In 1915, Speck Rhodes was born in West Plains, Missouri. Speck was an accomplished bassist and banjo player, as well as a fine comedian before he signed on with Porter Wagoner. He was a member of the Wagoneers for over twenty years, and one of the most beloved figures of the Opry and the Porter Wagoner Show.
In
1949, Ronnie Robbins, son of Marty and Marizona Robbins, was born in
Phoenix, Arizona. He put his career on hold to take care of the estate,
but in my estimation, he was a great singer also. He just had to
overcome the expectations of the name.
In 1955, Webb Pierce went to the top of the charts with "I Don't Care". It held the top spot for a total of twelve weeks.
In 1977, Ronnie Milsap was at the top of the charts with "It Was Almost Like A Song", for the first of three weeks at that position.
In 1983, Alabama had another chart topper with "The Closer You Get".
In 1988, Roseanne Cash was Number One with "If You Change Your Mind".
In 1994, Travis Tritt took his "Foolish Pride" to the top of the charts.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 15 in Country Music History
In 1913, Lloyd (Cowboy) Copas was born in Jefferson Township, Ohio. His first big break as a singer came when he replaced Eddy Arnold in Pee Wee King's band, the Golden West Cowboys. He then struck it big with "Filipino Baby" and went on to become a star on the Grand Ole Opry and the Ozark Jubilee. His biggest hit was his only Number One, "Alabam" which stayed at that position for twelve weeks in 1960.
In 1914, Dolph Hewitt of the WLS Barn Dance was born. He also played on the WWVA Jamboree.
In 1946, Linda Ronstadt was born in Tucson, Arizona. She was the first really big female singer in rock and pop, but crossed over into the Country charts several times, and is also known for her collaborations with EmmyLou Harris and Dolly Parton as Trio. In fact, she has been associated with twenty four charted country hits, with two of them being Number One hits, eight more being Top Ten hits, and three more being Top Twenty hits.
In 1950, "Mississippi" became a Number One hit for Red Foley.
In 1957, Mac MacAnally was born in Red Bay, Alabama. He is a noted singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.
In 1972, "Made In Japan" went to the top of the charts for Buck Owens.
In 1978, Ronnie Milsap had a chart topper with "Only One Love In My Life".
In 1986, Columbia unceremoniously released Johnny Cash from his recording contract. And they wonder why nobody is loyal to them today.
In 1989, Eddie Raven gained the top spot on the charts with "In A Letter To You".
In 1998, Hal Southern, songwriter of "I Dreamed Of A Hillybilly Heaven", passed away.
In 2003, George Strait released what was arguably his best country album, "Honkytonkville".
In 2010, Hank Cochran, one of the greatest Country songwriters, and also a singer, passed away in Tennessee. He wrote or co-wrote many songs including "Don't Touch Me" for Jeannie Seely, "I Fall to Pieces" and "He's Got You" both by Patsy Cline, "The Chair" and "Oceanfront Property" both recorded by George Strait, and "Make the World Go Away" recorded by half of all the artists in sixties music. He also had a hit of his own with "Sally Was A Good Old Girl".
In 1914, Dolph Hewitt of the WLS Barn Dance was born. He also played on the WWVA Jamboree.
In 1946, Linda Ronstadt was born in Tucson, Arizona. She was the first really big female singer in rock and pop, but crossed over into the Country charts several times, and is also known for her collaborations with EmmyLou Harris and Dolly Parton as Trio. In fact, she has been associated with twenty four charted country hits, with two of them being Number One hits, eight more being Top Ten hits, and three more being Top Twenty hits.
In 1950, "Mississippi" became a Number One hit for Red Foley.
In 1957, Mac MacAnally was born in Red Bay, Alabama. He is a noted singer, songwriter, musician, and producer.
In 1972, "Made In Japan" went to the top of the charts for Buck Owens.
In 1978, Ronnie Milsap had a chart topper with "Only One Love In My Life".
In 1986, Columbia unceremoniously released Johnny Cash from his recording contract. And they wonder why nobody is loyal to them today.
In 1989, Eddie Raven gained the top spot on the charts with "In A Letter To You".
In 1998, Hal Southern, songwriter of "I Dreamed Of A Hillybilly Heaven", passed away.
In 2003, George Strait released what was arguably his best country album, "Honkytonkville".
In 2010, Hank Cochran, one of the greatest Country songwriters, and also a singer, passed away in Tennessee. He wrote or co-wrote many songs including "Don't Touch Me" for Jeannie Seely, "I Fall to Pieces" and "He's Got You" both by Patsy Cline, "The Chair" and "Oceanfront Property" both recorded by George Strait, and "Make the World Go Away" recorded by half of all the artists in sixties music. He also had a hit of his own with "Sally Was A Good Old Girl".
Thursday, July 14, 2011
July 14 in Country Music History
In 1912, Woody Guthrie, singer, songwriter, musician, and popular folk hero was born in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is probably best known as the songwriter of "This Land Is Your Land".
In 1920, Marijohn Wilkin, nee Melson, was born in Kemp, Texas. She was known as the "Den Mother Of Music Row", and was one of the most talented songwriters on Music Row. Though probably known most for her collaboration with Kris Kristofferson on "One Day At A Time", she also wrote "Waterloo", and with Danny Dill penned "Long Black Veil", probably one of the best songs in country music history. She was known for the efforts to help fledgling songwriters get a foothold in the music business, including Kristofferson, Ed Bruce, and Johnny Duncan. She also was a good vocalist and toured with Red Foley, and also cut several solo albums.
In 1933, singer, songwriter, comedian, and great entertainer Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina. Though he was probably best known for his hit, "Girl On The Billboard" in 1965, he put on one of the best shows, being able to sing, joke, and do some of the greatest impressions. I still remember seeing him do a Roy Acuff impression as the Roy Acuff walked up behind him. We missed him as he didn't do many Opry appearances in his last few years, and we miss him now.
In 1951, Eddie Arnold had another of his many chart toppers with "I Wanna Play House With You". Arnold has twenty eight Number Ones, ninety two Top Tens, and at least one hundred twenty five Top Forty records to his credit in an amazing career.
In 1952, The Eddy Arnold Show premiered on CBS-TV.
In 1956, Johnson Mountain Boys member Richard Underwood was born. He was the banjo player in this fantastic group that also had our favorite country music dj and historian, Eddie Stubbs, as fiddler. For a real treat, try to catch Eddie when he is fiddling around with Marty Stuart.
In 1956, Elvis ruled the country charts with "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".
In 1960, Ray Herndon of McBride and the Ride was born in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 1961, Bill Anderson joined the Grand Ole Opry. This talented singer, songwriter, and entertainer is probably one of the most successful people in the Nashville music business.
In 1973, Clarence White, flatpicking bluegrass guitarist extraordinaire, died in an accident in Palmdale, California. For the last five years of his life he was the lead guitar player for the Byrds, who had a big influence on Vern Gosdin and EmmyLou Harris.
In 1973, Loretta Lynn had the top Country song in the nation with "Love Is The Foundation".
In 1984, Exile was atop the charts with "I Don't Want To Be A Memory".
In 1985, Lily May Ledford of the Coon Creek Girls died of lung cancer. She was known for being a true country fiddle and banjo player who enjoyed a long career.
In 1990, Garth Brooks was Number One with "The Dance".
In 1920, Marijohn Wilkin, nee Melson, was born in Kemp, Texas. She was known as the "Den Mother Of Music Row", and was one of the most talented songwriters on Music Row. Though probably known most for her collaboration with Kris Kristofferson on "One Day At A Time", she also wrote "Waterloo", and with Danny Dill penned "Long Black Veil", probably one of the best songs in country music history. She was known for the efforts to help fledgling songwriters get a foothold in the music business, including Kristofferson, Ed Bruce, and Johnny Duncan. She also was a good vocalist and toured with Red Foley, and also cut several solo albums.
In 1933, singer, songwriter, comedian, and great entertainer Del Reeves was born in Sparta, North Carolina. Though he was probably best known for his hit, "Girl On The Billboard" in 1965, he put on one of the best shows, being able to sing, joke, and do some of the greatest impressions. I still remember seeing him do a Roy Acuff impression as the Roy Acuff walked up behind him. We missed him as he didn't do many Opry appearances in his last few years, and we miss him now.
In 1951, Eddie Arnold had another of his many chart toppers with "I Wanna Play House With You". Arnold has twenty eight Number Ones, ninety two Top Tens, and at least one hundred twenty five Top Forty records to his credit in an amazing career.
In 1952, The Eddy Arnold Show premiered on CBS-TV.
In 1956, Johnson Mountain Boys member Richard Underwood was born. He was the banjo player in this fantastic group that also had our favorite country music dj and historian, Eddie Stubbs, as fiddler. For a real treat, try to catch Eddie when he is fiddling around with Marty Stuart.
In 1956, Elvis ruled the country charts with "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".
In 1960, Ray Herndon of McBride and the Ride was born in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 1961, Bill Anderson joined the Grand Ole Opry. This talented singer, songwriter, and entertainer is probably one of the most successful people in the Nashville music business.
In 1973, Clarence White, flatpicking bluegrass guitarist extraordinaire, died in an accident in Palmdale, California. For the last five years of his life he was the lead guitar player for the Byrds, who had a big influence on Vern Gosdin and EmmyLou Harris.
In 1973, Loretta Lynn had the top Country song in the nation with "Love Is The Foundation".
In 1984, Exile was atop the charts with "I Don't Want To Be A Memory".
In 1985, Lily May Ledford of the Coon Creek Girls died of lung cancer. She was known for being a true country fiddle and banjo player who enjoyed a long career.
In 1990, Garth Brooks was Number One with "The Dance".
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 13 in Country Music History
In 1895, popular folk entertainer and radio personality Bradley Kincaid was born in Point Level, Kentucky. One of his notable accomplishments was nicknaming Marshall Jones, Grandpa, a moniker that is well known by country fans all over the US. Grandpa Jones and Bradley Kincaid both were stars on the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1908, Tim Spencer of the Sons of the Pioneers was born.
In 1910, Clarence Ganus was born in Searles, Alabama. He is most famous for writing "Take A Cold Tater And Wait", and "Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed". I have experienced the kind of life style referenced in these songs.
In 1924, Vernon Dalhart recorded "Wreck Of The Old 97".
In 1939, Cajun legend Joe Barry was born in the swamps of Louisiana.
In 1958, Rosey Carter Adams was born Rozanna Lea Nix, the daughter of Rip Nix and June Carter. Her stepfather was Johnny Cash, and she was a third generation member of the Carter Family.
In 1959, guitarist Brent Mason, one of the best session players in Nashville, and probably the most recorded at this time, was born in Vanwert, Ohio.
In 1962, Rhonda Vincent was born in Kirksville, Missouri. Rhonda is not only the premier bluegrass artist of our time, but one of the purest country singers, as her duets with Daryle Singletary and Gene Watson are some of the best works to come out of Nashville in the past decade or two. She also has had some success as a solo country act. She gets my vote as the reigning queen of Americana.
In 1962, singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw was born in New York City.
In 1985, "Forgiving You Was Easy" became a chart topper for the Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson.
In 1908, Tim Spencer of the Sons of the Pioneers was born.
In 1910, Clarence Ganus was born in Searles, Alabama. He is most famous for writing "Take A Cold Tater And Wait", and "Sleeping At The Foot Of The Bed". I have experienced the kind of life style referenced in these songs.
In 1924, Vernon Dalhart recorded "Wreck Of The Old 97".
In 1939, Cajun legend Joe Barry was born in the swamps of Louisiana.
In 1958, Rosey Carter Adams was born Rozanna Lea Nix, the daughter of Rip Nix and June Carter. Her stepfather was Johnny Cash, and she was a third generation member of the Carter Family.
In 1959, guitarist Brent Mason, one of the best session players in Nashville, and probably the most recorded at this time, was born in Vanwert, Ohio.
In 1962, Rhonda Vincent was born in Kirksville, Missouri. Rhonda is not only the premier bluegrass artist of our time, but one of the purest country singers, as her duets with Daryle Singletary and Gene Watson are some of the best works to come out of Nashville in the past decade or two. She also has had some success as a solo country act. She gets my vote as the reigning queen of Americana.
In 1962, singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw was born in New York City.
In 1985, "Forgiving You Was Easy" became a chart topper for the Red Headed Stranger, Willie Nelson.
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 12 in Country Music History
In 1945, Butch Hancock of the Flatlanders was born in Lubbock, Texas. A true Texas outlaw who performs with Joe Ely and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.
In 1952, Webb Pierce went to Number One on the charts with "That Heart Belongs To Me".
In 1975, Merle Haggard was "Movin' On" with a Number One hit from the TV series of the same name. Do you remember Will and Sonny, played by Claude Akins and Frank Converse?
In 1980, Charlie Pride won another Number One award with "You Win Again", a remake of a Hank Williams written hit from decades earlier.
In 1986, Lee Greenwood scored a chart topper with "Hearts Aren't Made to Break (They're Made to Love)".
In 1998, Jimmy Driftwood, popular singer, songwriter, musician, and one of the first true folklorist in the country, passed away. He is probably most well remembered for writing the songs "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud". He is also remembered for his love of his Arkansas home and lifestyle.
In 2003, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson ruled the charts with "Beer For My Horses".
In 1952, Webb Pierce went to Number One on the charts with "That Heart Belongs To Me".
In 1975, Merle Haggard was "Movin' On" with a Number One hit from the TV series of the same name. Do you remember Will and Sonny, played by Claude Akins and Frank Converse?
In 1980, Charlie Pride won another Number One award with "You Win Again", a remake of a Hank Williams written hit from decades earlier.
In 1986, Lee Greenwood scored a chart topper with "Hearts Aren't Made to Break (They're Made to Love)".
In 1998, Jimmy Driftwood, popular singer, songwriter, musician, and one of the first true folklorist in the country, passed away. He is probably most well remembered for writing the songs "The Battle of New Orleans" and "Tennessee Stud". He is also remembered for his love of his Arkansas home and lifestyle.
In 2003, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson ruled the charts with "Beer For My Horses".
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