May 9 in Country Music History

In 2008, we are mourning the passing of the great Eddie Arnold.

In 1992, Brooks and Dunn ruled the charts with "Neon Moon".

In 1989, Keith Whitley passed away. I wonder if country music would be in such a sad state if he were still here with us.

In 1987, Michael Johnson hit Number One with "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder". This was a tune that was much like the pop hits he had in the seventies. Johnson is one of the greatest classical guitarists in the world.

In 1984, Nudie Cohn, tailor to the stars, passed away in North Hollywood, California. If any of you have one of his suits hanging in a size 54 or 56 Extra Tall, and are in a generous mood, I would sure like to have one.

In 1983, country music promoter Bob Neal died. He was a legend due to his work with Sun Records, and especially Elvis.

In 1981, Ronnie Milsap was at Number One for asking the musical question: "Am I Losing You?"

In 1970, Dave Dudley was at Number One with "The Pool Shark".

In 1953, Jim Reeves topped the charts with "Mexican Joe".

In 1914, Hank Snow was born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada. One of the greatest imports ever, and my kind of immigrant.

Tennessean News on Eddie Arnold

The Tennessean had a lot of good reporting about Eddie Arnold. I will put you to a page, and you can look at several stories from there. You know what to do:

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPECIAL0411

THis Week At The Grand Ole Opry

Click here for this weeks' happenings at the Grand Ole Opry:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

Eddy Arnold has passed away

A great article by Beverly Keel at the Tennesseean:

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/TUNEIN/80507099/-1/SPECIAL0411

May 8 in Country Music History

In 1982, "Always On My Mind" by Willie Nelson went to Number One.

In 1971, "How Much More Can She Stand" by Conway Twitty went to Number One.

In 1968, The Solemn Old Judge, George D. Hay passed away.

In 1963, singer-songwriter Keith Harling was born in Greenwood, South Carolina. For more on this talented performer, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Harling

In 1928, Benny Martin was born in Sparta, Tennessee. He was a noted fiddler that, if memory serves me correctly, always was in untied dress shoes.

Jim Hager Remembered

For details on the memorial service for Jim Hager, click here:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5862219_,00.html

May 7 in Country Music History

In 1998, singer-songwriter Eddie Rabbit passed away from lung cancer.

In 1988, "Cry, Cry, Cry" by Highway 101 was at Number One on the Billboard Charts.

In 1983, "Jose Cuervo" by Shelley West went to Number One on the Billboard Charts.

In 1977, "Play, Guitar Play" by Conway Twitty went to Number One on the Charts.

In 1949, "Lovesick Blues" by the late and great Hank Williams became his first Number One on the charts.

In 1894, Riley Puckett of the Skillet Lickers was born in Georgia.

Three Cheers For Gretchen Wilson!!!

I respect anybody who tries to better themselves, especially through education. For a little more information about Gretchen Wilson's latest achievement, click on the link:

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080504/TUNEIN02/805040391

Leo Jackson has passed away

Jim Reeves favorite guitarist and sideman, and noted session player Leo Jackson has passed away. From Allaboutcountry.com,



Leo Jackson-Nashville Session Player Commits Suicide Leo Jackson, long time Nashville session musician best known for his acoustic guitar work on the early Alabama records and as the guitar player for Jim Reeves, took his own life this afternoon. He had been despondant over his bought with cancer.
Visitation For Leo Jackson
Tuesday, May 6th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, May 7th,
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Hendersonville Memory Gardens Funeral Home
353 Johnny Cash Blvd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 824-3855
INTERMENT
Thursday, May 8th
2:00 pm
Hendersonville Memory Gardens (formerly called Woodlawn Memorial Park East)
353 Johnny Cash Blvd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
(615) 824-3855

Jim Hager of Hee Haw Has Passed Away

Jim Hager, a really nice guy, has passed away. For more information, click here:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805020428

This Week At The Grand Ole Opry

This week's line-up for the Grand Ole Opry. You know what to do, just click on the link:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

April 24 in Country Music History

In 2006, one of the sweetest and most talented ladies in country music, Bonnie Owens, died in a Bakersfield hospice from Alzheimer's disease. In my talks with her, I found her to be fully committed to furthering the career of her second husband, Merle Haggard, and found her to be one of the friendliest people I have met. She had her own harmony style that gave Hag's records a sound all their own. She also was married to Buck, and her ashes are interred in the Owens Family Mausoleum in Bakersfield, California.

In 1993, Sammy Kershaw hit Number One with "She Don't Know She's Beautiful".

In 1981, Mickey Gilley had a Number One trying to decide between "A Headache Tomorrow (Or A Heartache Tonight).

In 1943, Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge boys was born in Camden, New Jersey. Giddy-up, oompa mow mow.......

Paul Davis Dies

Paul Davis has always been one of my favorite singer-songwriters. He passed away in his home state of Mississippi. For more on this story, click here:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1586135/singer-songwriter-paul-davis-dies.jhtml

Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam

It is now a part of FanFair or what used to be FanFair. Read more here:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080423/TUNEIN02/304230001/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

More for you George Strait Fans

Read this about George Straits string of number one country hits:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5853579_,00.html

April 23 in Country Music History

In 1988, K.T.Oslin went to Number One with "I'll Always Come Back".

In 1983, the Oak Ridge Boys went to Number One with "American Made".

In 1977, Loretta Lynn took "She's Got You" to the Number One spot.

In 1968, songwriter Aaron Barker was born. All of you George Strait fans take notice....

In 1961, "Don't Worry" by the late, great Marty Robbins went to the Number One spot.

In 1938, the great clothes designer Manuel was born. He actually married Nudie's daughter in 1960.

Peter Cooper sez-

Every once in a while, Peter Cooper shoots himself in the foot. But as a general rule, I agree with him on most things. I like this little article about the state of the art:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=PluckPersona&U=ff52cfe035434267889d53b0cd240a1f&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3aff52cfe035434267889d53b0cd240a1fPost%3adebc4202-1e5e-47e2-9b1c-558e5568d7b9&sid=sitelife.tennessean.com

For King George's Fans

I thought you would like to read this article on King George:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5852839_,00.html

April 22 in Country Music

In 2003, Felice Bryant of Boudleaux and Bryant passed away in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. For more about this great songwriting team, click on the link:

http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/fame/bryant.html

In 1989, Clint Black debuted at the Opry. Though Clint seems to have gotten away from the great music that took him to stardom, he is still one of the most underrated talents in the world. If you get the chance to see him unplugged, he is awesome, and is a great entertainer.

In 1984, "The Yellow Rose Of Texas", by Johnny Lee and Lane Brody was at Number One on the charts. It was the theme song of a television series by the same name that starred Sam Elliot, Cybil Shepherd, Edward Albert, Ken Curtis, and Noah Beery, Jr. that lasted only one season, even though this writer thinks it was one of the best shows on tv.

In 1978, "Every Time Two Fools Collide" by Kenny Rogers and Dottie West went to Number One.

In 1976, "Drinkin' My Baby" by Eddie Rabbit was at Number One. This was a true Honky-tonk song that propelled Rabbit's career into outer space.

In 1950, Hank Williams was at Number One with "Long Gone Lonesome Blues".

In 1945, Cleve Francis, one of my favorite cardiologists, and singers, was born.

In 1936, Glen Campbell was born in Delight, Arkansas.

Statler Brothers Harold and Don Are Happy!!

With their induction ceremony into the Hall of Fame on the Horizon, these Statler Brothers are ecstatic.

Check out this link to see why the Statlers are all smiles:

http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1585969/statler-brothers-harold-and-don-reid-delight-in-upcoming-hall-of-fame-induction.jhtml

Kitty Wells News

For information on Kitty Wells upcoming exhibit at the Hall of Fame, click on the link:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1585976/kitty-wells-honored-in-country-music-hall-of-fame-exhibit.jhtml

Nobody deserves it more.

Joe Diffie Releases New Old Music

Here's another good story. We all know that Joe Diffie can honky-tonk with the best of them, ala "Honky-Tonk Attitude", and sing those country ballads. Joe is releasing a lot of other stuff that we probably don't remember. I find that a lot of the best of albums is not released. So I guess we better check it out. You know what to do at the link for more on this story:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5852222_,00.html

Ten Years on the Opry for Diamond Rio

And they are still some of the best performers to be found.

For a little more about how they feel being a fixture on the Opry for ten years, click here:http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5852217_,00.html

Walk of Fame Happenings

Check these Walk of Fame happenings out. It's been a while but you can still just click on the link:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5852203_,00.html

This Week At The Grand Ole Opry

For this weekend's activities, click on the link:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

April 15

Today is tax day. There is plenty of reason to write a good country music song.

Today is Roy Clark's 75th birthday.

April 9 in Country Music History

In 1997, Mae Boren Axton, 82 year old songwriter, author, mother of Hoyt Axton, and very nice person, passed away in Nashville.

In 1988, George Strait scored another Number One record with "Famous Last Words Of A Fool".

In 1945, Gus Hardin was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She died in a car wreck in 1996. Also, on this date, singer, songwriter, and pianist Con Hunley was born in Tennessee.

In 1942, yodeler Margo Smith was born in Dayton, Ohio.

In 1932, Carl Perkins was born in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

April 8 in Country Music History

In 1989, Keith Whitley went to Number One on the charts with "I'm No Stranger To The Rain". I still wonder what the country music scene would be like today had he lived longer.

In 1978, Charlie Pride was at Number One with "Someone Loves You Honey".

In 1961, Faron Young went to Number One on the charts with "Hello Walls".

In 1960, John Schneider, singer and actor was born in Mount Kisco, New York. Of his seventeen charted country hits, four of them were Number Ones.

In 1936, Western Swing pioneer Milton Brown was injured in a horrific auto accident. For more on this great, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Brown

April 7 in Country Music History

In 1984, Earl Thomas Conley went to Number One with "Don't Make It Easy For Me".

In 1956, Carl Perkins went to Number One with "Blue Suede Shoes".

In 1950, Slim Whitman joined the Louisiana Hayride.

In 1935, Bobby Bare was born.

In 1932, Cal Smith was born.

April 6 in Country Music History

In 1998, Tammy Wynette, one of the true female song stylists, passed away at her Nashville home.

In 1991, Garth Brooks hit Number One with "Two of a Kind, Workin' on a Full House".

In 1985, John Schneider hit Number One with "Country Girls".

In 1974, Charlie Rich went to Number One with "A Very Special Love Song".

In 1959, one of the biggest stars who is not in the Hall of Fame, Johnny Horton, went to Number One with "When It's Springtime In Alaska(It's Forty Below).

In 1937, country music legend Merle Haggard was born in Bakersfield, California. And as they say, the rest is country music history.

In 1883, Vernon Dalhart was born in Texas. He recorded the first million-selling record.

April 5 in Country Music History

In 1980, the Bellamy Brothers scored a number one with "Sugar Daddy".

In 1975, Johnny Rodriguez went to the top spot with "I Just Can't Get Her Out Of My Mind".

In 1944, songwriter Bob McDill was born in Beaumont, Texas. Bob has written many of the best songs in country music, and possibly the best one, "Amanda".

In 1940, Tommy Cash was born in Dyess, Arkansas.

In 1931, one of the most talented all around men in country music, Cowboy Jack Clement was born in Whitehaven, Tennessee. For more on this legend, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Clement

Billy Yates Announces His Guests for the Countriest of the Country

Check out Billy's tentative line up for this years fan appreciation concert:

BILLY YATES ANNOUNCES GUESTS FOR ANNUAL COUNTRIEST of the COUNTRY SHOWNashville, TN -- T Graham Brown, Sunny Sweeney, Chris Young, Tammy Cochran, Michael Peterson, the Broussard’s, Billy Ryan and David Kroll are among the artists slated to appear on Billy Yates’ COUNTRIEST of the COUNTRY show scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at the Ernest Tubb Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville.The annual event which is sponsored by the Billy Yates International Fan Club began only four years ago and has now evolved into what is considered by many to be the best Country Music show during the CMA Music Festival. With so many guests, it is by far one of the best entertainment values in Nashville that week.This year’s show will once again include "hit songwriters in the round" featuring Byron Hill ("Nothin’ On But The Radio" - Gary Allan, "Size Matters" - Joe Nichols, "Fool Hearted Memory" - George Strait plus many more hits), Leslie Satcher ("Cadillac Tears" - Kevin Denney, "Politically Uncorrect" - Gretchen Wilson, "When God Fearin’ Women Get the Blues" - Martina McBride plus many, many more), and Wil Nance ("She’s Everything" - Brad Paisley, "Round About Way", "If Heartaches Were Horses" - George Strait, "Cool To Be A Fool" - Joe Nichols plus more).To order tickets send $25.00 (check or money order) per ticket to:Billy Yates International Fan ClubP.O. Box 864White House, TN 37188USADoors will open at 5:30PM and the show will start at 6:00PM.All profits from the show will be donated to CHRISTMAS for the CHILDREN, a non-profit organization that raises money throughout the year to take local underprivileged children Christmas shopping. The organization is located in White House, Tennessee.

This Weekend At The Grand Ole Opry

Check the schedule out:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

April 4 in Country Music History

Today is Ms. Liz's Birthday. She is Big John's wife, and Erin's mother. Her good country cookin' keeps us all good lookin'.

In 1987, George Strait went to Number One with "Ocean Front Property".

In 1981, Sylvia was at Number One with "Drifter".

In 1980, Red Sovine passed away while driving in Nashville.

In 1959, Bill Anderson made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1948, Gail Davies was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

In 1938, Norro Wilson, songwriter and producer, was born in Scottsville, Kentucky.

April 3 in Country Music History

In 1982, The Oak Ridge Boys went to Number One with "Bobbie Sue".

In 1976, Freddy Fender scored a Number One with "You'll Lose A Good Thing".

In 1975, EmmyLou Harris' band, The Hot Band, debuted in San Francisco, California. For more information about EmmyLou, and her Hot Band, click on the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmylou_Harris

In 1961, Spade Cooley murdered his wife, ending for the most part a brilliant career for the band leader who was probably as famous as Bob Wills. For more information about Spade Cooley, you know what to do:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spade_Cooley

In 1950, Curtis Stone, son of Cliffie Stone, was born in North Hollywood, California. Curtis was bass player for Highway 101.

In 1948, The Louisiana Hayride debuted on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. Among the stars on the first show were The Bailes Brothers, Johnny and Jack, Kitty Wells, Shot Jackson, and Horace Logan. The price of admission was 60 cents for adults, 30 cents for children, and it stayed the same for eleven years. The Grand Ole Opry certainly has had the stars, but in its era, the Louisiana Hayride made most of them stars before they set foot on the Opry stage.

Also in 1948, Eddie Arnold's "Anytime" went to Number One, where it stayed for nine weeks on one edition of the charts.

In 1942, Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia.

In 1928, Country Music Hall of Fame legend Don Gibson was born in Shelby, North Carolina.

March 2 in Country Music History

In 1994, a country pop group, Little Texas had a number one with "My Love".

In 1983, the Bellamy Brothers scored a Number One with "When I'm Away From You".

In 1977, Kenny Rogers hit Number One with "Lucille", produced by Larry Butler.

In 1947, Emmy Lou Harris was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1942, Leon Russell was born in Lawton, Oklahoma.

In 1941, Sonny Throckmorton was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico. For more on this songwriting great, click here:

http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/fame/throck.html

In 1936, singer-songwriter Warner Mack (MacPherson) was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He wrote "Is It Wrong For Loving You" at the age of 13, and "The Bridge Washed Out" was his first number one, and it happened after he was almost killed in a tragic accident. for more on Warner Mack, click on the link:

http://www.warnermack.com/bio.htm

April 1 in Country Music History

In 1989, "Baby's Gotten Good At Goodbye" went to Number One for George Strait.

In 1986, Alan Jackson, an employee of the TNN mailroom, debuted on "Nashville Now".

In 1967, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened to the general public.

In 1962, Billy Dean was born in Quincy, Florida.

In 1934, Jim Ed Brown was born in Sparkman, Arkansas. He has been a member of the Browns, a solo act, and half of the duo of Jim Ed Brown and Helen Cornelius, and has played the Louisiana Hayride, and the Grand Ole Opry among many other things. He also had a great sideman at one time by the name of Daron Norwood. For more on this talented artist, go to his website:

http://www.jimedbrown.com/

In 1908, Bob Nolan of the Sons of the Pioneers was born.

In 1883, one of the original Western singer songwriters was born. Jules Verne Allen was a great singer and a prolific songwriter, with my favorite of his being "Home On The Range". For more on this real cowboy, who walked the walk, talked the talk, and could really ride a horse, click here:

http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/allen_jules_verne/bio.jhtml

March 31 in Country Music History

In 1984, "Let's Stop Talkin' About It" went to Number One for female vocal great Janie Fricke.

In 1968, Skeets McDonald passed away at the age of 52. He was probably best known as the songwriter of "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes".

In 1962, Patsy Cline went to Number One with "She Got You".

In 1951, Hank Snow went to Number One with "Rhumba Boogie".

In 1945, Spade Cooley went to Number One with "Shame On You".

In 1934, John Loudermilk was born. For more on this extraordinarily talented songwriter and performer, click on this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._Loudermilk

In 1933, Anita Carter was born in Maces Springs, Virginia, one of the heiresses to the Carter Family legend that began with A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter.

In 1928, Lefty Frizzell was born in Corsica, Texas. One of the finest all around entertainers and singer-songwriters in our business, he not only was talked into joining the Opry by Hank Williams, but he gave ol' Merle a foot up in the business by letting him open a show for him. Country Music definitely misses Lefty today. Or, in another way-"It's not right but Lefty's gone..."

In 1926, fiddle virtuoso Tommy Jackson was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1922, fiddle player Howdy Forrester, most popular as a member of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys, was born in Vernon, Tennessee.

March 30 in Country Music History

In 1989, Gilley's nightclub closed. It burned a few days later, a victim of arson.

In 1985, Kenny Rogers went to Number One with "Crazy".

In 1974, "Would You Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)" went to Number One for Tanya Tucker.

In 1942, Bobby Wright was born to Johnny Wright and Kitty Wells.

Hank Williams Family Tradition Exhibit

It is now open at the Hall of Fame. For more information, click on the link:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5838516_,00.html

I Don't Go To Honky Tonks Anymore, But I Still Love Honky Tonk Music

Apparently Garth Brooks understands what honky tonks mean to country music. Check out this article: http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5838506_,00.html

It's Just My Opinion

But if anybody belongs in the Hall of Fame, Dean Dillon does. I don't know of many people who can claim to have the catalog this old Tennessee boy does. Go to the article on Wikipedia to get an idea of how much he means to country music.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Dillon

March 29 in Country Music History

In 1963, Texas Ruby of Curly Fox and Texas Ruby passed away in a trailer fire.

In 1920, steel guitarist Jerry Byrd was born.

In 1909, Moon Mullican was born in Texas.

In 1980, Conway Twitty went to Number One with "I'd Love To Lay You Down".

In 1969, Buck Owens went to Number One with "Who's Gonna Mow Your Grass".

In 1952, Carl Smith went to Number One with (When You Feel Like You're In Love) Don't Just Stand There).

March 28 in Country Music History

In 1987, Steve Wariner went to Number One with "Small Town Girl".

In 1982, Razzy Bailey went to Number One with "She Left Love Over Me".

In 1954, Reba McIntyre was born.

In 1941, Charlie McCoy was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia, which was the town where Hank Williams was discovered dead in the back seat of his Cadillac.

March 27 in Country Music History

In 1982, Razzy Bailey went to Number One with "She Left Love All Over Me".

In 1976, Don Williams went to Number One with "Til The Rivers All Run Dry".

In 1971, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn went to Number One with "After The Fire Is Gone", one of the greatest duets of all time.

In 1965, Roger Miller went to Number One with "King of the Road".

In 1971, Jan Howard joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1940, Melvin Sloan of the Melvin Sloan Dancers was born.

March 26 in Country Music History

In 1983, John Anderson went to Number One with "Swingin'".

In 1955, songwriting great Dean Dillon was born in Lake City Tennessee. If you don't know who this fantastic writer is, I am including two links.

http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/fame/dillon.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Dillon

If you look at the wikipedia site, you will agree with me when I say that if not for Dean Dillon, George Strait would have had to look a long time to fill in the spaces when Dean did not give him a good song to sing.

In 1942, Larry Butler, music producer and executive, was born in Pensacola, Florida, where, when Larry was eighteen or nineteen, this writer got to sing to his accompaniment on "The Lynn Toney Show".

In 1928, the inventor of the Sho-Bud steel, Bud Isaacs was born.

Richard Widmark Has Passed Away

All of us here are country music fans, but I am also a fan of Western movies. I had just watched "Warlock" with Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda, and Anthony Quinn on Monday morning, and I just found out that Richard Widmark has passed away at age 93.

I think great actors are like great singers; We don't appreciate them until it is too late.

Maybe we should do more for our favorites, like Hank Locklin, Jean Shepard, and Gene Watson, as well as for our old movie, especially Western, favorites.

This Week At The Grand Ole Opry

This weeks schedule is at the link. You know the drill:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

March 25 in Country Music History

On this date in 2006, we lost one of the greatest of the great entertainers. Buck Owens passed away in his sleep of a heart attack. Also on this date, in 1966, Buck and his Buckaroos went to Carnegie Hall in New York City and recorded a live album, "Carnegie Hall Concert", which would go to Number One for five weeks.

In 1963, Johnny Cash recorded the June Carter and Merle Kilgore penned "Ring Of Fire". Some of those featured artists on the recording included W. S. Holland, Luther Perkins, Cowboy Jack Clement, The Carter Family, Bill Purcell, Marshall Grant, Karl Garvin, and Bill McElhiney. Don Law and Frank Jones produced the cut.

In 1961, Minnie Pearl opened for Elvis. Her husband, Henry Cannon, piloted Elvis around until Elvis bought his own plane.

In 1949, Jack Kapp, founder of Decca Records, passed away.

In 1947, Johnny and Jack recorded for the first time.

In 1938, Hoyt Axton was born in Duncan, Oklahoma.

In 1935, Leon McAuliffe, steel player, joined the Texas Playboys.

In 1927, country music executive and one of the founders of the Hall of Fame, Joe Talbot, was born.

March 24 in Country Music History

In 2000, Joe Talbot, country music executive, passed away.

In 1995, Irene Williams Smith, sister of Hank Williams, passed away.

In 1958, Elvis Presley was sworn into the Army. "Hair today, gone tomorrow".

In 1955, Wanda Jackson recorded "Don't Touch Me".

March 23 In Country Music History

In 1996, Patty Loveless went to Number One with "You Can Feel Bad".

In 1991, Clint Black went to Number One with "Loving Blind".

In 1985, Willie Nelson and Ray Charles scored a Number One with "Seven Spanish Angels", written by Townes Van Zandt.

In 1974, Conway Twitty went to Number One with "There's A Honky Tonk Angel (Who'll Take Me Back In).

In 1868, Fiddlin' John Carson was born in Georgia. He was 55 years of age when Ralph Peer recorded him on the Okeh Record label in Atlanta.

March 22 in Country Music History

In 1986, "What's A Memory Like You (Doing In A Love Like This) by Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider went to Number One on the charts.

In 1980, Ronnie Milsap went to Number One with "Why Don't You Spend the Night".

In 1977, Stoney Cooper died.

In 1952, Uncle Dave Macon, the second person hired to play the Grand Ole Opry, passed away.

Ricky Skaggs Article

I believe that in the 80's, Ricky Skaggs kept traditional country AND bluegrass on the charts.

Here is an interesting article about a man who has grown up around the best in the business, and his relationship today with the music he still loves.

Click on the link for another fine story from Peter Cooper:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080324/TUNEIN02/803240308/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

March 21 in Country Music History

In 1992, Alan Jackson was wishing that "Dallas" was in Tennessee, and it was the number one song on the charts.

In 1991, Leo Fender, maker of Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars, died at age 81.

In 1987, Restless Heart was at Number One with "I'll Still Be Loving You". More pop than country, but a great song with great harmony, anyway.

In 1981, "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground" went to Number One for Willie Nelson.

In 1942, Carol Lee Cooper, founder of the Carol Lee Singers was born. She is the daughter of Stoney and Wilma Lee Cooper.

In 1936, Stan Hitchcock was born. If you don't know Stan from his days as a musician, author, or program director, you need to know about this guy who loves real country music like we do. Click on the link:

http://www.hitchcockcountry.com/

Listen up, Sam Bush Fans

A little news for you Sam Bush fans:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1583810/sam-bush-honored-by-kentucky-legislature.jhtml

Hank Williams Editorial by Chet Flippo

Sometimes he sticks his foot in his mouth, or even crowds two in there, shoe laces and all, but this time Chet Flippo got it right. Take a look at this article about the Hillbilly Shakespeare:

http://www.cmt.com/news/nashville-skyline/1583814/nashville-skyline-hank-williams-keeps-coming-back.jhtml

Grand Ole Opry Schedule for the Week

View this weekend's Grand Ole Opry lineup:

http://www.opry.com/TicketsAndInformation/ThisWeek.aspx

March 20 in Country Music History

In 1993,"Heartland" went to Number One for George Strait. It would be an accomplishment that he has only accomplished fifty or sixty times, give or take a dozen, or maybe two by the time it is all over.

In 1988, "Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star" returned Merle Haggard to the top of the charts. I believe that Norman Hamlet either wrote or co-wrote this song.

In 1982, Charlie Pride was high on the "Mountain of Love" with the number one hit of the same name.

In 1976, "Faster Horses(The Cowboy and the Poet) went to Number One for Tom T. Hall.

In 1965, Buck Owens had a "Tiger By The Tail" and a number one hit on the charts.

In 1954, guitarist Jim Seales of Shenandoah was born.

In 1946, Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky was born. For more on this intelligent group of performers, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riders_in_the_Sky

You will be surprised at their accomplishments, as individuals and a group.

In 1939, cowboy singing great Don Edwards was born in New Jersey???? For more on this talented performer who can stand and sing with the best of them, click here:

http://www.donedwardsmusic.com/shop/man_and_his_music.htm#man_his_music

In 1937, Canada's Country Gentleman, Tommy Hunter, was born. He had a twenty seven year run on Canadian television with "The Tommy Hunter Show", and had one of the first shows on CMT.

In 1937, hitmaker and great guitarist Jerry Reed was born.

March 19 in Country Music History

In 2000, Speck Rhodes, best known for his role as comedian and bass player on the Porter Wagoner tv and road show, died at age 84. He and Porter had a natural chemistry, having both been born in West Plains, Missouri.

In 1988, Fiddlin' Sid Harkreader passed away. For an interesting article on this historic gentleman, please click here:

http://www.markbrine.com/country_music_roots/fiddlin_sid_harkreader.htm

In 1988, Ricky Van Shelton hit Number One with "Life Turned Her That Way".

In 1983, Ricky Skaggs topped the charts with "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could".

In 1980, Aunt Sap passed away. As we have mentioned several times in the past few weeks, she and her husband, Uncle Cyp, were pioneers in the country music television show, Ozark Jubilee.

In 1977, hitmaker and super guitarist Glen Campbell went to the top spot on the charts with "Southern Nights".

In 1960, Tootsie Bess opened her nightspot across the alley from the Ryman Auditorium, the home of the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1957, Elvis purchased Graceland, probably second only to the White House in popularity as a residence in the USA.

In 1950, Jerry Eubanks of the Marshall Tucker Band was born.

In 1949, Red Foley achieved a number one record for "Tennessee Saturday Night".

In 1945, Michael Martin Murphy was born. He has written and sung many western tunes, and has had a number of country and pop hits. His biggest hit probably is still the haunting "Wildfire". Here's a link to find out how talented this Number One Cowboy Artist really is:

http://www.michaelmartinmurphey.com/

In 1928, Henry Ford Maddox of The Maddox Brothers and Sister Rose, was born in Boaz, Alabama.

March 18 in Country Music History

In 1989, "From A Jack To A King" by Ricky Van Shelton went to Number One. Probably one of the best voices ever in country music history, he got a raw deal from the CMA for his failure to try to perform a song not in a good key for him. For more on this singer who was a great lover of traditional and classic country music, click on this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricky_Van_Shelton

In 1941, Margie Bowles was born.

In 1938, Country Charlie Pride was born.

March 17 in Country Music

In 2003, Jumpin' Bill Carlisle passed away at his home near Nashville at the age of 94. He would have said the day before he died that he would have been "96 year after next".

In 1996, Jimmy Stafford, writer of "Amarillo By Morning" passed away.

In 1990, Randy Travis was at Number One with "Rock Hard Bottom Of Your Heart".

In 1988, Sammy Pruett, guitarist for Hank Williams Drifting Cowboys, passed away.

In 1984, The Statlers were at Number One with "Elizabeth".

In 1973, Barbara Fairchild was at Number One with "The Teddy Bear Song".

In 1962, the incomparable Sheb Wooley had a Number One with "That's My Pa".

In 1956, The Louvin Brothers hit Number One with "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby".

In 1955, Paul Overstreet was born in Mississippi. For a little more about this talented performer, click on the link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Overstreet


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March 16 in Country Music History

In 1996, "Beaches of Cheyenne" went to Number One for Garth Brooks.

In 1991, Reba McEntire lost eight members of her band and road show in a plane crash in California.

In 1985, Exile went to Number One with "Crazy For Your Love". Though they were mostly a country pop act, they were talented singers, musicians, and songwriters, with J.P. Pennington not only writing for Exile, but scoring hits with Alabama, Dave and Sugar, and Janie Fricke. ("It Ain't Easy Bein' Easy" by Fricke is one of the best female songs ever recorded, in this writer's humble opinion.) Exile also staged one of the best shows for the price of a ticket, as witnessed when they opened for George Strait.

In 1984, former Sons of the Pioneers singer Shug Fisher passed away. He was also an accomplished character actor.

in 1951, Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel was born.

In 1942, Jerry Jeff Walker was born.

In 1942, radio personality Buddy Starcher was born.