In 1924, Earl Scruggs was born in Flint Hill, North Carolina. He was known for his three finger banjo picking that became the basis for most banjo players in bluegrass.
In 1929, Autry Inman was born in Florence, Alabama. He was a singer, songwriter, and musician who was a major influence on Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams.
In 1934, singer, songwriter, TV host, and former Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord was born in Sanford, Florida. Though he released many songs, he only charted a few, though he was very popular for his time on TV and the Opry.
In 1949, Joey Miskulin, known as Joey the Cow Polka King with Riders in the Sky, was born.
In 1951, depending upon the chart used, Lefty Frizzell was atop the charts with "I Love You A Thousand Ways", along with Hank Snow and his "Golden Rocket".
In 1953, Jett Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams, was born in Montgomery, Alabama, shortly after her father's death. It was many years before she assumed fame as his daughter, and a portion of his estate.
In 1958, "The Story Of My Life" by Marty Robbins, and "Great Balls Of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis were swapping the Number One spot on the charts. Marty had it for a total of four weeks, while Jerry had it for two weeks, within a six week period, including this date.
In 1979, Don Williams was atop the charts with "Tulsa Time".
In 1990, Highway 101 topped the charts with "Who's Lonely Now".
In 1996, "Rebecca Lynn", by Bryan White, topped the charts.
In 1996, Chubby Wise, a fiddler who had a career playing behind many of the greats, including Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, and Hank Snow, passed away.
In 2002, singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Austin passed away in Camas, Washington. He charted five singles as an artist, worked as bassist for Wynn Stewart, session player for Buck Owens and Tommy Collins, and had songwriting credits on "Apartment #9" and "Try A Little Kindness".
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
January 5 in Country Music History
In 1923, Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records, and discoverer of many musical greats, was born in Florence, Alabama.
In 1923, Big Bill Lister was born in Karnes County, Texas. He never had a real big hit, though he was talented enough to work with many of the greatest of stars. He opened regularly for Hank Williams, and recorded one of William's songs, "There's A Tear In My Beer". He kept an old acetate on hand, and presented it to Hank, Jr, who then recorded the song "with" his father with some modern technological assistance. It became a major event in country music. Many of us feel that had he ever had one hit, he would have been one of the biggest stars in country music. He was anyway, as he was somewhere around 6'7" tall.
In 1946, Tex Ritter began a three week run at the top of the charts with "You Will Have To Pay". On another version of the country charts, Bob Wills was at the top with "White Cross On Okinawa".
In 1961, singer-songwriter Iris DeMent was born in Paragould, Arkansas.
In 1961, singer, songwriter, and performing artist Mark Nesler was born in Beaumont, Texas. He has had a very successful career as a guitarist and a songwriter.
In 1963, Marty Robbins enjoyed time at the top of the charts with "Ruby Ann".
In 1980, "Coward Of The County", by Kenny Rogers, started the first of three weeks at Number One on the charts.
In 1985, George Strait sat atop the charts with one of his greatest, "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind".
In 1923, Big Bill Lister was born in Karnes County, Texas. He never had a real big hit, though he was talented enough to work with many of the greatest of stars. He opened regularly for Hank Williams, and recorded one of William's songs, "There's A Tear In My Beer". He kept an old acetate on hand, and presented it to Hank, Jr, who then recorded the song "with" his father with some modern technological assistance. It became a major event in country music. Many of us feel that had he ever had one hit, he would have been one of the biggest stars in country music. He was anyway, as he was somewhere around 6'7" tall.
In 1946, Tex Ritter began a three week run at the top of the charts with "You Will Have To Pay". On another version of the country charts, Bob Wills was at the top with "White Cross On Okinawa".
In 1961, singer-songwriter Iris DeMent was born in Paragould, Arkansas.
In 1961, singer, songwriter, and performing artist Mark Nesler was born in Beaumont, Texas. He has had a very successful career as a guitarist and a songwriter.
In 1963, Marty Robbins enjoyed time at the top of the charts with "Ruby Ann".
In 1980, "Coward Of The County", by Kenny Rogers, started the first of three weeks at Number One on the charts.
In 1985, George Strait sat atop the charts with one of his greatest, "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind".
Thursday, January 3, 2013
January 4 in Country Music History
In 1955, Kathy Forester, of the Forester Sisters, was born in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia.
In 1957, Patty Loveless was born in Pikeville, Kentucky. She is a distant cousin to Loretta Lynn. She has been a visitor to the country charts over forty times, with at least five Number One records to her credit, plus many awards. She is one of the most talented females in country music, having a great voice, and the ability to harmonize, which she does often when with other similarly talented folks such as Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs.
In 1966, Deanna Carter, who had the smash album "Did I Shave My Legs For This", was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Though she has not seen much success since this album, she did sell over five million of these albums. Her dad was the late, great Fred Carter, Jr., one of the best guitar players in the world. (Incidentally, I have a copy of this album that she gave me at a performance in Nashville at a djs seminar.)
In 1969, Johnny Cash began a six week run at the top of the charts with "Daddy Sang Bass".
In 1975, George Jones again visited the top spot on the charts with "The Door".
In 1992, Collin Raye was atop the charts with "Love, Me". It stayed there for three weeks.
In 2004, Southern Gospel pioneer Jake Hess died from a heart attack in Opelika, Alabama. His name is synonymous with the Statesmen Quartet and the Imperial. both being some of the most popular gospel groups in their times. He was also a featured performer on many of the Gaither albums and concerts.
In 1957, Patty Loveless was born in Pikeville, Kentucky. She is a distant cousin to Loretta Lynn. She has been a visitor to the country charts over forty times, with at least five Number One records to her credit, plus many awards. She is one of the most talented females in country music, having a great voice, and the ability to harmonize, which she does often when with other similarly talented folks such as Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs.
In 1966, Deanna Carter, who had the smash album "Did I Shave My Legs For This", was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Though she has not seen much success since this album, she did sell over five million of these albums. Her dad was the late, great Fred Carter, Jr., one of the best guitar players in the world. (Incidentally, I have a copy of this album that she gave me at a performance in Nashville at a djs seminar.)
In 1969, Johnny Cash began a six week run at the top of the charts with "Daddy Sang Bass".
In 1975, George Jones again visited the top spot on the charts with "The Door".
In 1992, Collin Raye was atop the charts with "Love, Me". It stayed there for three weeks.
In 2004, Southern Gospel pioneer Jake Hess died from a heart attack in Opelika, Alabama. His name is synonymous with the Statesmen Quartet and the Imperial. both being some of the most popular gospel groups in their times. He was also a featured performer on many of the Gaither albums and concerts.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
January 3 in Country Music History
In 1917, Leon McAuliffe, noted Western Swing musician and bandleader, was born in Houston, Texas. He is most famous for his time with Bob Wills as his steel guitarist. Take it away, Leon.
In 1970, David Houston began a four week run at the top of the charts with "Baby, Baby (I Know You're A Lady".
In 1981, producer Felton Jarvis passed away in Nashville, Tennessee from the effects of a stroke.
In 1970, David Houston began a four week run at the top of the charts with "Baby, Baby (I Know You're A Lady".
In 1981, producer Felton Jarvis passed away in Nashville, Tennessee from the effects of a stroke.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
January 2 in Country Music History
In 1926, the most recorded guitarist in music, Harold Bradley, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the brother of Owen Bradley, and together they established the Quonset Hut, which was the first recording studio on 16th Avenue in Nashville.
In 1936, singer/songwriter/actor/musician Roger Miller was born in Fort Worth, Texas. As a songwriter he began by writing such hits as "Billy Bayou" and "Invitation To The Blues". As he worked on his career, he began playing behind celebrated artists, including Minnie Pearl and Ray Price (with the Cherokee Cowboys). He finally landed a deal of his own, and the rest is history.
In 1943, songwriter and guitarist Dick Feller was born in Bronaugh, Missouri. He played behind many major artists, and was a songwriter who penned quite a few hits, including "Lord, Mr. Ford" and "Some Days Are Diamond (Some Days Are Stone)". He has also written and performed many advertising jingles.
In 1954, John Barlow Jarvis was born in Pasadena, California. He is known for his keyboard playing, both behind some of the biggest names in show business and in the studio. He is also known for his songwriting ability as he has been associated with "I Still Believe In You" by Vince Gill, and several cuts by others.
In 1972, guitarist Red Smiley, of Smiley and Reno, passed away in Richmond, Virginia from the effects of diabetes.
In 1974, Tex Ritter, singer/songwriter/musician/actor passed away from a heart attack in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1979, prolific songwriter Wayne Walker died in Nashville, Tennessee. "I've Got A New Heartache", "All The Time", "Thoughts Of A Fool", "Leaving On Your Mind", and "Burning Memories" are just a few of the great tunes penned by Walker.
In 2006, music businessperson Louise Scruggs passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a pioneer in the field of personal management, and was a major reason behind the success of her husband, Earl Scruggs.
In 2015, country music lost a legend, Little Jimmy Dickens. He was a long time member of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, who had given many country music artists a helping hand as they tried to get their start, including Marty Robbins. He was known for his rhinestone suits, his big guitars, and his comedic talents. Though he charted just a few times, he was a real entertainer who had his only Number One with "May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose".
In 1936, singer/songwriter/actor/musician Roger Miller was born in Fort Worth, Texas. As a songwriter he began by writing such hits as "Billy Bayou" and "Invitation To The Blues". As he worked on his career, he began playing behind celebrated artists, including Minnie Pearl and Ray Price (with the Cherokee Cowboys). He finally landed a deal of his own, and the rest is history.
In 1943, songwriter and guitarist Dick Feller was born in Bronaugh, Missouri. He played behind many major artists, and was a songwriter who penned quite a few hits, including "Lord, Mr. Ford" and "Some Days Are Diamond (Some Days Are Stone)". He has also written and performed many advertising jingles.
In 1954, John Barlow Jarvis was born in Pasadena, California. He is known for his keyboard playing, both behind some of the biggest names in show business and in the studio. He is also known for his songwriting ability as he has been associated with "I Still Believe In You" by Vince Gill, and several cuts by others.
In 1972, guitarist Red Smiley, of Smiley and Reno, passed away in Richmond, Virginia from the effects of diabetes.
In 1974, Tex Ritter, singer/songwriter/musician/actor passed away from a heart attack in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1979, prolific songwriter Wayne Walker died in Nashville, Tennessee. "I've Got A New Heartache", "All The Time", "Thoughts Of A Fool", "Leaving On Your Mind", and "Burning Memories" are just a few of the great tunes penned by Walker.
In 2006, music businessperson Louise Scruggs passed away in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a pioneer in the field of personal management, and was a major reason behind the success of her husband, Earl Scruggs.
In 2015, country music lost a legend, Little Jimmy Dickens. He was a long time member of the Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame, who had given many country music artists a helping hand as they tried to get their start, including Marty Robbins. He was known for his rhinestone suits, his big guitars, and his comedic talents. Though he charted just a few times, he was a real entertainer who had his only Number One with "May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose".
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