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


'

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.

Aren't We Excited?

I don't listen to pop country and she may be doing something a little better than the rot that was on her first album, but I would like ya'll to know where the Opry seems to be heading.....

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1583485/carrie-underwood-invited-to-join-the-grand-ole-opry.jhtml

A Good Article on Alan Jackson

Click here for a good interview of Alan Jackson:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080316/TUNEIN02/803160311/1836

This Week At The Grand Ole Opry

For this week's schedule of events at the Grand Ole Opry, click on this link:

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

March 14 in Country Music History

In 2002, Tommy Collins passed away of emphysema in Ashland City, Tennessee. Not just a great performer, he was a great songwriter. He penned "Carolyn", "If You Ain't Lovin', You Ain't Livin'", and "New Patches" among many other things.

"You know I used to be a well known country singer,
Made my first record in 1953,
Buck Owens used to be my lead guitar player,
And the Hag once wrote a song about me"
as recorded by Craig Morgan on "I Wish I Could See Bakersfield".

For more on Leonard Sipe aka Tommy Collins, follow this link:

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

In 1992, John Anderson returned to the top of the charts after a long dry spell with "Straight Tequila Night".

In 1970, Merle Haggard was at the top with "Fightin' Side Of Me".

In 1889, Neva "Aunt Sap" Brasfield, of Uncle Cyp and Aunt Sap Fame, was born. They were stars of the first successful television show-The Ozark Jubilee.

March 13 in Country Music History

In 2002, the great fiddler Benny Martin, known for his untied shoes, passed away.

In 1983, Roseanne Cash made it to the top spot on the charts with "Blue Moon With Heartache".

In 1976, Merle Haggard went to Number One with "Roots Of My Raising".

In 1963, Billy Yates was born in Doniphan, Missouri. A writer of "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair", "Choices", "Flowers", "If I Ever Get Her Back", and my favorite: "Turn For The Worse", Billy is also a great singer and entertainer. If you have not seen him in person, you have missed one of the best with a guitar in his hand and a song in his heart.

In 1931, Jan Howard was born in West Plains, Missouri, just a skip and a hop from where Billy was born and raised, and the same town that our hero Porter Wagoner called home.

In 1930, Liz Anderson was born in Minnesota. Mrs. Anderson was a top forty artist, married to Casey Anderson, and the mother of Liz Anderson. But her greatest success came as a writer, and she penned three of the biggest hits that Merle Haggard has recorded. "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive", "All My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers", and "Just Between The Two Of Us" are her three biggest hits, and her song is the reason Merle Haggard's group is called the Strangers. I might add that she and her husband are some of the nicest people in the music business.

Mrs. Eddie Arnold Has Passed Away

The lady married to the great Eddie Arnold for 66 years has passed away. For more information, click on the link:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/TUNEIN02/803120454/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

March 12 in Country Music History

In 1994, Vince Gill went to the top spot on the charts with "Tryin' To Get Over You".

In 1988, Randy Travis was at the top of the charts with "Too Gone Too Long".

In 1983, the best friend that a song ever had, Conway Twitty, was at Number One on the charts with "The Rose".

In 1977, Charlie Pride was proud to be at Number One with "She's Just An Old Love Turned Memory".

In 1980, Ralph Sloan, who founded the Tennessee Travelers who performed on the Opry for years, passed away.

In 1938, Lew Dewitt, the original tenor of the Statler Brothers was born in Roanoke, Virginia.

February 11 in Country Music History

In 2005, Chris Ledoux passed away.

In 1989, "Don't You Ever Get Tired (Of Hurting Me) by Ronnie Milsap ascended to the top of the charts.

In 1955, Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers was born.

Amazing Rhythm Guitar Ace Dies

Byrd Burton, who was amazing as guitarist for the Amazing Rhythm Aces back in the seventies has passed away from leukemia. For a nice tribute story by Peter Cooper of the Tennessean, click here:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080311/TUNEIN/80311003/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

March 10 in Country Music History

In 1973, "'Til I Get It Right" by Tammy Wynette became the top song on the country charts.

In 1971, Daryle Singletary was born.

In 1963, Patsy Cline was buried in Winchester, Virginia, which was her hometown.

In 1962, "Misery Loves Company" by Porter Wagoner was Number One on the charts.

In 1920, Jethro Burns of Homer and Jethro was born.

March 9 in Country Music History

In 2005, Chris Ledoux died of liver problems.

In 1996, Alan Jackson hit the top spot on the charts with "I'll Try".

In 1991, "Brother Jukebox" by Mark Chesnutt went to Number One on the charts.

In 1985, "My Only Love" by the Statler Brothers went to Number One on Billboard country charts.

In 1974, "There Won't Be Anymore" by the Silver Fox, Charlie Rich, went to the top spot on the charts.

In 1968, "Take Me To Your World" by Tammy Wynette went to Number one on the Billboard Charts.

In 1962, George Dewey Peters died of a heart attack. As my grandfather, he was the first one I remember singing "Cattle Call" to the cows, as they started up "the lane" for the barn, where they would be fed and bedded down for the night.

In 1936, Mickey Gilley was born in Natchez, Mississippi.

In 1934, Edna Peters was born. She is the mother and grandmother of the owners of this site, born and raised during the depression, and, in her early years, was familiar with Hank Williams and Pappy Neal MacCormack, who both lived in the area where she was raised. She was also raised with a number of regional artists including Boots Barnes.

In 1925, Ralph Sloan, of the Tennessee Travelers Square Dancers, and regular on the Grand Ole Opry, was born.

March 8 in Country Music History

In 1989, Stuart Hamblen died at the age of eighty. He was considered to be the first Western singer, and was a recording artist, songwriter and an actor. He is probably most remembered for penning the two gospel hits, "It Is No Secret" and "This Old House".

For more on Stuart Hamblen, click on the link:

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

In 1980, "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys" by Willie Nelson went to Number One on the Billboard charts.

In 1975, "Linda On My Mind", by Conway Twitty reached the Number One spot on the charts.

In 1939, Lou Dewitt of the Statler Brothers was born.

In 1937, Jimmy Stoneman of the Stoneman Family was born.

Craig Morgan

Craig Morgan has signed on with Sony/BMG. The artist started out with Atlantic, but that label folded just as he was getting his career moving, and he then signed with Broken Bow, where he has probably been the most successful independent act in country music.

As the editor, and one who knows Craig, I hope this is a good move for him, and there may be more to the move than I am aware of, but I would rather be the big fish in a small lake, than a minnow in the ocean.

For more, click on the link:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/TUNEIN02/80307130/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

Eddie Arnold Takes Fall

Eddie Arnold has fallen and broken his hip. The 89-year old Arnold fell at his home while checking his mail. He is doing well, and is adjusting to the new hip replacement. Eddie Arnold is the Number One country recording artist of all time according to Joel Whitburn, who does extensive studies on the Billboard charts, and Arnold has sold over 85 million records.

For more on this story, click here:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/TUNEIN/80307152/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

March 7 in Country Music History

In 2000, Pee Wee King passed away. King wrote the "Tennessee Waltz" and "Slow Poke" and was famous for his Golden West Cowboys, that at one time included stars such as Redd Stewart and Eddie Arnold. For more on Pee Wee King, click on this link:

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

In 1981, The Bellamy Brothers were at Number One as they asked the musical question: "Do You Love As Good As You Look?"



In 1963, Jack Anglin, of Johnny and Jack, was killed on his way to a memorial service for Patsy Cline. Jack Anglin was Johnny Wright's brother-in-law.

In 1944, Townes Van Zandt was born. He was a Texas folk country singer who also was also known as a really good songwriter.

This Week At The Grand Ole Opry

Click on the link to see this weekend's schedule for the GOO:

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

King George Certifications Mount

Did you know that George Strait's compilation album, "50 Number Ones", has been certified as a seven million copy seller?

Did you know that it is not his biggest seller? 1995's "Strait Out Of The Box" has sold eight million copies.

Impressive.

March 6 In Country Music History

In 1999, George Jones was severly injured when he plowed into a bridge in Franklin, Tennessee.

In 1982, the smooth deep-voiced Ed Bruce went to the Number One spot with "You're The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had".

In 1905, Bob Wills, founder and leader of the Texas Playboys, was born in Texas. Willie may be playing in Austin, tonight, but Bob Wills is still the King. And it is rightfully so, as he wrote and recorded many of the best Texas swing hits ever recorded. "Faded Love", "Take Me Back To Tulsa", and "San Antonio Rose" are just a few of the hits penned by Wills.

In 1836, many good men lost their lives at the Alamo, as Texas loyalists fought for her independence. It reminds me of "The Ballad of Davey Crockett" that was performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford, Mac Wiseman, and the Kentucky Headhunters. In view of things going on in America today, I might add that I think it would be wise for us to remember the Alamo. Enough said......

March 5, 1963

There is no doubt that March 5, 1963 ranks as one of the saddest days in country music history when Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas, and Randy Hughes were all killed in a plane crash outside Camden, Tennessee.

Though all of them will be remembered for their accomplishments, it is Patsy Cline who will be remembered for that big voice, for which there has not been, and probably will not be an equal in any genre of music.

It has been forty-five years, and they are still missed like it was yesterday.

Another Award For Loretta

Loretta will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in a ceremony in New York. For more on this well deserved honor, click on the link:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5819135_,00.html

March 4 in Country Music History

Today, March 4, 2008, George and Nancy Jones will celebrate their Silver wedding anniversary.

In 1999, cowboy singer Eddie Dean passed away. He was known especially as songwriter of two popular songs, "One Has My Heart, The Other Has My Name", and "I Dreamed Of A Hillbilly Heaven". Two classic songs from a classic cowboy, and even though Jimmy Wakely and Tex Ritter had the really big hits on these two songs, Eddie Dean still made the top twenty with both. For a little bit more information on Eddie Dean, click on this link:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6318720

In 1996, our beloved Minnie Pearl (Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon) passed away after being victimized by a series of strokes.

In 1978, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", written by Ed Bruce, and performed by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson went to Number One on the Billboard Charts.

In 1973, Scotty Stoneman of the pioneering Stoneman Family Band passed away.

In 1932, Betty Jack Davis, who with Mary Francis Penick (Skeeter Davis) made up the Davis Sisters, was born in Corbin Kentucky.

In 1904, the original singing cowgirl, Dorothy Page, AKA Dorothy Stofflett, AKA Dorothy McCormick, was born.

March 3 in Country Music History

In 2002, the great Harlan Howard passed away. In 1961, shortly after moving to Nashville, he had 15 songs in the top 40, and that is a feat that has not been duplicated since. Check out some of Harlan Howard's accomplishments at this link:

http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/

March 2 in Country Music History

In 1987, the subject of a Statler Brothers hit song, Randolph Scott died. The subject of "Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott?" was one of the great Western actors of his time, and also a financial genius. Did you know that Scott once lived at Montpelier, the home of President James Madison, and actually had a place below the main floor where he could lift weights?
For more on this great western actor, click on the link:

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

In 1984, riding a wave of popularity from Sharon White's husband's lead in the reemergence of bluegrass on the mainstream airwaves, The Whites joined the Grand Ole Opry. Since then, "O Brother Where Are Thou" has led to them being one of the most popular Americana groups in the nation. Sharon's husband is the incomparable Ricky Skaggs.

In 1964, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, the leaders of the Virginia Boys, joined the Grand Ole Opry.