In 1886, Wendell Hall was born in St. George, Kansas. Though this country singer had many hits, including the two million seller "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More", he was more noted for his designs of ukeleles and banjo ukeleles, as the ones shown in the "Matlock" series.
In 1916, Tootsie Bess was born. In the sixties and seventies she ran Tootsies Little Orchid Lounge, probably the most famous honky-tonk in the world. She was the second Tootsie to own and run the bar, and she was there when Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, and Faron Young made it their home away from home, and many famous songs probably had their births in that bar. Singers could go out the back door, across the alley, and they were in the old Ryman Auditorium.
In 1917, Tex Williams was born in Ramsey, Illinois. He was a popular Country singer even before there was a chart for country, and he scored many hits. His biggest hit was probably "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)", and he had many others including "The California Polka", "That's What I Like About The West", and "Life Gits Tee-jus Don't It?" He was a singer-songwriter who played the guitar and harmonica.
In 1947, Rex Allen, Jr was born in Chicago, Illinois. The son of the Cowboy singer Rex Allen, Jr. went on to become a noted singer himself, having 24 Top Forty records out of 32 charted releases, and starring in several television shows.
In 1949, the singer, composer, and fiddler known as Woody Paul of Riders in the Sky, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He is considered the "King of the Cowboy Fiddlers", and worked regularly with Sam McGee and others through the sixties on the Grand Ole Opry. He attended Vanderbilt University and earned a PhD. in physics from MIT. The group has won more than one Grammy, and are members of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1952, Kitty Wells went to Number One on the charts with her career record "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels".
In 1963, Milton Estes, a musician who played guitar, bass, mandolin, and piano, passed away. He worked with Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, Stamps-Baxter's Lone Star Quartet, as the Old Flour Peddler with his Musical Millers to promote Martha White Flour. As a great emcee, he will be remembered for his Martha White slogan, "Goodness, Gracious, It's Good".
In 1969, Johnny Cash went to the Number One spot on the charts with "A Boy Named Sue".
In 1975, "Rhinestone Cowboy" Glen Campbell had a Number One hit by that name that began a three week run at the top of the charts.
In 1980, Eddie Rabbitt was atop the charts with "Drivin' My Life Away".
In 1986, T.G. Sheppard had a Number One hit entitled "Strong Heart".
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
August 22 in Country Music History
In 1910, Rod Brasfield, Grand Ole Opry comedian and Hall of Fame member, was born in Smithville, Mississippi.
In 1911, Doyle Blackwood of the Blackwood Brothers was born. He was the original bass singer in the group.
In 1914,Connie B. Gay was born in Lizard Lick, North Carolina. He was originally associated with a Washington D.C. area radio station, began promoting concerts, then artists, and gradually became one of the premier management and booking agents in the business. He was the founding President of the Country Music Association, and is a member of the Hall of Fame. Artists with which he was closely associated include Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline, Grandpa and Ramona Jones, and Billy Grammer.
In 1933, Jack Toney, Gospel singer and songwriter was born. He was a member of the Statesmen Quartet.
In 1953, Carl Smith was Number One on the charts with "Hey Joe!".
In 1957, Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio, Texas. This singer, songwriter, and guitarist is best known for her time in the eighties and early nineties when she had two Number One singles and seven additional Top Tens. Her most remembered hits are "Daddy's Hands", "You Really Had Me Going", and "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me". She is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1960, Cowboy Copas scored the biggest Number One of his career with "Alabam", which stayed at that position for twelve weeks.
In 1987, Restless Heart was Number One with "Why Does It Have To Be (Wrong or Right)".
In 2003, honky tonk hero Floyd Tillman passed away. Just about all true Honky Tonk singers have to look upon him as an influence through his songs like "Slippin' Around", "They Took The Stars Out Of Heaven", "I Love You So Much It Hurts", and "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin". He is a member of the Country Hall of Fame.
In 1911, Doyle Blackwood of the Blackwood Brothers was born. He was the original bass singer in the group.
In 1914,Connie B. Gay was born in Lizard Lick, North Carolina. He was originally associated with a Washington D.C. area radio station, began promoting concerts, then artists, and gradually became one of the premier management and booking agents in the business. He was the founding President of the Country Music Association, and is a member of the Hall of Fame. Artists with which he was closely associated include Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline, Grandpa and Ramona Jones, and Billy Grammer.
In 1933, Jack Toney, Gospel singer and songwriter was born. He was a member of the Statesmen Quartet.
In 1953, Carl Smith was Number One on the charts with "Hey Joe!".
In 1957, Holly Dunn was born in San Antonio, Texas. This singer, songwriter, and guitarist is best known for her time in the eighties and early nineties when she had two Number One singles and seven additional Top Tens. Her most remembered hits are "Daddy's Hands", "You Really Had Me Going", and "Are You Ever Gonna Love Me". She is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1960, Cowboy Copas scored the biggest Number One of his career with "Alabam", which stayed at that position for twelve weeks.
In 1987, Restless Heart was Number One with "Why Does It Have To Be (Wrong or Right)".
In 2003, honky tonk hero Floyd Tillman passed away. Just about all true Honky Tonk singers have to look upon him as an influence through his songs like "Slippin' Around", "They Took The Stars Out Of Heaven", "I Love You So Much It Hurts", and "Drivin' Nails In My Coffin". He is a member of the Country Hall of Fame.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
August 21 in Country Music History
In 1938, Kenny Rogers was born in Houston, Texas. He has been an active performer in the music business for well over fifty years, and has sold between 100 and 200 million records in his time as a solo performer and member of several groups. Though he has had many charted records, his time working with United Artists producer Larry Butler made him a household name, as he recorded "Lucille" and "The Gambler", as well as several other chart topping hits. When Rogers signed with RCA in 1983, he received a $20 million dollar advance on his multi-record deal. He also has been a producer,writer, actor, entrepreneur, and an investor, and is successful in all of those endeavors. He still sings to packed houses, especially on his annual Christmas Tours.
In 1939, James Burton was born in Dubberly, Louisiana. Known as the "Master of the Telecaster", he is probably the best living live performance guitarist in the world. He was the house guitarist on the Louisians Hayride, which featured many of the greatest singers in the world, including Elvis Presley, and left to join Rick Nelsons band where he stayed for many years. He then played on the old "Shindig" show and was by now, a member of the popular crew of musicians who worked as the "Wrecking Crew" out in California. He then became Elvis Presley's lead guitarist, and never missed one performance after he joined the King, even though he worked with many others at the same time, including with Emmy Lou Harris' Hot Band. He then worked extensively with John Denver, and was one of his closest friends until his death. He has worked with many other legends, including Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Costello, and Vince Gill, and still works as much as he wants, and makes yearly appearances in Nashville. He is most famous for his Pink Paisley Telecaster, and most definitely is one of the most appreciated guitarists in the world.
In 1939, Harold Reid, bass singer and composer with the Statler Brothers, was born in Staunton, Virginia.
In 1961, George Jones owned the Number One spot on the charts with "Tender Years".
In 1965, Roy Drusky and Priscilla Mitchell had a Number One hit with their duet, "Yes, Mr. Peters".
In 1975, Sam McGee passed away in Williamson County, Tennessee in a tractor accident. Though he was proficient with several instruments, he was one of the premier fingerpickers of his time, and he and his brother Kirk, who usually played banjo or fiddle, were some of the pioneering performers who spanned from the days of Uncle Dave Macon and his Fruit Jar Drinkers, of which they were a part, right up to their last appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in 1975. They did performances on the Opry for a half century, and were still some of the most talented acts to grace the stage of the then new Opry House.
In 1976, Mickey Gilley was smiling with a chart topper entitled "Bring It On Home To Me".
In 1982, Sylvia went to the top of the Country charts with her song about "Nobody".
In 1985, Hoyle Nix, famous Texas Swing bandleader, musician, and songwriter, passed away. He was the leader of the West Texas Cowboys, and was a close friend of Bob Wills, who many times played in Nix's Big Spring Texas club called The Stampede. His "Big Balls In Cowtown" is one of the most revered of all Western Swing songs, and his son, Jody Nix, still runs The Stampede as he is also one of the current faces of the Texas roadhouse circuit.
In 1993, Doug Stone was wondering "Why Didn't I Think Of That", and holding the top spot on the Country charts.
In 2008, drummer Buddy Harmon died in Nashville, Tennessee. He played on as many as 18,000 sessions with all the big names of country music and some that were in other genres. Some of the names that he played behind on recordings are George Jones, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Eddy Arnold. He was the first regular drummer on the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1939, James Burton was born in Dubberly, Louisiana. Known as the "Master of the Telecaster", he is probably the best living live performance guitarist in the world. He was the house guitarist on the Louisians Hayride, which featured many of the greatest singers in the world, including Elvis Presley, and left to join Rick Nelsons band where he stayed for many years. He then played on the old "Shindig" show and was by now, a member of the popular crew of musicians who worked as the "Wrecking Crew" out in California. He then became Elvis Presley's lead guitarist, and never missed one performance after he joined the King, even though he worked with many others at the same time, including with Emmy Lou Harris' Hot Band. He then worked extensively with John Denver, and was one of his closest friends until his death. He has worked with many other legends, including Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Costello, and Vince Gill, and still works as much as he wants, and makes yearly appearances in Nashville. He is most famous for his Pink Paisley Telecaster, and most definitely is one of the most appreciated guitarists in the world.
In 1939, Harold Reid, bass singer and composer with the Statler Brothers, was born in Staunton, Virginia.
In 1961, George Jones owned the Number One spot on the charts with "Tender Years".
In 1965, Roy Drusky and Priscilla Mitchell had a Number One hit with their duet, "Yes, Mr. Peters".
In 1975, Sam McGee passed away in Williamson County, Tennessee in a tractor accident. Though he was proficient with several instruments, he was one of the premier fingerpickers of his time, and he and his brother Kirk, who usually played banjo or fiddle, were some of the pioneering performers who spanned from the days of Uncle Dave Macon and his Fruit Jar Drinkers, of which they were a part, right up to their last appearance on the Grand Ole Opry in 1975. They did performances on the Opry for a half century, and were still some of the most talented acts to grace the stage of the then new Opry House.
In 1976, Mickey Gilley was smiling with a chart topper entitled "Bring It On Home To Me".
In 1982, Sylvia went to the top of the Country charts with her song about "Nobody".
In 1985, Hoyle Nix, famous Texas Swing bandleader, musician, and songwriter, passed away. He was the leader of the West Texas Cowboys, and was a close friend of Bob Wills, who many times played in Nix's Big Spring Texas club called The Stampede. His "Big Balls In Cowtown" is one of the most revered of all Western Swing songs, and his son, Jody Nix, still runs The Stampede as he is also one of the current faces of the Texas roadhouse circuit.
In 1993, Doug Stone was wondering "Why Didn't I Think Of That", and holding the top spot on the Country charts.
In 2008, drummer Buddy Harmon died in Nashville, Tennessee. He played on as many as 18,000 sessions with all the big names of country music and some that were in other genres. Some of the names that he played behind on recordings are George Jones, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Eddy Arnold. He was the first regular drummer on the Grand Ole Opry.
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 20 in Country Music History
In 1923, Gentleman Jim Reeves was born in Galloway, Texas. Reeves originally had other aspirations, including being a minor league baseball player, but he became a club singer who followed Moon Mullican, Jimmie Rodgers, and several pop singers. He eventually was a member of the Moon Mullican show, and became an emcee for the Louisiana Hayride show, where he was asked to fill in for a Sleepy Labeef, or Hank Williams, depending upon the source. The rest is history. He had eighty charted singles, eleven of which became Number Ones on the chart. Of these eighty, fifty one were Top Tens, and no less than sixty nine were Top Forty. Out of this impressive list of hits, he will be remembered for "He'll Have To Go", "Mexican Joe", and "Four Walls" will be remembered as his biggest hits. He died in 1964 along with Dean Manuel in a Brentwood Tennessee crash of a plane he was piloting. He and Randy Hughes, who piloted the ill-fated plane that took Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and Hughes to their deaths in 1963 were student pilots under the same trainer, according to some sources.
In 1935, Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of the Texas Troubador himself, and was a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry due to his success as a singer. His biggest hit was "Looking Back to See" as a singer and he also scored a lot of success as a songwriter, with his biggest success in that area being "Lonesome 7-7203", which was not only Hawkahaw Hawkins' biggest hit, but his only Number One hit. From a personal conversation, I know that he was nothing if not candid, a quality that I respect in anybody.
In 1952, Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers was born in Olney, Texas. Thirty-four Gatlin's charted hits have owned Top Forty status, and of these they have had three Number Ones. They are a tight family harmony trio, and most of the hits they have recorded also have a Gatlin or Gatlins as the writer or writers.
In 1977, four days after the death of Elvis Presley, "Way Down" went to the Number One position on the Country Music charts for the King.
In 1983, The Oak Ridge Boys went to the top of the charts with "Love Song". I wanna sing a love song......
In 1988, Restless Heart, fronted by Larry Stewazt were enjoying the fruits of their labors with a Number One song entitled "Bluest Eyes In Texas".
In 1988, Western swing steel guitarist Leon McAuliffe passed away after a long illness in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was known for his time with Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, and he also had his own group, and actually taught school and was on several radio and tv shows in his time.
In 1935, Justin Tubb was born in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of the Texas Troubador himself, and was a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry due to his success as a singer. His biggest hit was "Looking Back to See" as a singer and he also scored a lot of success as a songwriter, with his biggest success in that area being "Lonesome 7-7203", which was not only Hawkahaw Hawkins' biggest hit, but his only Number One hit. From a personal conversation, I know that he was nothing if not candid, a quality that I respect in anybody.
In 1952, Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers was born in Olney, Texas. Thirty-four Gatlin's charted hits have owned Top Forty status, and of these they have had three Number Ones. They are a tight family harmony trio, and most of the hits they have recorded also have a Gatlin or Gatlins as the writer or writers.
In 1977, four days after the death of Elvis Presley, "Way Down" went to the Number One position on the Country Music charts for the King.
In 1983, The Oak Ridge Boys went to the top of the charts with "Love Song". I wanna sing a love song......
In 1988, Restless Heart, fronted by Larry Stewazt were enjoying the fruits of their labors with a Number One song entitled "Bluest Eyes In Texas".
In 1988, Western swing steel guitarist Leon McAuliffe passed away after a long illness in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was known for his time with Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, and he also had his own group, and actually taught school and was on several radio and tv shows in his time.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
August 19 in Country Music History
In 1940, Virgil Stamps, co-founder of Stamps-Baxter Music Company, died in Dallas, Texas. Aside from being one of the biggest publishers of Gospel music, he was also the bass singer in the Stamps Quartet, and is in the Southern Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.
In 1944, Edward Futch, also known as Eddy Raven, was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. Eddy was a regular at or near the top of the charts through the entire decade of the eighties, with Number One hits like "I Got Mexico", "Shine, Shine, Shine", "I'm Gonna Get You", "Joe Knows How To Live", "Joe Knows How to Live", "In A Letter To You", and "Bayou Boys". He had many other Top Ten hits, and also wrote the holiday favorite by the Oak Ridge Boys, "Thank God For Kids".
In 1950, Hank Snow took "I'm Movin' On" to the top of the charts, where it stayed for 21 weeks.
In 1966, Lee Ann Womack was born in Jacksonville, Texas. It has been said, that given the opportunity, she could sing the phone book, and make it country. Though she has had only one Number One hit, "I Hope You Dance" she is known for her good country ballads like "Never Again, Again", "The Fool", and "A Little Past Little Rock".
In 1978, Crystal Gayle ruled the top of the charts with "Talking In Your Sleep".
In 1989, Shenandoah was at the top of the Country Music charts with a TTCB favorite, "Sunday In The South".
In 1995, Brooks and Dunn again were atop the charts with "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone".
In 2011, we were mourning the death in Afghanistan of our young friend and Patriot, Travis Nelson. We would appreciate any prayers and good thoughts for loved ones of this American Hero.
In 1944, Edward Futch, also known as Eddy Raven, was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. Eddy was a regular at or near the top of the charts through the entire decade of the eighties, with Number One hits like "I Got Mexico", "Shine, Shine, Shine", "I'm Gonna Get You", "Joe Knows How To Live", "Joe Knows How to Live", "In A Letter To You", and "Bayou Boys". He had many other Top Ten hits, and also wrote the holiday favorite by the Oak Ridge Boys, "Thank God For Kids".
In 1950, Hank Snow took "I'm Movin' On" to the top of the charts, where it stayed for 21 weeks.
In 1966, Lee Ann Womack was born in Jacksonville, Texas. It has been said, that given the opportunity, she could sing the phone book, and make it country. Though she has had only one Number One hit, "I Hope You Dance" she is known for her good country ballads like "Never Again, Again", "The Fool", and "A Little Past Little Rock".
In 1978, Crystal Gayle ruled the top of the charts with "Talking In Your Sleep".
In 1989, Shenandoah was at the top of the Country Music charts with a TTCB favorite, "Sunday In The South".
In 1995, Brooks and Dunn again were atop the charts with "You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone".
In 2011, we were mourning the death in Afghanistan of our young friend and Patriot, Travis Nelson. We would appreciate any prayers and good thoughts for loved ones of this American Hero.
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