February 17 in Country Music History

In 1973, Merle Haggard was at Number One with "I Wonder If They Ever Think Of Me".

In 1938, Buck Trent was born. Buck is one of the most talented musicians in country music having performed with The Carlisles, Buck Owens and Roy Clark, and also being featured on "Hee Haw". Known for inventing the electric banjo, Buck plays a number of instruments and is known as one of the best lead guitarists in the country.

In 1935, Johnny Bush was born in Houston, Texas. He has been at the top and on the bottom. Through it all he has persevered. To learn more about the "Country Caruso", follow this link:

http://www.johnnybush.com/bio.html

In 1931, Uncle Jimmy Thompson died. He was the first performer on the Grand Ole Opry, and was one of the greatest of old time fiddlers. To view a picture and the gravesite of this pioneer, click on this link:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pif&GRid=10976&PIgrid=10976&PIcrid=641404&ShowCemPhotos=Y&

In 1920, guitarist Billy Byrd was born in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on Billy Byrd, clink on this link:

http://www.windowsmedia.com/Mediaguide/Templates/Biography.aspx?p_id=P%20%20%20%2061464