In 1930, Jimmie Rodgers recorded "Blue Yodel No. 8 (Mule Skinner Blues) at Hollywood Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California.
In 1947, Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was born in Detroit, Michigan.
In 1953,Webb Pierce scored his fourth Number One with "It's Been So Long". He went on to have thirteen Number Ones, fifty-four Top Tens, and eighty three Top Forty country hits.
In 1981, Earl Thomas Conley scored his first Number One with "Fire and Smoke". It came on the heals of his first Top Ten "Silent Treatment".
In 1987, George Strait was atop the Country Music charts again with "All My Ex's Live In Texas", written by Sanger (Whitey) and Lyndia Shafer.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
July 10 in Country Music History
In 1908, Paul Howard, leader of the Arkansas Cotton Pickers, was born in Midland, Arkansas.
In 1938, singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Kirby was born in Brady, Texas. He wrote many hit songs, with "Is Anybody Going To San Antone" being one of the biggest. He also wrote "What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?" recorded by Merle Haggard and Charlie Louvin. He played as a session guitarist and regular touring guitarist for many of the best acts in Country Music. He had a pure country pedigree, his uncle being Big Bill Lister who played with Hank Williams.
In 1958, Bela Fleck, banjo virtuoso, was born in New York City, New York. He is one of the most technically proficient banjo players in the business.
In 1960, "Hawk" Shaw of BR-549 was born in Topeka, Kansas. The drummer is one of the original members of this "retro" group, that has often been spotted at Roberts on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1961, Queen of Country Music Kitty Wells was at Number One with "Heartbreak U.S.A". This was the third and last Number One for the lady also known for being the wife of Johnny Wright, but she had 35 Top Ten, and 61 Top Forty records. This Hall of Fame member broke through with her recording of "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" in 1952.
In 1965, Ken Mellons was born in Kingsport, Tennessee. He had one major hit, but, in the minds of Takinthecountryback.com staffers, was one of the most underrated of all Country artists in the last twenty years. He wrote and recorded many great country songs. Any one of his first three albums is worthy of a listen if you like stone cold country mixed with a little "Joe Diffy" type honky-tonk thrown in. George Strait recorded his "Honk If You Honky-Tonk".
In 1976, "The Door Is Always Open" went to Number One for Dave and Sugar. Dave Rowland was a member of the Stamps Quartet, known for backing Elvis, and always with two ladies as a backing group, Sugar, this combination was one of the most talented acts in the late 70s having three Number Ones and many more charted hits. They were part of an all RCA tour that consisted of Charlie Pride and Ronnie Milsap that was one of the biggest draws of its time, playing to sell out crowds everywhere.
In 1980, Burt Hutcherson, guitarist for the Gully Jumpers, an early traditional music group that played the Opry, passed away at the tender age of 86.
In 1982, Janie Fricke went to Number One with "Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby". It was the second of nine Number Ones for this talented lady that, with EmmyLou Harris, this writer feels is one of the two most talented females to perform during the seventies and eighties.
In 1993, John Anderson knew that a Number One hit was like "Money in the Bank".
In 2001, Marizona Robinson, widow of Marty Robbins, died in Brentwood, Tennessee. Marty used to proudly introduce her as "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife".
In 1938, singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Kirby was born in Brady, Texas. He wrote many hit songs, with "Is Anybody Going To San Antone" being one of the biggest. He also wrote "What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana?" recorded by Merle Haggard and Charlie Louvin. He played as a session guitarist and regular touring guitarist for many of the best acts in Country Music. He had a pure country pedigree, his uncle being Big Bill Lister who played with Hank Williams.
In 1958, Bela Fleck, banjo virtuoso, was born in New York City, New York. He is one of the most technically proficient banjo players in the business.
In 1960, "Hawk" Shaw of BR-549 was born in Topeka, Kansas. The drummer is one of the original members of this "retro" group, that has often been spotted at Roberts on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1961, Queen of Country Music Kitty Wells was at Number One with "Heartbreak U.S.A". This was the third and last Number One for the lady also known for being the wife of Johnny Wright, but she had 35 Top Ten, and 61 Top Forty records. This Hall of Fame member broke through with her recording of "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" in 1952.
In 1965, Ken Mellons was born in Kingsport, Tennessee. He had one major hit, but, in the minds of Takinthecountryback.com staffers, was one of the most underrated of all Country artists in the last twenty years. He wrote and recorded many great country songs. Any one of his first three albums is worthy of a listen if you like stone cold country mixed with a little "Joe Diffy" type honky-tonk thrown in. George Strait recorded his "Honk If You Honky-Tonk".
In 1976, "The Door Is Always Open" went to Number One for Dave and Sugar. Dave Rowland was a member of the Stamps Quartet, known for backing Elvis, and always with two ladies as a backing group, Sugar, this combination was one of the most talented acts in the late 70s having three Number Ones and many more charted hits. They were part of an all RCA tour that consisted of Charlie Pride and Ronnie Milsap that was one of the biggest draws of its time, playing to sell out crowds everywhere.
In 1980, Burt Hutcherson, guitarist for the Gully Jumpers, an early traditional music group that played the Opry, passed away at the tender age of 86.
In 1982, Janie Fricke went to Number One with "Don't Worry 'Bout Me Baby". It was the second of nine Number Ones for this talented lady that, with EmmyLou Harris, this writer feels is one of the two most talented females to perform during the seventies and eighties.
In 1993, John Anderson knew that a Number One hit was like "Money in the Bank".
In 2001, Marizona Robinson, widow of Marty Robbins, died in Brentwood, Tennessee. Marty used to proudly introduce her as "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife".
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 9 in Country Music History
In
1906, Pie Plant Pete, aka Claude J. Moye, was born in Shawneetown,
Illinois. He was a star of the WLS Barn Dance in Chicago, and was a
great performer of old time music in his time. The hit that I remember
is "Hand Me Down My Walking Cane".
In 1907, singing Cowboy Eddie Dean was born. Thought by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry to be the best Cowboy singer, he wrote and sang many numbers on screen and off. He is most famous for writing "One Has My Name(The Other Has My Heart)" and "I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven". He will also be remembered for the love affair with his wife. They enjoyed a long marriage, and he also referred to her as "Dearest", which is also on her tombstone.
In 1923, Molly O'Day was born as Lois Laverne Williamson in Pike County, Kentucky. She worked in and around country music until she actually was the leader of a band named Molly O'Day and the Cumberland Mountain Folks. In her brief, but storied career, she worked shows with Hank Williams and Mac Wiseman. She was so good that both Ralph Stanley and the Smithsonian Institute tried to get her out of retirement,but in her later years she did mostly gospel.
In 1929, Jesse McReynolds of Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys was born in Coeburn, Virginia. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jesse is a mandolin virtuoso known for his split string picking, and had a big country hit with "There's A Diesel On My Tail".
In 1929, Lee Hazelwood was born. He worked in several areas of music, but is mostly known on the country side for his work with Duane Eddy.
In 1942, pioneering Country artist Kelly Harrell passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was the first Country artist to be recorded with electronic recording equipment, and was one of the few artists of his time that did not play an instrument.
In 1952, Carl Smith and June Carter were married. To this union of Country superstars would be born Rebecca Carlene Smith, also known as Carlene Carter. Smith and Carter would only stay married until 1956.
In 1953, David Ball was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is probably best known for two songs, "Thinking Problem" and "Riding With Private Malone", but David Ball is definitely one of the best Country Music singers working today. This Grammy Award winner put out "Amigo" as an album several years ago that is one of the best albums of all time.
In 1955, Porter Wagoner was at Number One with "Satisfied Mind".
In 1977,Charlie Pride had another Chart topper entitled "I'll Be Leaving Alone".
In 1983, Ricky Skaggs had the "Highway Forty Blues" and another Number One hit.
In 1986, Lewis Talley, passed away. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and manager who will always be remembered for his work with Merle Haggard and Fuzzy Owen.
In 1988, Alabama was "Fallin' Again" to another chart topping tune.
In 2013, legendary Nashville music executive Jim Foglesong passed away at age 90, in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1907, singing Cowboy Eddie Dean was born. Thought by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry to be the best Cowboy singer, he wrote and sang many numbers on screen and off. He is most famous for writing "One Has My Name(The Other Has My Heart)" and "I Dreamed of a Hillbilly Heaven". He will also be remembered for the love affair with his wife. They enjoyed a long marriage, and he also referred to her as "Dearest", which is also on her tombstone.
In 1923, Molly O'Day was born as Lois Laverne Williamson in Pike County, Kentucky. She worked in and around country music until she actually was the leader of a band named Molly O'Day and the Cumberland Mountain Folks. In her brief, but storied career, she worked shows with Hank Williams and Mac Wiseman. She was so good that both Ralph Stanley and the Smithsonian Institute tried to get her out of retirement,but in her later years she did mostly gospel.
In 1929, Jesse McReynolds of Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys was born in Coeburn, Virginia. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jesse is a mandolin virtuoso known for his split string picking, and had a big country hit with "There's A Diesel On My Tail".
In 1929, Lee Hazelwood was born. He worked in several areas of music, but is mostly known on the country side for his work with Duane Eddy.
In 1942, pioneering Country artist Kelly Harrell passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was the first Country artist to be recorded with electronic recording equipment, and was one of the few artists of his time that did not play an instrument.
In 1952, Carl Smith and June Carter were married. To this union of Country superstars would be born Rebecca Carlene Smith, also known as Carlene Carter. Smith and Carter would only stay married until 1956.
In 1953, David Ball was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He is probably best known for two songs, "Thinking Problem" and "Riding With Private Malone", but David Ball is definitely one of the best Country Music singers working today. This Grammy Award winner put out "Amigo" as an album several years ago that is one of the best albums of all time.
In 1955, Porter Wagoner was at Number One with "Satisfied Mind".
In 1977,Charlie Pride had another Chart topper entitled "I'll Be Leaving Alone".
In 1983, Ricky Skaggs had the "Highway Forty Blues" and another Number One hit.
In 1986, Lewis Talley, passed away. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and manager who will always be remembered for his work with Merle Haggard and Fuzzy Owen.
In 1988, Alabama was "Fallin' Again" to another chart topping tune.
In 2013, legendary Nashville music executive Jim Foglesong passed away at age 90, in Nashville, Tennessee.
July 8 in Country Music History
In 1924, legend has it that Uncle Dave Macon cut his first record.
In 1926, electric guitar pioneer and Western swing guitarist Bill Carson was born in Meridian, Oklahoma. He is credited with designing the Fender Stratocaster, and worked for Fender Guitars for many years.
In 1958, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters was born in Glasgow, Kentucky.
In 1961, Toby Keith was born as Toby Keith Covel in Clinton, Ohio.
In 1978, Mel Tillis went to Number One on the charts with "I Believe In You".
In 1989, Ricky Skaggs was on top of the charts with "Lovin' Only Me".
In 1997, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith were married on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Marty had first predicted that he would marry Connie Smith as a youngster.
In 1926, electric guitar pioneer and Western swing guitarist Bill Carson was born in Meridian, Oklahoma. He is credited with designing the Fender Stratocaster, and worked for Fender Guitars for many years.
In 1958, Fred Young of the Kentucky Headhunters was born in Glasgow, Kentucky.
In 1961, Toby Keith was born as Toby Keith Covel in Clinton, Ohio.
In 1978, Mel Tillis went to Number One on the charts with "I Believe In You".
In 1989, Ricky Skaggs was on top of the charts with "Lovin' Only Me".
In 1997, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith were married on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Marty had first predicted that he would marry Connie Smith as a youngster.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July 7 in Country Music History
In 1897, country entertainer Bunny Biggs was born. He was known as Jamup of the Jamup and Honey comedy team popularized on the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1917, Red Sovine was born in Charleston, West Virginia, he was most famous for trucking songs, although he had hits with other songs such as "Little Rosa" and "Why, Baby, Why?" He was probably most famous for "Giddy-up Go", "Teddy Bear", "Phantom 309", and "Daddy's Girl".
In 1917, Johnny Sullivan, of Lonzo and Oscar, was born in Kentucky. He was a real brother to "Oscar" Sullivan, and was actually the second Lonzo, after the first one parted company with "Oscar". Their breakthrough hit was "I'm My Own Grandpa".
In 1927, our friend, the great Charlie Louvin, was born in Section, Alabama. He and his brother Ira became the best country duo of all time, and influenced many others including Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris. The Louvin Brothers were probably best known for "Cash on the Barrelhead", "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby", "You're Running Wild", and "When I Stop Dreaming". Charlie had a great career of his own after the duo broke up with the best being "See the Big Man Cry", "I Don't Love You Anymore", and "Diana", which he recorded on lone of his last albums.
The Louvin Brothers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In 1930, Doyle Wilburn of the Wilburn Brothers was born in Hardy, Arkansas. As a member of the family group of four, he first performed on the Opry in the forties, then, because of government bureaucracy, lost that job, kept singing, wound up on the Louisiana Hayride, and then back to the Opry in the fifties. Doyle and his brother Teddy became a popular duo, and were famous for their participation on many of Webb Pierce's shows and records because of their great harmony. Some of their best records were "It's Another World", "Hurt Her Once For Me", and their version of "Cryin' Time". They also owned and co-owned publishing companies that, among others, held the rights to Loretta Lynn's catalog.
In 1945,"Stars and Stripes On Iwo Jima" went to Number One for Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.
In 1973, Kris Kristofferson went to the top of the Country Charts with "Why Me".
In 1975, George Morgan passed away after bypass surgery in Nashville. He was the last singer to sing in the Old Ryman before the Opry moved to the Opry House at Opryland. The Opry now returns to the Ryman for several months each year. Sadly, the Opry caters more to the Pop-Country crowd now than to traditional and classic country.
In 1984,Conway Twitty was atop the charts with "Somebody's Needin' Somebody". It was to be his thirty sixth COUNTRY chart topper.
In 1917, Red Sovine was born in Charleston, West Virginia, he was most famous for trucking songs, although he had hits with other songs such as "Little Rosa" and "Why, Baby, Why?" He was probably most famous for "Giddy-up Go", "Teddy Bear", "Phantom 309", and "Daddy's Girl".
In 1917, Johnny Sullivan, of Lonzo and Oscar, was born in Kentucky. He was a real brother to "Oscar" Sullivan, and was actually the second Lonzo, after the first one parted company with "Oscar". Their breakthrough hit was "I'm My Own Grandpa".
In 1927, our friend, the great Charlie Louvin, was born in Section, Alabama. He and his brother Ira became the best country duo of all time, and influenced many others including Elvis Presley and Emmylou Harris. The Louvin Brothers were probably best known for "Cash on the Barrelhead", "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby", "You're Running Wild", and "When I Stop Dreaming". Charlie had a great career of his own after the duo broke up with the best being "See the Big Man Cry", "I Don't Love You Anymore", and "Diana", which he recorded on lone of his last albums.
The Louvin Brothers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In 1930, Doyle Wilburn of the Wilburn Brothers was born in Hardy, Arkansas. As a member of the family group of four, he first performed on the Opry in the forties, then, because of government bureaucracy, lost that job, kept singing, wound up on the Louisiana Hayride, and then back to the Opry in the fifties. Doyle and his brother Teddy became a popular duo, and were famous for their participation on many of Webb Pierce's shows and records because of their great harmony. Some of their best records were "It's Another World", "Hurt Her Once For Me", and their version of "Cryin' Time". They also owned and co-owned publishing companies that, among others, held the rights to Loretta Lynn's catalog.
In 1945,"Stars and Stripes On Iwo Jima" went to Number One for Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.
In 1973, Kris Kristofferson went to the top of the Country Charts with "Why Me".
In 1975, George Morgan passed away after bypass surgery in Nashville. He was the last singer to sing in the Old Ryman before the Opry moved to the Opry House at Opryland. The Opry now returns to the Ryman for several months each year. Sadly, the Opry caters more to the Pop-Country crowd now than to traditional and classic country.
In 1984,Conway Twitty was atop the charts with "Somebody's Needin' Somebody". It was to be his thirty sixth COUNTRY chart topper.
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