May 18 in Country Music History

In 1996, Brooks and Dunn went to Number One with a pop remake of "My Maria".

In 1985, Sawyer Brown went to Number One with "Step That Step". Not very country, but a good tune that would have probably been a top pop song in my younger years.

In 1974, Cal Smith went to Number One with the Traditional Classic "Country Bumpkin".

In 1959, Johnny Horton went to Number One with "The Battle Of New Orleans". I am positive that John Rich could do this song proud right now.

In 1957, Rusty and Doug Kershaw made their Grand Ole Opry Debut.

In 1952, George Strait was born in Poteet, Texas.

In 1949, Eddie Arnold went to Number One "One Kiss Too Many".

In 1948, Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1946, Bob Wills went to Number One with "New Spanish Two Step".

In 1936, Leon Ashley was born Leon Walton in Georgia. He is the first artist who wrote, published, recorded and distributed his own songs. He is also famous for his hit "Laura, What's He Got That I Ain't Got".


In 1933, Jimmie Rodgers recorded The Last Blue Yodel (The Women Make A Fool Out Of Me).