May 31 in Country Music History

In 1991, Lib Hatcher, Randy Travis' manager, became his wife, as well.

In 1986, Reba McIntyre went to the top spot on the charts with "Whoever's in New England".

In 1980, Ronnie Milsap took "My Heart" to the top of the charts.

In 1977, Lloyd Perryman of the Sons fo the Pioneers died in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In 1975, John Denver took "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" to Number One on the charts.

In 1969, Tammy Wynette took "Singing My Song" to Number One on the charts.

In 1954, Paul Franklin, steel guitarist of note, was born in Detroit, Michigan. I like his Mo-town sound.

In 1938, Donald Eugene Lytle, aka Donnie Young, aka Johnny Paycheck, was born in Greenfield, Ohio. I still can't listen to "Old Violin" with dry eyes.

In 1922, Vic Willis of the Willis Brothers was born in Oklahoma. For more about the Willis Brothers, click here:

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

I Used To Not Think This Way

But it was before imperialists ruined this country. Capitalism is okay, but imperialism is awful. We used to have antitrust laws that did protect us from monopolies, or even anything that bore a resemblance. We have watched greedy companies ruin our country.

I saw this from allaboutcountry.com and thought you would like to see it:

Wireless Access For All Americans? The FCC Is Studying The Possibility
If you're tired of having to pay for wireless internet access, the FCC might be talking your language. The Wall Street Journal reports that the FCC may require the winning bedder of a future spectrum auction to offer gree broadband access to almost everybody.
WSJ quotes FCC spokesman Robert Kenny saying “it would give consumers greater choices to access the Internet.”
Seems Congress is (finally) learning that the US is falling behind much of the rest of the world in broadband access. In fact, a recent report shows the US in 15th place!
So why should radio care? IP Radio would become a much more powerful factor in wireless entertainment.

May 30 in Country Music History

In 1987, The Oak Ridge Boys went to Number One with "It Takes A Little Rain(To Make Love Grow)".

In 1981, those same Oak Ridge Boys went to Number one with "Elvira". Did you know that Kenny Rogers and the First Edition had this same number on their "Tell It All, Brother" album. There were some great cuts on this album, but this wasn't one of them.

In 1966, Dolly Parton and Carl Dean were married in Georgia.

In 1964, Wynonna Judd, nee Christina Claire Ciminella, was born in Ashland , Kentucky.

In 1960, Grand Ole Opry member Mike Snider was born in Gleason, Tennessee.

In 1942, publishing and producing great Tom Collins was born in Lenoir, Tennessee.

In 1926, fiddle virtuoso and legend Johnny Gimble was born near Tyler, Texas.

Anonymous Responses

I know that we all aren't going to agree, but somebody left a comment on my post that included some things about the oil companies.

Number one, just leave your name. I am a big boy, and would like to whom (or is it who)I am responding.

Number two, on this issue, I was involved, as much of my family was involved in the crash of oil prices in the mid-eighties. We had trucks that ran hot shot, some of my close cousins did oil well reworks, and my sister and her husband were right in the middle of that Houston economy that didn't do so well.

Number three, my taxes are way down, because, due to the price of oil, and the domino effects, I don't have to pay taxes on losses.

And, number four, many people put there faith in the real estate market, many in the stock market, and many hide it under the bed. But if it comes down between a few people getting rich off oil stocks, and the rest of the country going into a recession or a depression, guess what I am hoping for.

Number five, if all farmers and stockmen would refuse to sell their products for less than what they are worth, I bet oilmen would give in. I don't really need oil to survive, it just makes life a little easier and better. But, food is still essential to each of us. Of course, I bet you don't realize what the cost of petroleum products has done to agriculture. (By the way, I am an organic farmer who raises pretty good gardens and animals, and I have a mule that can pull a plow. I don't just talk country, I AM country.)

Again, America used to be a great place, and still is the best place, but if we didn't have so many people concerned about the dollar, and themselves, we would have a much better country.

AND THE OPRY WOULD STILL BE THE GREAT INSTITUTION IT USED TO BE. FOR MORE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK, CHECK THE FORUM. I THINK ONE OR TWO POSTED ON THERE.

Whitey Shafer is to be Honored by the Hall!!

And rightly so. Click on the link to learn more about his upcoming performance at the Hall:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1588335/songwriter-whitey-shafer-honored-by-hall-of-fame.jhtml

OUR YOUTUBE PAGE

If you haven't seen our youtube.com page, you need to look. There is some neat traditional stuff in it, and it features real stars singing real songs.



I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

The Problem With The Grand Ole Opry

I looked at a news release today that says that the "new" red barn on the Opry is gone, thanks to a new 3D ultra modern set.

I look at the Opry and it makes me think of all the things that are wrong with this world today.

It is not good enough for the oil companies to make a profit. They have to wring every cent they can out of the consumer, and will do so if it means condemning the whole world to poverty and choices of whether to pay for fuel to get to work or to heat the house, or to feed the family.

It is not good enough for mortgage companies to dangle teaser rates in order to write as many loans as possible in order to make the upfront monies, but they also want us to bail them out when the time comes for them to eat the mortgaged properties.

It is not good enough for consumers to want when they are youngsters what it took our parents all their lives to acquire. They then want us to feel sorry when they lose the half-million dollar house they "bought" when they should have bought a used home or at best, a starter home in a less expensive neighborhood.

Back to the Opry, it is not enough that they very seldom have the older acts that we love on the show. It is not enough that they have so much pop country on the show that it looks more like a Hollywood Bowl show. It is not enough that they took away the magic of the old red barn set. Now they want to take the whole thing away, and replace it with a new 3D set.

In the past, I have modified my driving habits, so oil companies don't sell me as much gas.

I have modified my lifestyle at the house. I conserve energy by using the energy efficient bulbs, and keep extra lights turned off, and keep my heating and cooling bills to a minimum.

I grow as much of my food as I can.

AND FROM NOW ON, I WILL NOT MAKE ANY TRIPS TO NASHVILLE TO GO TO THE OPRY, NOW WILL I BUY ANY MORE OF THEIR SOUVENIRS, NOR WILL I EVEN LISTEN TO WILD BILL OR EDDIE STUBBS, BECAUSE BY BEING PART OF THIS GREEDY, TEENAGER DRIVEN RADIO CIRCUS, THEY ARE A BIG PART OF THE PROBLEM.

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION IS FOR ALL OF US TO BOYCOTT THE OPRY UNTIL THEY REPENT AND FIRE THE TWO HEADS OF STATE THAT WE KNOW ARE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS OF THE OPRY.

IF YOU AGREE, SEND ME A COMMENT OR HIT OUR FORUM.

May 29 in Country Music History

In 1976, Johnny Cash had a Number One Hit and apparently a new car. He got it "One Piece At A Time".

In 1952, Hank and Audrey Williams divorced.

In 1950, Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters joined the Grand Ole Opry. What a difference between them and Carrie Underwood.

In 1942, Bing Crosby, the John Scott Trotter Orchestra, and the Ken Darby Singers recorded Irving Berlin's "White Christmas". This is the biggest selling record of all time.

The Grand Ole Opry Screws Up Again

Read this from allaboutcountry.com:


Grand Ole Opry Gets A New State-Of-The-Art Set Old Red Barn Replaced By 3D Lighting Elements
The Grand Ole Opry's signature Big Red Barn is gone in favor of the newly designed set.
Pictured: Keith Urban Performing On The New Opry Set.
The Opry's famed barn backdrop now features more than two dozen panels which, with newly enhanced lighting, can produce a three-dimensional appearance.
Additional enhancements include new faces for on-stage band pieces with accompanying lighting elements.
Keith Urban visited the Tuesday Night Opry earlier this month, performing in front of its new set. Upcoming Opry shows are set to include new Opry member Carrie Underwood, Montgomery Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys, Luke Bryan, Dwight Yoakam, and The Charlie Daniels Band.

I Guess His Life HAS Been A Country Song!!

Chris Cagle and his girlfriend both got to do a little time in the slammer. Read about it here:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080528/TUNEIN/80528023&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

May 28 in Country Music History

In 1983, Merle Haggard went to the top of the charts with "You Take Me For Granted".

In 1956, award winning guitarist Brent Rowan was born in Waxahachie, Texas. On that same day, Jerry Douglas, dobro virtuoso, was born in Warren, Ohio.

In 1945, John Fogerty of Credence Clearwater Revival was born in Berkeley, California. On that same day, neo-traditionalist Gary Stewart was born in Letcher County, Kentucky. If my recollections are correct, Robert Michael Greene played piano for Stewart for eight years before he became a famous dj.

I Can't Whistle.....

But I always wished I could. Earle H. Hagen, who wrote and whistled the Andy Griffith Show theme song has passed away. For a little more information about this talented man, click here:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1588130/writer-whistler-of-the-andy-griffith-show-theme-dies.jhtml

May 27 in Country Music History

In 1995, Ty Herndon was at Number One with "What Mattered Most".

In 1989, Rodney Crowell went to the top spot on the charts with "After All This Time".

In 1978, The Statler Brothers went to Number One with "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine".

In 1972, Conway Twitty scored a Number One with "(Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date".

In 1957, Jim Reeves hit the top spot on the charts with "Four Walls".

In 1939, Don Williams was born in Floydada, Texas.

In 1931, Kenny Price was born in Florence, Kentucky.

In 1925, Patsy Stoneman was born in Galax, Virginia.

In 1921, Redd Stewart was born in Ashland City, Tennessee.

Eddy Arnold's Curtain Call

Here is a good article about Eddy Arnold's last charting song:

http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1588018/has-eddy-arnold-made-his-final-chart-bow.jhtml

May 26 in Country Music History

In 2001, Loretta Lynn opened a museum at her ranch. I think it is one of the best, if not the best in the nation.

In 1984, John Conlee went to Number One with "As Long As I'm Rockin' With You".

In 1984, Onie Wheeler passed away on the Grand Ole Opry stage while performing in Jimmie Snow's Grand Ole Gospel Show. He is also the father of entertainer Karen Wheeler. If you haven't seen her perform, you have missed one of the truly great entertainers in country music. For more on Onie Wheeler, click here:

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

In 1973, Jeanne Pruett scored a Number One with the most important song of her career-"Satin Sheets".

In 1971, Keith Gattis was born. Keith was a truly great country voice and a great musician to boot.

In 1951, Lefty Frizzell went to Number One with "I Want To Be With You Always".

In 1949, Hank Williams, Jr, also know as Rockin' Randall Hank Williams, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1946, Elizabeth Jane Haaby married Casey Anderson. Liz Anderson went on to become a great songwriter-singer who a major influence on Merle Haggard's career, as well as becoming the mother of Lynn Anderson.

In 1933, The Singing Brakeman, Jimmie Rodgers, died in his hotel room in New York City. Jimmie Rodgers is considered by many to be the Father of Country Music.

In 1923, James Arness, star of "Gunsmoke", was born. Gunsmoke included many country music stars such as Ken Curtis and Shug Fisher of the Sons of the Pioneers, and Glenn Strange of the Arizona Wranglers. Happy 85th Mr. Arness. By the way, listen to this beautiful rendition of the Gunsmoke Theme, aka "The Old Trail", as performed by Duane Eddy in this tribute:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY648ZqXpgc

In 1907, Marion Robert Morrison, aka Marion Michael Morrison, aka John Wayne, aka The Duke, was born in Winterset, Iowa. The greatest movie star of them all, he gave many others plenty of work including James Arness and Ken Curtis.

May 25 in Country Music History

In 1995, Dick Curless, The Baron of Country Music died.

In 1991, Doug Stone went to Number One with "A Different Light".

In 1985, Charly McClain went to Number One with "Radio Heart".

In 1974, singer-songwriter Melba Montgomery went to Number One with "No Charge".

In 1968, "Honey" by Bobby Goldsboro went to Number One on the charts.

In 1951, Columbia Records signed Marty Robbins.

In 1947, Jessi Colter was born. For more on the First Lady of Outlaw Music, click here:

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

In 1936, Tom T. Hall was born in a log cabin in Kentucky.

In 1893, Pop Stoneman was born in Virginia.

May 24 in Country Music History

In 1986, Kenny Rogers took "Tomb of the Unknown Love" to Number One on the charts.

In 1980, Dolly Parton went to Number One with "Starting Over Again".

In 1975, Jessi Colter went to Number One with "I'm Not Lisa".

In 1955, Roseanne Cash was born.

In 1949, producer Don Cook was born.

In 1947, songwriter Mike Reid was born.

In 1945, Priscilla Beaulieu, formerly married to Elvis Presley, was born.

In 1941, Bob Dylan was born.

More Hank Williams!!

The legal stuff is over, and we will soon be able to listen to more "new" Hank Williams material from his days at WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee.

Click on the link:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1588014/hank-williams-mothers-best-recordings-finally-being-released.jhtml

May 23 in Country Music History

In 1992, Star Search Alumni Sawyer Brown went to Number One with "Some Girls Do".

In 1987, The Okane's went to Number One with "Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You".

In 1983, Rex Gosdin, of the Gosdin Brothers, died. For a little more information about the Gosdin Brothers, click here:

http://www.answers.com/topic/gosdin-brothers?cat=entertainment

In 1981, Roseanne Cash scored a Number One with "Seven Year Ache".

In 1958, Shelley West was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She and David Frizzell teamed up in the eighties to form one of the best duos of all time. I hate to think how many hits they would have racked up had they stayed together. For an interesting article on Shelley West, click here:

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

In 1953, Jim Reeves debuted on the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1951, singer-songwriter Judy Rodman was born in Riverside, California.

In 1948, Alvis Alan Owens, a.k.a. Buddy Alan and Buddy Alan Owens, was born to proud parents Buck and Bonnie Owens in Arizona.

In 1944, Ken Irwin, one of the founders of Rounder Records, was born in New York City.

In 1925, Mac Wiseman was born. I have never seen Mr. Wiseman without a smile. For more on this bluegrass and country music great, click here:

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

Former Country Music Executive D Kilpatick Has Passed Away

CMT had a very good short article about D Kilpatrick, and his importance to the country music scene over the last sixty years. To see the article, click here:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1587963/former-record-executive-d-kilpatrick-dead-at-88.jhtml

May God Bless Steven Curtis Chapman Family

In their time of bereavement, may they be in all of our prayers. Enough has been said about the tragic accident which took that cute little girl away, so let's all remember them when we say our prayers.

On another note, I am not a liberal, and I am not a die hard conservative. I know what's right, and I know what's wrong, and I know where I stand all along. Edward Kennedy is not my favorite politician in the world, but I will also pray for him in his time of need, and also for his family.

This Weekend At The Grand Ole Opry

If you are interested, you know to click here to find out about this weekend's happenings at the Grand Ole Opry:

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

May 22 in Country Music History

In 1998, Royce Kendall, one half of the duo The Kendalls, died after suffering a stroke while on tour.

In 1982, Waylon and Willie achieved the top spot on the charts with "Just To Satisfy You".

In 1976, Conway Twitty went to Number One with "After All The Good Is Gone".

In 1892, Ralph Peer, the first country music talent scout, and RCA Victor executive was born. This true pioneer of country music was the producer of the Bristol sessions that made household names of Jimmie Rodgers and A.P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter.

The Awards Show According to John

I think the Grammys and the CMAs are the two most important shows to real country music fans. Yes, we will watch anything if we get to see our country music heroes doing their thing. But any other awards shows, to me, are just something to capitalize on the popularity of music, even country music, and put some money in someone's pocket.

I have never particularly cared for the ACM awards. I view it as a vehicle for Dick Clark to make more money. Maybe there is someone there who likes country music, but I haven't heard any twang lately, and so it should be renamed the Academy of Country Pop Music Award Show.

This is not to say that the CMAs are much better. They aren't.

And the Grammys even cater to the country pop culture too much to suit my taste.

I think Kenny Chesney probably got his dander up for no reason.

What do you think? Everybody has an opinion.

May 21 in Country Music History

In 1988, Kathy Mattea went to Number One with "Eighteen Wheels and A Dozen Roses".

In 1983, "Common Man" By John Conlee was the Number One song on the charts.

In 1977, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings made their way to Number One by way of "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)".

In 1966, Gentleman Jim Reeves went to the top of the charts with "Distant Drums".

May 20 in Country Music History

In 1995, Mark Chesnutt went to Number One with "Gonna Get A Life".

In 1989, Alabama went to Number One with "If I Had You".

In 1978, Johnny Duncan went to Number One with "She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed (Anytime)".

In 1957, Marty Robbins went to Number One with "A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)".

In 1919, The Littlest Cowboy, George Gobel, star of the WLS Barn Dance and world renown comedian and actor, was born.

May 19 in Country Music History

In 1990, Clint Black scored a Number One with "Walkin' Away".

In 1979, The Bellamy Brothers had a Number One on a "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me". I was at one of their concerts one time, and they did have a lady say yes. How many of you were at that Riverfront Concert in Nashville? If you were there, you will remember.

In 1962, the great stylist George Jones went to Number One with the timeless hit "She Thinks I Still Care".

In 1951, Eddie Arnold went to Number One with "Kentucky Waltz".

In 1945, Gene Autry went to Number One with "At Mail Call Today".

In 1940, Mickey Newbury was born in Houston, Texas.

In 1921, Martha Carson was born in Neon, Kentucky.

A Picture of Audrey Williams' Grave in Montgomery, Alabama

A picture of Audrey's grave in Montgomery, Alabama.

Pictures from Hank Williams' Grave in Montgomery, Alabama

Pictures of Hank Williams' grave in Montgomery, Alabama.

Pictures from the Ryman Auditorium

Pictures of the stage and "Oh Roy!" statue inside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Pictures from the Old Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Pictures from exhibits at the old Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Obviously, these were taken before 2001.

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).

Subscribe to Our New Feed

If you are familiar with feeds (RSS, Atom, etc.), you can check out ours using the link below:

http://www.takinthecountryback.com/blog/atom.xml

Pictures of the Exhibits Inside the Ryman Auditorium

Pictures of the exhibits inside the Ryman Auditorium. These were taken a few years ago.

Pictures of the Ryman Auditorium

Pictures of the side of the Ryman Auditorium. Obviously, these were taken before the new building was constructed.

Favorite Pop Country Songs

I found this list on another website, and thought it might interest you.

Post your thoughts on the subject at the forum.

http://www.popculturemadness.com/Music/Country.html

Did You Know?????

Six songs in 1975 not only topped the country singles chart, but also the Billboard top 100.

1. "(Won't You Play) Another Done Somebody Wrong Song"-B.J. Thomas

2. "Before the Next Teardrop Falls"-Freddy Fender

3. "Rhinestone Cowboy"-Glen Campbell

4. "Thank God I'm A Country Boy"-John Denver

5. "I'm Sorry"/"Calypso"-John Denver

6. "Convoy"-C.W. McCall

May 17 in Country Music History

In 2001, the NEW Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum opened in downtown Nashville. I personally still miss the old one, and especially the Walk Of Fame where all the stars were.

In 1987, Hank Williams, Jr. went to Number One with the old Hoagie Carmichael classic, "Ain't Misbehavin'".

In 1980, Eddie Rabbit discovered he had "Gone Too Far", and wound up at Number One on the country charts.

In 1975, B.J. Thomas scored a Number One with "(Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song". Larry Butler and Chips Moman won the Grammy for writing this song.

In 1948, Penny DeHaven was born in Winchester, Virginia.

In 1947, Red Foley scored a Number One with "New Jolie Blonde (New Pretty Blonde).

In 1925, Red Smiley of Reno and Smiley was born in Marshall, N.C. What a beautiful town!!!

In 1912, Grant Turner, Grand Ole Opry announcer for 49 years, was born in Abilene, Texas.

May 16 in Country Music History

In 1996, Garth Brooks took the "Beaches of Cheyenne" to Number One on the charts.

In 1987, the Trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and EmmyLou Harris went to Number One with "To Know Him Is To Love Him".

In 1981, T.G. Sheppard went to Number One with "I Loved "Em Every One".

In 1964, Buck Owens took "My Heart Skips A Beat" to Number One on the charts.

In 1960, the legendary Hank Locklin took "Please Help Me, I'm Falling" to the Number One spot on the Billboard Charts. This ninety year old gentleman deserves to be in the Hall of Fame for this and the other many great works in his portfolio. By the way, this song was Number One for 14 weeks. Is that awesome, or what??????

In 1948, "Anytime" by the late, great Eddie Arnold was at Number One, where it resided for nine weeks.

I May Agree With Chet Flippo

Most of you know that I think Chet Flippo is not right nearly as much as I am, but I do agree with most of this article.

Read it and weep:

http://www.cmt.com/news/nashville-skyline/1587570/nashville-skyline-whos-gonna-fill-their-shoes.jhtml

I don't think there is anybody who can or will fill some of the shoes we have lost lately.

I don't think there is anybody who can fill Jones, Haggard's, Skaggs, or Gill's shoes.

I really don't think there is anybody who can fill Strait's, Tritt's, or Stuart's shoes.

So I am worried about the future of country music that doesn't rely on the newest edition of American Idol, Seventeen magazine, or the prettiest face, or the most pop sounding, or even the most profitable.

Just my two cents.........

This Weekend At The Grand Ole Opry

You know what to do to learn about this weekend's activities at the Grand Ole Opry:

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

May 15 in Country Music History

In 2008, Erin of Takinthecountryback.com has just completed her first year of law school. Thee is one proud dad here.

In 2003, June Carter Cash died in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1993, John Michael Montgomery went to Number One with "I Love The Way You Love Me".

In 1982, Ricky Skaggs joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1976, Ronnie Milsap went to Number One with "What Goes On When The Sun Goes Down".

In 1971, Ray Price added to his collection of classic country Number Ones with "I Won't Mention It Again".

In 1965, the late and great entertainer Del Reeves went to Number One with "Girl on the Billboard".

In 1954, Eddie Arnold celebrated his birthday by going to the top of the charts with "I Really Don't Want To Know".

In 1929, Eddie Arnold's father passed away, leaving the family destitute. Later the family would lose the farm and Eddie would spend the remainder of his youth in poverty. After he got into the music business, he became one of the richest, and most frugal, people in the U.S.

In 1918, Eddie Arnold was born in Henderson, Tennessee.

May 14 in Country Music History

In 1988, Eddie Raven went to the top of the charts with "I'm Gonna Get You".

In 1983, B.J. Thomas went to Number One with "Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love". I wonder whatever happened to old fashioned country music? I do like B. J. Thomas, though. More for the filler cuts on his albums than for the majority of his hits. "Most Of All", "Brown Eyed Woman", and "Rainy Night In Georgia" are three of my favorites of his cuts.

In 1977, Don Williams was at Number One with "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend".

Happy Birthday, Johnny Wright

May 13th will be the 94th birthday of one of the finest entertainers in country music.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHNNY WRIGHT.

May 13 in Country Music History

In 2000, Kenny Rogers became one of the the oldest single performers, if not the oldest, to have a number one on the charts with "Buy Me A Rose".

In 1997, Rose Carter of the Chuck Wagon Gang passed away.

In 1989, Randy Travis hit Number One with "Is It Still Over".

In 1975, Bob Wills died of pneumonia. Willie Nelson may be playing in Austin, but Bob Wills is still the King......

In 1967, Merle Haggard made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. On that same day, Buck Owens went to Number One with "Sam's Place".

In 1960, Gid Tanner of the Skillet Lickers passed away at age 74.

In 1916, Jack Anglin of Johnny and Jack was born in Columbia, Tennessee.

In 1914, Johnny Wright of Johnny and Jack was born in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

May 12 in Country Music History

In 2008, legendary gospel singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo was killed in a tragic bus accident in Missouri.

In 1990, Travis Tritt went to Number One on the charts with "Help Me Hold On".

In 1984, Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson went to Number One with "To All The Girls I've Loved Before".

In 1979, Conway Twitty went to the top spot on the charts by begging and singing "Don't Take It Away".

In 1973, Roy Clark scored a Number One with "Come Live With Me".

In 1965, Eddie Kilgallon of Ricochet was born in New York.

In 1955, Kix Brooks was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

In 1951, Hank Williams took "Cold, Cold Heart" to Number One on the charts.

In 1921, Joe Maphis was born. For more about this great guitarist, click here:

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

In 1901, The Duke of Paducah, Whitey Ford, was born.

Dottie Rambo Has Passed Away In An Accident!!

Dottie Rambo died from injuries received when her tour bus crashed in Missouri.

For more about her life and death, click here:

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

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

May 11 in Country Music History

In 2003, Minnie Snow, widow of Hank Snow, died in Nashville.

In 1999, Eddie Arnold announced his retirement. I don't think he did ever really retire, just slowed down.

In 1996, Steve Wariner joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1991, George Strait went to Number One with "If I Know Me".

In 1985, Reba McEntyre went to the top spot on the charts with "Somebody Should Leave".

In 1979, Lester Flatt passed away in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1978, Glenn Sherley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sherley was an imate in Folsom Prison when Johnny Cash recorded possibly the greatest live album ever produced. He wrote "Greystone Chapel" which Johnny Cash performed on the album, which, is in my estimation, one of the best gospel songs written in the last fifty years. For a little about this inspirational tune, click on the link:

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/2007/02/johnny-cash-at-folsom-prison-1968.html

In 1974, Sonny James went to Number One with "Is It Wrong For Loving You".

Goodbye, Eddie Arnold

For all the latest on Eddie Arnold, click here:

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

May 10 in Country Music History

In 1999, Shel Silverstein died in Key West, Florida. For more on this extremely talented individual, click on the link:

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

In 1986, The Judds went to Number One on the charts with "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days".

In 1980, EmmyLou Harris went to Number One on the charts with "Beneath Still Waters".

In 1975, Gary Stewart went to Number One with the classic "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles".

In 1969, Merle Haggard took "Hungry Eyes" to the Number One position on the charts.

In 1952, Hank Thompson took "The Wild Side of Life" to the top spot on the charts.

In 1909, Mother Maybelle Carter was born in Virginia.

Great News From The Opry

And it's not Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, or Terry Clark.

For more information about some real country (bluegrass) singers and musicians and their Opry schedule this summer, click here:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1587235/vince-gill-rhonda-vincent-join-bluegrass-nights-at-the-ryman.jhtml

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