June 8 in Country Music History

In 1916, Adolf Hofner was born in Moulton, Texas.  He was a Western Swing pioneer. 

In 1921, singing cowboy Monte Hale was born in San Angelo, Texas.

In 1938, Mack Vickery, extremely talented songwriter, was born in Town Creek, Alabama.  His biggest hit was "Fireman" for George Strait, although he has songs that have been recorded by many of the biggest country stars, including George Jones, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck, Lefty Frizzell, Faron Young, John Anderson, and Tanya Tucker. 

In 1941, singer,songwriter, and musician Vernon Oxford, maybe one of the most countriest of the country, was born in Rogers, Arkansas.  He charted seven records in the seventies, but has a cult following, simply because he is one of the few singers that can make true country fans cry in their beer, their soda, or in whatever they are drinking at that time. 

In 1964, Alton Delmore of the Delmore Brothers died in Huntsville, Alabama.

In 1974, Dolly Parton took "I Will Always Love You" to Number One, a tribute rumored to be to Porter Wagoner as the duet broke up.

In 1985, Merle Haggard took "Natural High" to Number One. 

In 1996, George Strait added "Blue Clear Sky" to his collection of Number Ones.  This song, written by Bobby DePiero, was at the top spot for two weeks.