July 29 in Takinthecountryback.com History

In 1999, Anita Carter of the Carter Sisters passed away in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. I remember when she was a regular on the Alabama Jubilee with Don Wendell at WKRG in Mobile, Alabama. Ah, the good old days.

In 1997, Mercury released John Anderson's "Takin' The Country Back". I wonder why I mentioned that one.

In 1989, Reba McIntyre went to Number One with "Cathy's Clown". I think the video starring her and Bruce Boxleitner, and all those old Western stars was one of the best.

In 1988, Pete Drake, famed steel guitarist, died in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1972, Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1966, Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas. I only mention this because I know that even though on most of her songs she is only a shouter and screamer, and a fluff singer, that she can really sing country music when she wants.

In 1961, Patsy Cline returned to the stage for the first time after her brush with death in a horrible car accident.

In 1954, entertainer Pete Cassell passed away at age 36. Though he never sold many records, he was an absolute smash hit everywhere he performed. He is said to have had perfect pitch.

In 1944, Louis Jordan went to Number One on the charts as he asked the music question, "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (Me Baby). I think we were in English class together.

In 1933, Buck Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde fame, died three days after being wounded by police. Buck was Clyde Barrow's brother. Merle Haggard performed the music for the movie based on their lives together that starred Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. By the way, if you ever visit the home of the old Louisiana Hayride, the place where Bonnie and Clyde died is not very far away, in the woods and oilfields of Louisiana.

In 1916, Western director Bud Boetticher was born. He directed many of Randolph Scott's movies.