In 1920, Billy Byrd, known as Ernest Tubb's lead guitar player for many years, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. "Aw, play it, Billy Byrd" became a common sound in Ernest's shows and on his recordings. Billy also was his bus driver and limo driver.
In 1931, Uncle Jimmy Thompson succumbed to pneumonia in Laguardo, Tennessee. He was the first performer on the Grand Ole Opry, and was known to be one of the best old time fiddlers in his time.
In 1935, Johnny Bush, also known as the Country Caruso, was born in Houston, Texas. Although he had twenty four charted country hits, and has had a long, successful career, Bush is most often remembered for his songwriting credits on "Whiskey River", on which he charted twice, and which is a staple for his good friend Willie Nelson, for whom he also worked in the sixties. As a drummer and guitarist, he also worked for Ray Price, so his ties to real country music are strong.
In 1935, Buck Trent, inventor of the electric banjo, and one of the best guitar and banjo players in ANY genre of music, was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is most famous for his time with Porter Wagoner and Roy Clark, and for his own show in Branson, Missouri. I personally think his guitar playing in the Wagonmasters was some of the best of ANY sideman.
In 1969, singer, songwriter, and musician Jon Randall was born in Dallas, Texas. Though he has major label deals, it is as a backing musician and a songwriter that he has had major success.
In 1973, Merle Haggard was at the top of the charts with "I Wonder Do They Ever Think Of Me".
In 1974, Bryan White, singer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer, was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. He had four Number Ones rather quickly, and since, has not had that same success.
In 1990, Eddie Rabbitt began a two week run at the top of the charts with "On Second Thought".
In 1996, Joe Diffie went to the top of the charts with "Bigger Than The Beatles". It stayed there for two weeks.
In 1996, Gus Hardin, a very talented singer who didn't make the big splash that she should have, died in a car crash near Salina, Oklahoma.
