the way, on other charts, his "Texarkana Baby" was Number One on this date. 

In 1965, The Tennessee Plowboy, Eddy Arnold, scored a Number One with "What's He Doing In My World". 

In 1967, Lonzo Sullivan of Lonzo and Oscar passed away.

In 1971, Lynn Anderson began a two week stint at the top of the charts with "You're My Man".  With sixty charted hits, five of which were Number Ones, and thirteen more Top Tens, she certainly deserves respect as a country music artist.  

In 1972, Big John graduated from Milton High School, despite the fact that he rarely showed up for classes.  He has sung on TV, sponsored concerts, worked as a promoter, worked in artist management, and worked with his daughter in Takingthecountryback.com.  

In 1980, "Urban Cowboy" premiered in Houston, Texas. 

In 1982, T.G. Sheppard had a Number One, "Finally". Actually it was one of fourteen chart toppers for this star who peaked in the 80s.

In 1993, Toby Keith hit Number One with "Should've Been A Cowboy". Sometimes I wish he had been. 

In 1993, Country Music Hall of Famer Conway Twitty died in Missouri from an aneurysm.  Conway had an astounding forty Number One country hits, and another thirty five Top Ten hist, from a total of ninety seven charted country hits.  No wonder he was called "The Best Friend A Song Ever Had".