14 – COUNTRY AND WESTERN

"If country music inspires loyalty, it does so for a very good reason. It speaks to the heart. It cuts to the bone. It stands for solidity, accessibility, believability."

Judith Fitzgerald
(The Toronto Star)

When the earliest settlers on America's east coast travelled inland, finding remote valleys in the Ozarks and Appalachian Hills, they remained sealed off from the outside world. The mere fact that there were no roads and only wagon trails and rivers for transportation purposes was a major cause of cultural isolation. Rural Scottish/Irish traditions and attitudes prevailed.

Essentially, their music was based on the traditional songs handed down from generation to generation which they had brought from the British Isles. As time passed, much of the original lyric content was altered to suit the new locales and occasions. Contemporary names of persons and places were substituted for the original designations and as speech patterns and dialects changed, the essence of the material was altered and often original versions forgotten. The most common type of song brought by Europeans was the narrative ballad made up of 4 to 8 bar stanzas (e.g. "Barbara Allen"). Musical instruments were either treasured family heirlooms or primitive homemade items.

These tiny isolated pockets of ethnic communities led to lifestyles steeped in tradition. Poverty and ignorance ran rampant yet there remained a strong belief in religious fundamentalism.

From the mid 1800's until World War One, most small rural communities experienced little or no exposure to the outside world except for the odd travelling medicine show. Many such shows were operated by medical quacks claiming the ability to cure anything from bunions to impotence with the use of the miraculous elixirs they sold. With the discovery that music and entertainment drew a crowd, musicians and singers were hired to play well known tunes. The shows became an ideal attention getting device and local entertainers were in demand. Later, politicians jumped on the bandwagon, hiring musicians and other acts to perform on the campaign trail. Through these and other modes, regional music styles spread and evolved, influencing each other.

Music had always been an important social link in rural areas. Regular gatherings known as hoedowns, featuring music and dancing gave locals the opportunity to socialize.

Around 1900, a new term - "hillbilly" was born. Originally the designation for the music styles indigenous to the Ozarks and Appalachia, it was later applied to the stereotypical image of backward country folk. An early New York tabloid article defined hillbilly as "an illiterate who has no means of support to speak of, dresses as he can, talks when he pleases, drinks whiskey when he gets it and fires off his gun as the fancy takes him." As country music began to be recorded and developed an audience, the label stuck to the music. Ralph Sylvester Peer of Okeh Records claimed to have coined the term.

With the advent of radio in the mid 1920's, rural isolation began to break down. And when radio moved into the South, many smart advertisers presented local talent to fill the spaces between commercials. Entertainers were paid little but the exposure brought about immediate notoriety. Major record companies, almost all of which were based in urban centres, absolutely refused to believe that anybody would buy such unsophisticated music. It was thought that anyone able to afford a gramophone would be much too literate to purchase a country recording. They were proved wrong. In 1922, fiddler Alexander "Eck" Robertson recorded "Sally Goodin," the first commercial recording of traditional American country music and in 1925, Vernon Dalhart's recording of "The Prisoner's Song" went to #1 for 5 weeks. It eventually sold over 7 million copies.

EARLY COUNTRY MUSIC PIONEERS

FIDDLIN' JOHN CARSON

• John Carson (March 23, 1868 - Dec. 11, 1949)
• Singer/fiddler born in Fannin County, Georgia.
• 1878 - Began playing his grandfather's fiddle.
• Worked as a jockey, decorator, elevator operator and cotton mill worker.
• Seven time "old time" fiddling champion of Georgia.
• Sept. 9, 1922 - Carson became the first hillbilly artist to perform on the infant radio station WSB, the first commercial broadcasting station in the South.
• Already in his fifties, Carson became the first nationally popular hillbilly recording artist.
• When asked to define his style, he usually replied, "Shucks, we're just a bunch of hillbillies."
• Okeh's Ralph Peer called Carson's singing "pluperfect awful."
• June 14, 1923 - Recorded his classic, "The Little Log Cabin In The Lane"(Dec., 1923)#9, backed with the instrumental, "The Old Hen Cackled And The Rooster's Going To Crow." The recording put authentic country music on the map.
• Carson often worked with The Virginia Reelers.
• 1923-1931 - Cut over 150 discs, helping to introduce generations of country and folk songs to a wider audience.
• 1934 - Became a campaign entertainer for various politicians.
• Dec. 11, 1949 - Died in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Hits include "You Will Never Miss Your Mother Until She Is Gone" (March, 1924)#2, "Fare You Well, Old Joe Clark"(May, 1924)#2 and "Old Dan Tucker"(April, 1925)#10.

VERNON DALHART

• Marion Try Slaughter (April 6, 1883 - Sept. 15, 1948)
• Singer/harmonica player born near Jefferson, Texas.
• Took his professional name from two towns in Texas - Vernon and Dalhart.
• 1910 - After attending The Dallas Conservatory Of Music, moved to New York City.
• 1912 - Sang in vaudeville and light opera productions, sometimes under the pseudonyms of Al Craver and Mack Allen.
• 1915 - Began recording for Edison.
• 1917 - Issued his first side, "Can't You Heah Me Callin', Caroline."
• Transformed himself into a hillbilly singer of mournful narratives.
• March, 1925 - His recording of "The Prisoner's Song" went to #1-5 wks., eventually selling over 7 million copies.
• During his lifetime, recorded over 5,000 tracks, selling an estimated 75 million records.
• Many of his songs were written by Carson J. Robison, who began his own career as a hillbilly artist in Britain in 1932. Dalhart's split with Robison caused his career to decline.
• 1942 - His career on the wane, Dalhart became a small town voice tutor.
• Sept. 15, 1948 - Died of a heart attack in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
• Hits include "Till The Clouds Roll By"(Aug., 1917)#10, "The Wreck Of The Old 97"(May, 1925)#4, "The Convict And The Rose"(Jan., 1926)#9, "There's A New Star In Heaven Tonight - Rudolph Valentino"(Nov., 1926)#4 and "Lucky Lindy"(Aug., 1927)#11.

THE CARTER FAMILY

• Alvin Pleasant ("A.P.") Carter (April 15, 1891 - Nov. 7, 1960)
• Singer/bassist born in Maces Springs, Virginia.
• Sara Dougherty (July 21, 1898 - Jan. 8, 1979)
• Lead singer/autoharpist born in Wise County, Virginia.
• Wife of A. P. Carter.
• Maybelle Addington (May 10, 1909 - Oct. 23, 1978)
• Guitarist/singer born in Nickelsville, Virginia.
• Sister-in-law of A. P. Carter and wife of Ezra Carter.
• June 18, 1915 - Carter and Dougherty were married.
• Aug. 1, 1927 - The trio, being discovered by talent scout Ralph Peer, first recorded for RCA in Bristol, Tennessee.
• May 9, 1928 - In the Victor studio at Camden, New Jersey, they recorded "Meet Me By Moonlight Alone" and "Little Darling Pal Of Mine."
• Recorded over 300 songs in 10 years.
• Nicknamed "The First Family Of Country Music."
• Often considered more folk than country since they refused to be packaged as a commercial act and refused to perform at The Grand Ole Opry, citing it too commercial.
• Maybelle's unique clear toned guitaristry helped promote the popularity of the instrument. Previously, single notes on a guitar were unheard of. She called her guitar style "the Carter scratch."
• The group was extremely popular between 1927 and World War Two.
• 1936 - The Carters divorced yet still performed together.
• 1936-1939 - They were joined by Maybelle's daughters - Anita, June and Helen, and A.P.'s children - Janet and Joe.
• 1943 - Disbanded, later regrouping as The Carter Sisters And Mother Maybelle.
• 1948 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1961 - Travelled with Johnny Cash's road show.
• March, 1968 - June Carter married Johnny Cash. From her previous marriage to country singer Carl Smith, she had a daughter - Carlene Carter, who later established herself as a respected country artist.
• 1970 - The original group was elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Bury Me Under The Weeping Willow"(April, 1928)#10, "Wildwood Flower"(Aug., 1928)#3, "Keep On The Sunny Side"(Oct., 1928)#9 (their radio theme) and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken (Bye And Bye)"(Aug., 1935)#17.

ROY ACUFF

• Roy Claxton Acuff (Sept. 15, 1903 - Nov. 23, 1992)
• Singer/songwriter/fiddler born in Maynardsville, Tennessee.
• Son of a Baptist minister.
• Sun exposure and a resulting nervous breakdown put an end to a pro baseball career.
• 1932-1933 - Worked with a medicine show, later forming his own band The Tennessee Crackerjacks.
• 1935 - Formed a new band called The Crazy Tennesseans.
• 1936 - First recorded for Arc/Columbia.
• 1938 - Made his debut at The Grand Ole Opry, changing his band's name to The Smokey Mountain Boys.
• Famous for his sincere mountain boy vocal style and dobro resonator guitar oriented band sound.
• Oct. 13, 1942 - Formed Acuff/Rose music publishing company in Nashville with songwriter Fred Rose (Aug. 24, 1897 - Dec. 1, 1954).
• During the 1940's, became so popular that he beat out Frank Sinatra in several polls as favourite male vocalist.
• During World War Two, one Japanese battle cry was "To hell with Roosevelt, to hell with Babe Ruth and to hell with Roy Acuff!"
• Nicknamed "The King Of Country Music."
• He sold over 30 million records during his career.
• In the 1950's, founded Hickory Records.
• His career stalled during the 1950's and 1960's.
• 1962 - Became the first living artist to be inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Great Speckle Bird"(Sept., 1938)#13, "Wabash Cannonball"(Dec., 1938)#12, "The Prodigal Son"(Feb., 1944)#4 C&W, #19, "I'll Forgive You, But I Can't Forget"(Nov., 1944)#3 C&W, (Dec., 1944)#26, "Jole Blon"(April, 1947)#4 C&W and "Once More" (March, 1958)#8 C&W.

ELTON BRITT

• James Britt Baker (June 27, 1913 - June 23, 1972)
• Singer/songwriter/yodeler/actor born in Marshall, Arkansas.
• Raised in Oklahoma.
• 1932 - Moved to Los Angeles, California where he began working in radio.
• Recorded with The Beverly Hillbillies.
• 1939 - Signed with RCA Victor, recording over 600 singles and 56 albums for the company. His first hit was the country yodelling standard, "Chime Bells."
• Sept., 1942 - His recording of "There's A Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" went to #7 nationally and became the first country crossover hit.
• Film appearances include "Laramie"(1949), "The Last Doggie" and "The Prodigal Son."
• June 23, 1972 - Died in Connellsville, Pennsylvania.
• Albums include "Yodel Songs"(1957), "Wandering Cowboy"(1962) and "Beyond The Sunset"(1963).
• Hits include "I'm A Convict With Old Glory In My Heart"(Jan., 1945)#7 C&W, "Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)"(Jan., 1946)#2 C&W, "Wave To Me My Lady"(March, 1946)#3 C&W, #19, "Blueberry Lane"(March, 1946)#4 C&W, "Detour"(May, 1946)#5 C&W and "Chime Bells"(Oct., 1948)#6 C&W.

A SELECTED LISTING OF MORE PIONEER COUNTRY RECORDINGS

• Samantha Bumgarner - "Cindy In The Meadows"(April, 1924).
• The Chuck Wagon Gang - "A Beautiful Life"(Nov., 1936).
• Joe Falcon - "Lafayette (Allons A Lafayette)"(April, 1928).
• Roy Hall & His Blue Ridge Entertainers - "Orange Blossom Special"(Nov., 1938).
• Emmett Miller - "Lovesick Blues"(June, 1928).
• Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers - "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down Blues"(July, 1925).
• Goebel Reeves - "Hobo's Lullaby"(Aug., 1934).
• Gid Tanner & His Skillet Lickers with Riley Puckett - "Soldier's Joy"(Oct., 1929).

YODELING

The yodel (or jodel) is simply the alternating of chest voice and head voice or falsetto in rapid fire. Musicologists believe that the technique was used by Alpine shepherds to call in their flocks. In the 1870's, yodeling became very popular in America after several groups of Swiss entertainers introduced it while touring the Midwest. It was immediately adapted to American country and western music. Yodeling was definitely not new by the time the great Jimmie Rodgers recorded it in the 1920's, but his records certainly furthered its popularity. Aside from his many other accomplishments, Rodgers will forever be remembered as the first country yodeler on record.

JIMMIE RODGERS

• James Charles Rodgers (Sept. 8, 1897 - May 26, 1933)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/banjo player born in Pine Springs, Mississippi.
• Raised in Meridian, Mississippi.
• Nicknamed "The Singing Brakeman" since he had worked for a number of years as a railroad brakeman. He is more often dubbed "The Father Of Country Music."
• Began performing in blackface with a medicine show.
• Collaborated with black jazz musicians on several songs.
• 1924 - Suffered a lung hemorrhage and from then on was plagued by tuberculosis.
• Aug. 4, 1927 - Made his debut recording, "The Soldier's Sweetheart"(Dec., 1927)#9 featuring his unique style of incorporating a yodel at the end of each of the final lines of a 3 line stanza 12 bar blues.
• March, 1928 - His recording of "Blue Yodel #1" (sometimes known as "T. For Texas") went to #2 nationally. Thirteen Blue Yodels in all were recorded.
• His combination of hillbilly and blues made him a true innovator in the annals of American music and the most renowned hillbilly singer of his generation.
• 1928-1929 - Toured on the Loew's and Keith vaudeville circuits.
• Rodgers developed a passion for cowboy regalia and through him, it became an identifiable image of the country music artist.
• May 26, 1933 - Died of a brain hemorrhage in New York City.
• 1961 - When The Country Music Hall Of Fame was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, Rodgers was its first inductee.
• 1977 - A U.S. postage stamp was issued in his honour.
• 1986 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "In The Jailhouse Now"(July, 1928)#14, "The Brakeman's Blues"(Aug., 1928)#7, "Blue Yodel #3"(Nov., 1928)#10, "Waiting For A Train"(April, 1929)#14 and "Roll Along Kentucky Moon"(March, 1932)#18.

THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The concept of The Grand Ole Opry was originated by George Dewey Hay (Nov. 9, 1895 - May 9, 1968), who had been one of America's foremost radio announcers and an avid fan of hillbilly music. While in Chicago, he began broadcasting his "Chicago Barn Dance" program on WLS radio in 1924. Later, when Hay became the director of WSM radio in Nashville, he debuted his new show, simply called "Barn Dance" on Nov. 28, 1925. He mc'd and was in control of the entire program. Starting on Dec. 10, 1927, its name was officially changed to "The Grand Ole Opry." Originally broadcast from the WSM studios, it was later held at The War Memorial Auditorium. In 1941, it moved to The Ryman Auditorium, finally making its permanent home at a new $15 million opera house in Opry Land U.S.A. on March 15, 1974.

During the Opry's early period, instrumental music dominated, but in the early 1930's, vocals gained in popularity. In the realm of country and western music, the Opry was all powerful. Unless the Opry officially accepted a new act, it could not technically claim to be successful in country music. When the young Elvis Presley first appeared on the scene in the mid 1950's, the Opry refused to recognize him as a legitimate country artist. Presley immediately went to its major competitor, "The Louisiana Hayride" (based in Shreveport, Louisiana since April, 1948 and broadcast on KWKH radio).

In addition to "The Louisiana Hayride," several other major programs enjoyed popularity including "The Big D. Jamboree" from Dallas, Texas and "Town Hall Party" in Los Angeles, California. Later, competition would come from Bakersfield, California and in the 1990's, Branson, Missouri. Yet, nothing can ever compete with the power and longevity of "The Grand Ole Opry."

BLUEGRASS

Bluegrass music originated in the hills of Kentucky. Essentially, it is related very closely to the old time fiddle and banjo music of traditional country and folk - often called string band music. Its roots lie in the combination of three fingered banjo playing, mandolin, Dobro resonator guitar and the harmony-singing traditions of Kentucky. The songs themselves are based on traditional mountain folk tunes and reels. Vocally, it is executed in an extremely high pitched nasal singing style, incredibly emotional in effect and often featuring strong harmonies.

Bluegrass came into prominence after World War Two. Some of the major exponents of the genre included The Stanley Brothers, Flatt And Scruggs and their Foggy Mountain Boys and much later, The Osborne Brothers. However, the greatest and most popular of them all was "The Father Of Bluegrass" - Bill Monroe. Then during the 1960's, a new progressive wave of artists electrified the genre, calling it "New Grass." And in the 1990's, bluegrass enjoyed great commercial success with the emergence of artists like Alison Krauss.

With the success of the film, "O Brother Where Art Thou" and its best selling soundtrack, bluegrass gained considerable popularity.

BILL MONROE

• William Smith Monroe (Sept. 13, 1911 - Sept. 9, 1996)
• Singer/songwriter/mandolin player/bandleader born in Rosine, Kentucky.
• Known as "The Father Of Bluegrass Music."
• As a child began playing at social events with his uncle Pendleton Vandiver, a fiddler later immortalized in Monroe's "Uncle Pen."
• 1929 - Moved to Indiana.
• 1929-1934 - Organized a band in East Chicago, Indiana with his brothers Birch Monroe (fiddle) and Charlie Monroe (June 4, 1903 - Sept. 27, 1975) (guitar).
• 1934 - Worked full time on radio WLS, Chicago.
• 1936 - First recorded as The Monroe Brothers.
• 1938 - Formed his own band The Kentuckians, later renamed The Blue Grass Boys.
• Developed the highly distinctive mandolin-guitar combination and high pitched wailing vocal technique (known as the "high lonesome sound") which have come to be associated with bluegrass music.
• 1939 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry, debuting in October of that year with a rousing rendition of "Mule Skinner Blues."
• Composer of the classic songs, "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," "Gotta Travel On" and "Uncle Pen."
• He defiantly stated that "bluegrass music is the cleanest, purest form of music in the world since there is no sex or filth in it." - 1945 - Added the driving syncopated banjo stylings of Earl Scruggs and the guitaristry of Lester Flatt to his ensemble. They remained until 1948 before going solo.
• 1950 - Switched from Columbia to Decca.
• 1951 - Worked with singer Carter Stanley (Carter Glen Stanley) (Aug. 27, 1925 - Dec. 1, 1966) of the famous Stanley Brothers.
• 1970 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1993 - Inducted into The Bluegrass Hall Of Fame.
• 1993 - Recipient of The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Sept. 9, 1996 - Died after suffering a stroke in April of the same year.
• Hits include "Kentucky Waltz"(March, 1946)#3 C&W, "Footprints In The Snow"(Dec., 1946)#5 C&W, "Little Community Church"(Nov., 1948)#11 C&W, "Toy Heart"(April, 1949)#12 C&W, "Scotland"(Nov., 1958)#27 C&W and "Gotta Travel On"(March, 1959)#15 C&W.

FLATT & SCRUGGS

• Lester Raymond Flatt (June 19, 1914 - May 11, 1979)
• Guitarist/mandolinist born in Overton County, Tennessee.
• Earl Eugene Scruggs (Jan. 6, 1924 – )
• Banjo player born in Flintville, North Carolina.
• Considered to be the greatest bluegrass duo of all time.
• 1945-1948 - Both played in Bill Monroe's band.
• Flatt's high bluegrass vocals and energetic guitar work combined with Scruggs' fluid banjo playing made them a prominent feature of the Monroe line-up.
• 1948 - Formed The Foggy Mountain Boys and began recording.
• 1949 - Recorded their classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," which later became the major theme of the 1967 film, "Bonnie And Clyde."
• Other important songs of the period include "Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms" and "Old Salty Dog Blues."
• 1955 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Dec., 1962 - Their recording of "The Ballad Of Jed Clampett" (the theme song of the TV sitcom, "The Beverly Hillbillies") went to #1-3 wks. C&W, #44 nationally.
• They enjoyed great success during the 1960's folk music boom.
• 1969 - Split, with Scruggs heading in a more commercial direction and Flatt taking the traditional route.
• 1985 - The duo was elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame."
• Hits include "'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered"(Feb., 1952)#9 C&W, "Cabin On The Hill"(June, 1959)#9 C&W, "Go Home"(Oct., 1961)#10 C&W and "Petticoat Junction"(March, 1964)#14 C&W.

THE OSBORNE BROTHERS

• Bobby Van Osborne (Dec. 7, 1931 – )
• Mandolin player/singer born in Hyden, Kentucky.
• Sonny Osborne (Oct. 29, 1937 – )
• Banjo player/singer born in Hyden, Kentucky.
• Considered to be the first of the progressive bluegrass acts.
• 1949 - Sonny began playing professionally with The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers. At age 14, he worked and recorded with Bill Monroe.
• 1953 - The brothers made their radio debut on WROL, Knoxville.
• 1956 - Signed to MGM Records and became regulars on WWVA's "Wheeling Jamboree" show.
• 1959 - Took their bluegrass show on the college circuit.
• 1963 - Signed with Decca Records, debuting a new electric style of bluegrass.
• Their music was not always welcomed by the purists because of their use of drums.
• 1964 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Bobby possesses one of the most remarkable tenor voices in the music business.
• Hits include "The Kind Of Woman I Got"(Dec., 1966)#33 C&W, "Rocky Top"(Feb., 1968)#33 C&W and "Tennessee Hound Dog"(Aug., 1969)#28 C&W.

RICKY SKAGGS

• See The Virtuosos

ALISON KRAUSS

• See New Country Females

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER BLUEGRASS RECORDINGS

• Red Allen - "Beautiful Blue Eyes."
• Buzz Busby - "Talking Banjo."
• Bill Clifton - "Walking In My Sleep."
• Mainer's Mountaineers - "Run Mountain."
• Jimmy Martin - "Bluegrass Singing Man."
• Jimmy Martin - "Widow Maker"(1964).
• New Grass Revival - "Great Balls Of Fire."
• The Stanley Brothers - "Who Will Call You Sweetheart"(1956).
• The Stanley Brothers - "The Fields Have Turned Brown"(Nov., 1949).
• The Stonemans - "Orange Blossom Breakdown."
• The Stonemans - "Shady Grove"(1966).
• Carl Storey - "Family Reunion."
• Mac Wiseman - "'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered."

THE SINGING COWBOYS

When sound films emerged, some of the biggest American heroes were the singing cowboys. The influence of the handsome white-hatted good guy on a horse combined with the new popularity of the western regalia promoted by singers A. C. "Eck" Robertson and Jimmie Rodgers caused the cowboy image to become an integral part of the country music scene and helped popularize the use of the term, "country and western music." The very first of the singing cowboys was Carl T. Sprague, but the commercial success of the genre began with the release of "The Wagon Master"(1930) when Ken Maynard became the first singing cowboy in films. Dozens of others followed suit. Gene Autry, Eddie Dean, Tex Ritter, Rex Allen and Roy Rogers all became huge stars by appearing in numerous B movies where they introduced mainstream America to classic western folk songs as well as new material especially written for the genre. Many of the songs hit both the C&W and the pop charts.

GENE AUTRY

• Orvon Gene Autry (Sept. 29, 1907 - Oct. 2, 1998)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor/producer born in Tioga Springs, Texas.
• Autry became the most successful of all the singing cowboys in films.
• 1929-1930 - Played guitar and sang on KVOO radio, Tulsa.
• Considered himself a Jimmie Rodgers imitator.
• Nicknamed "The Singing Cowboy."
• 1934 - Appeared in the Ken Maynard western, "In Old Santa Fe."
• Began appearing with his horse Champion and comedian sidekick Smiley Burnette in a string of over 90 B westerns.
• After Autry's success, singing cowboys became all the rage.
• 1939-1956 - Hosted his "Melody Ranch" radio program.
• Songwriting credits include "That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine" (Aug., 1935)#7, "Back In The Saddle Again"(1939) (his theme song) and "Here Comes Santa Claus"(Dec., 1947)#8.
• Sold over 50 million records.
• 1942 - Joined The Army Air Corps.
• By the end of World War Two, Roy Rogers had replaced him as the favourite western film hero.
• Owner of The California Angels baseball team and several record companies including Challenge Records. The instrumental group The Champs were named after Autry's horse Champion.
• 1969 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1996 - A CD collection of Autry rarities titled "Gene Autry, Blues Singer 1929-1931" was released.
• Hits include "The Last Round-Up"(Nov., 1933)#12, "South Of The Border"(Nov., 1939)#12, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (Oct., 1946)#3 C&W, "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer"(Dec., 1949) #1 C&W, #1 and "Peter Cottontail"(April, 1950)#3 C&W, #5.

ROY ROGERS & THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS

• Roy Rogers (Leonard Franklin Slye) (Nov. 5, 1912 - July 6, 1998)
• Singer/guitarist/actor born in Duck Run, Ohio.
• Part American Indian ancestry.
• Raised in Portsmouth, Ohio where he learned to play the guitar from his father.
• 1930 - Moved to the Dust Bowl and later to the West Coast.
• Sang in early groups including The Rocky Mountaineers and The Hollywood Hillbillies.
• Formed his own band, The International Cowboys.
• Rogers sometimes used the name Dick Weston.
• 1933 - Formed The Pioneer Trio which later evolved into The Sons Of The Pioneers, a vocal trio consisting of Rogers, singer/ songwriter Bob Nolan (Robert Clarence Nobles) (April 1, 1908 – ) and Tim Spencer (Vernon Spencer) (July 13, 1908 - April 26, 1974). Brothers Karl Farr (Karl Marx Farr) (April 25, 1909 - Sept. 20, 1961) and Hugh Farr (Thomas Hubert Farr) (Dec. 6, 1903–) were later added on guitar and fiddle giving the group a jazzier sound.
• Sons Of The Pioneers hits include "Tumbling Tumbleweeds"(Dec., 1934)#13, "Cool Water"(Aug., 1941)#25 (NARAS Hall Of Fame Recording) and "Room Full Of Roses"(Aug., 1949)#26, (Sept., 1949) #10 C&W.
• 1937 - Rogers went solo while the group continued with various personnel, often appearing in Rogers' films until they were replaced in 1948 by The Riders Of The Purple Sage.
• 1938 - Appeared in the film, "Under Western Skies."
• During his career, appeared in 91 films.
• Became known as "The King Of The Cowboys". His famous horse was Trigger (1932 - 1965) and his dog was Bullet.
• 1944 - Teamed for the first time with radio singer Dale Evans in the film, "Cowboy And The Senorita."
• Dec. 31, 1947 - Married Evans (Frances Octavia Smith) (Oct. 31, 1912 - Feb. 7, 2001) from Uvalde, Texas. Evans had been the vocalist for The Anson Weeks Orchestra. Together they made 101 half hour TV shows during the 1950's. Their theme song was "Happy Trails" (written by Evans as well as the classic, "The Bible Tells Me So").
• Rogers was a western crooner with a likeable mellow style.
• Visually, he promoted the cowboy craze and spiritually, he represented everything pure and wholesome in country music.
• June, 1967 - Rogers and Evans opened a museum near their home in Apple Valley, California featuring memorabilia including Trigger, stuffed in a rearing posture.
• 1980 - The Sons Of The Pioneers were elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1988 - Rogers was elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame. He remains the only artist to be inducted twice.
• 1992 - With C&W singer Clint Black, Rogers was nominated for a Vocal Event Of The Year CMA Award for "Hold On Partner" from the 1991 Rogers LP, "Tribute."
• His last session yielded the classic, "Song Of The Bandit."
• Estimated to be worth more than 100 million dollars, Rogers also opened a chain of restaurants bearing his name.
• June 6, 1998 - Died of congestive heart failure.
• Solo hits include "Hi-Yo Silver"(July, 1938)#13, "Think Of Me" (Dec., 1943)#18, "A Little White Cross On The Hill"(July, 1946)#7 C&W, "My Chickashay Gal"(March, 1947)#4 C&W, "Blue Shadows On The Trail"(June, 1948)#6 C&W, "Stampede"(Feb., 1950)#8 C&W and "Hoppy, Gene And Me"(Dec., 1974)#15 C&W.

TEX RITTER

• Maurice Woodward Ritter (Jan. 12, 1905 - Jan. 2, 1974)
• Singer/actor born in Murvaul, Texas.
• 1929 - Began singing on KPRC in Houston, Texas.
• 1931 - Appeared in the Broadway play, "Green Grow The Lilacs," the non musical precursor of "Oklahoma."
• Co-hosted the WHN Barn Dance with Ray Whitley.
• 1936-1945 - Starred in 85 western films.
• 1940 - The film, "Take Me Back To Oklahoma" featured Ritter dueting with Bob Wills on "Take Me Back To Tulsa."
• 1942 - Began his recording career, becoming the first country artist to sign with Capitol Records.
• Ritter developed a unique talk-singing baritone vocal style.
• Sept., 1952 - His recording of "High Noon" from the film of the same name went to #12.
• 1953-1960 - Co-hosted "Town Hall Party" with Johnny Bond.
• 1964 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1965 - Moved to Nashville, joining The Grand Ole Opry.
• Elected to The Cowboy Hall of Fame.
• Father of actor John Ritter.
• Jan. 2, 1974 - Died of a heart attack in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Hits include "I'm Wasting My Tears On You"(Nov., 1944)#1-6 wks. C&W, #11, "Jealous Heart"(Dec., 1944)#2 C&W, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You"(Dec., 1946)#3 C&W, "Rye Whiskey"(March, 1948)#9 C&W, "Deck Of Cards"(June, 1948)#10 C&W and "I Dreamed Of Hill-Billy Heaven"(June, 1961)#5 C&W, (July, 1961)#20.

WESTERN SWING

Simply put, western swing was the unique combination of country and big band swing music. It was characterized by an insistent heavy beat featuring jazz oriented improvisations of the steel guitar and the heavily bowed fiddle. It was rhythmic infectious dance music, often spiced with mariachi flavourings. Western swing was a way of adapting country music to a more current format. In the American Southwest, several country swing bands became popular during the 1930's. Some of the pioneer outfits included Cliff Bruner, Milton Brown and Spade Cooley. The most successful of the genre was definitely Bob Wills And His Texas Playboys.

Later, after the decline of the big western swing bands, the Bob Wills beat and fiddle style continued to influence modern country artists. Also, through Wills and his contemporaries, the steel guitar found a permanent position in modern country and western music.

BOB WILLS

• James Robert Wills (March 6, 1905 - May 13, 1975)
• Fiddle player/songwriter/bandleader born in Kosse, Texas.
• Brother of fiddler/banjoist Johnnie Lee Wills (Sept. 2, 1912 - Oct. 25, 1984) who played in his band 1933-1940.
• Nicknamed "The King Of Western Swing," a title he shared with Spade Cooley.
• 1929 - Moved to Fort Worth where he formed The Wills Texas Fiddle Band, later changing the name to The Light Crust Doughboys. Milton Brown was the group's singer.
• 1933 - Formed Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys featuring vocalist Tommy Duncan. He became famous for hollering "Ah-haah" as Duncan sang.
• With a group comprised of 13 musicians, Wills successfully managed to fuse swing with country, utilizing amplified instruments. The key to his sound was his swinging twin fiddles. Wills was heavily influenced by Mexican mariachi bands and incorporated much of their flavour into his sound.
• 1940 - Wills debuted with Tex Ritter on "Take Me Back To Tulsa" in the film, "Take Me Back To Oklahoma."
• During World War Two, the band was based in California.
• 1944 - The group shocked conservative Opry-goers with their electrified music combined with colourful western garb and defying the show's ban on drums.
• During the mid 1960's. dissolved The Texas Playboys.
• Wills suffered several heart attacks during his life.
• 1968 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• May 31, 1969 - Paralysed by a stroke.
• He lay unconscious following a severe stroke for 17 months before his death on May 13, 1975.
• Hits include "San Antonio Rose"(June, 1939)#15, "We Might As Well Forget It"(Sept., 1944)#2 C&W, #11, "Smoke On The Water"(March, 1945)#1 C&W, "Texas Playboy Rag"(Nov., 1945)#2 C&W, "Sugar Moon" (May, 1947)#1 C&W and "Faded Love"(Nov., 1950)#8.

MILTON BROWN

• (Sept. 8, 1903 - April 18, 1936)
• Bandleader/singer born in Stephenville, Texas.
• 1932 - Became the singer with Bob Wills' Light Crust Doughboys.
• 1932 - Formed his own band, Milton Brown's Musical Brownies. The line-up included fiddler Cecil Brower and jazz pianist Fred Calhoun.
• The group broadcast over Fort Worth's KTAT and became a regular featured act at The Crystal Springs Dance Pavillion.
• Late 1934 - Amplified steel guitarist Bob Dunn joined.
• 1934 - Fiddler Cliff Bruner joined.
• Brown developed a vocal style which blended Bing Crosby's intonation with Cab Calloway's jazzy style.
• Recorded for RCA Victor's Bluebird label (1934) and Decca (1935- 1936).
• April 18, 1936 - Died in Fort Worth, Texas following a car accident.
• For 2 years following his death, Brown's younger brother, guitarist Durward Brown managed to keep the group in tact.
• Hits include "St. Louis Blues"(1935), "Sweet Jenny Lee"(1935) and "Hesitation Blues."

THE GROWTH OF COUNTRY MUSIC

When B.M.I. was formed in 1941, it allowed an influx of country and western artists into the mainstream and by 1945, country music had become so popular that a poll of American armed forces listed Roy Acuff as the most popular male vocalist, beating Frank Sinatra by 3700 votes. As country gained commercial acceptance, the term "hillbilly" was rejected as uncouth, eventually replaced by the country and western designation.

By the late 1940's, country superstar Hank Williams was making inroads into mainstream pop and by the 1950's, country crossover acts like Tennessee Ernie Ford and Eddy Arnold were experiencing across the board acceptance. In the mid 1950's, country became electrified with the emergence of rockabilly artists. By 1960, over seven and a half million people had attended live broadcasts of The Grand Ole Opry.

During the 1960's, country became more citified than ever before. R&B legend Ray Charles began recording several country oriented albums featuring strings and lush choral arrangements and the great Patsy Cline urbanized country by giving it a sultry torchy feel. Some critics labelled this commercialized country as "countrypolitan." Purists objected but it was only a different approach to the music. Later, there seemed to be no end to the variations on the genre.

COUNTRY MALE ARTISTS

ERNEST TUBB

• Ernest Dale Tubb (Feb. 9, 1914 - Sept. 6, 1984)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Crisp, Texas.
• During the early 1930's, worked at radio stations in Fort Worth and San Antonio.
• 1936 - Started recording for the Bluebird label.
• 1940 - Signed with Decca Records.
• 1941 - Wrote the classic "I'm Walking The Floor Over You"(Aug., 1941)#23.
• 1943 - Moved to Nashville, joining The Grand Ole Opry.
• Film appearances include "Ridin' West"(1942), "Jamboree"(1943) and "Hollywood Barn Dance"(1947).
• Nicknamed "The Texas Troubadour."
• 1947 - On inspecting Carnegie Hall In New York, he was quoted as saying, "This place sure could hold a lot of hay."
• 1947 - Noticing that many stores didn't stock country records, he opened The Ernest Tubb Record Shop. Later, his WSM Midnight Jamboree shows were broadcast directly from the shop.
• 1952-1954 - Toured the Far East.
• 1965 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Sept. 6, 1984 - Died of emphysema in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Hits include "Soldier's Last Letter"(May, 1944)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1944)#16, "Filipino Baby"(Nov., 1946)#2 C&W, "Slippin' Around"(July, 1949)#1 C&W, (Nov., 1949)#17, "Blue Christmas" (Dec., 1949)#1 C&W, #21 and "I Love You Because"(Feb., 1950)#2 C&W.

HANK WILLIAMS

• Hiram King Williams (Sept. 17, 1923 - Jan. 1, 1953)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Mount Olive, Alabama (near the Georgia line).
• Self taught on the guitar as a child, his biggest influence was black street singer Rufus Payne.
• 1935 - Moved to Montgomery, Alabama.
• Billed as "The Singing Kid," he had his own radio show on WSFA in Montgomery.
• 1936 - Formed his backup band The Drifting Cowboys.
• 1946 - Signed to Sterling Records in New York City.
• 1947 - Signed with MGM.
• April, 1948 - Signed to an exclusive Acuff-Rose writer's contract.
• 1948-1949 - Worked as a regular on The Louisiana Hayride.
• 1949-1952 - Worked on The Grand Ole Opry.
• May 26, 1949 - His son Randall Hank Williams (later taking the name Hank Williams Jr.) was born. The mother was Audrey Williams (Audrey Sheppard Guy), whom Williams divorced in May, 1952.
• Oct., 1952 - Married Billie Jean Jones Eshliman at a public ceremony in front of 28,000 people.
• During the 1950's, many pop artists such as Jo Stafford, Frankie Laine and Tony Bennett recorded his songs.
• A charismatic performer and incredibly gifted songwriter, Williams was able to chill the listener to the bone. He set the style for numerous country male artists to follow.
• Aug., 1952 - Fired from The Opry because of his erratic behavior due to his dependence on liquor and drugs. He suffered from back and heart ailments as well as marital problems.
• Jan. 1, 1953 - Died in the back seat of his Cadillac en route to a performance in Canton, Ohio. It is suspected that he died of an overdose of drugs and alcohol.
• 1961 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1965 - His total singles sales had exceeded 20 million and his album sales were between 2 and 3 million.
• 1987 - Awarded The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
• 1987 - Elected to The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Move It On Over"(Aug., 1947)#4 C&W, "Lovesick Blues"(March, 1949)#1-16 wks. C&W, (May, 1949)#24, "Why Don't You Love Me"(June, 1950)#1-10 wks. C&W, "Cold Cold Heart"(March, 1951)#1 C&W, (April, 1951)#27, "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)"(June, 1951)#2 C&W, "Hey Good Lookin'"(July, 1951) #1-8 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1951)#29, "Half As Much"(May, 1952)#2 C&W, "Jambalaya"(Aug., 1952)#1-14 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1952)#20, "You Win Again"(Nov., 1952)#10 C&W, "Kaw-Liga"(Feb., 1953)#1-13 wks. C&W, #23, "Your Cheatin' Heart"(Feb., 1953)#1-6 wks. C&W, (March, 1953)#25 and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"(June, 1966)#43 C&W.

RED FOLEY

• Clyde Julian Foley (June 17, 1910 - Sept. 19, 1968)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Blue Lick, Kentucky.
• 1930 - After winning a talent show, he moved to Chicago to join John Lair's Cumberland Ridge Runners on WLS radio's "National Barn Dance" show.
• 1939 - Co-hosted the "Avalon Time" radio program with Red Skelton.
• 1941 - Signed a lifetime contract with Decca Records.
• 1946-1954 - He was a member of The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1954-1960 - Hosted the "Ozark Jubilee" TV show.
• Famous for his gospel recordings, one of best collections being "Beyond The Sunset"(1956).
• His daughter Shirley married singer Pat Boone.
• 1961-1962 - Appeared in the ABC TV series, "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington."
• 1967 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Sept. 19, 1968 - Died in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Hits include "Smoke On The Water"(Aug., 1944)#1-13 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1944)#7, "New Jole Blonde"(April, 1947)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy"(Jan., 1950)#1-13 wks. C&W, #1-8 wks., "Choc'late Ice Cream Cone"(June, 1950)#5 C&W, "Peace In The Valley"(July, 1951)#5 C&W, "Alabama Jubilee"(Nov., 1951)#3 C&W, (Dec., 1951)#28 and "Jilted"(May, 1954)#7 C&W.

EDDY ARNOLD

• Richard Edward Arnold (May 15, 1918 – )
• Singer/guitarist born near Henderson, Tennessee.
• 1936 - Made his radio debut in Jackson, Tennessee.
• 1940-1943 - Became singer/guitarist with Pee Wee King's band.
• 1944 - Signed as a solo artist with RCA.
• Became known as "The Tennessee Ploughboy."
• Because of his smooth mellow voice, his recordings hit both the pop and country charts.
• Arnold was one of the first country males to adopt a suit and tie image.
• 1966 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1967 - Named Billboard's #1 Country Album Artist.
• June 19, 1976 - Became the first artist to accumulate 100 hits on the C&W chart.
• Hits include "Each Minute Seems A Million Years"(June, 1945)#5 C&W, "Anytime"(March, 1948)#1-9 wks. C&W, (May, 1948)#17, "Bouquet Of Roses"(May, 1948)#1-19 wks. C&W, (June, 1948)#13, "Just A Little Lovin'"(Aug., 1948)#1-8 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1948) #13, "I Really Don't Want To Know"(Jan., 1954)#1 C&W, "The Cattle Call"(June, 1955)#1-2 wks. C&W, (July, 1955)#42, "You Don't Know Me"(Sept., 1956)#10 C&W, "Make The World Go Away"(Oct., 1965)#1-3 wks. C&W, #6 and "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye"(Aug., 1968)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1968)#84.

HANK SNOW

• Clarence Eugene Snow (May 9, 1914 - Dec. 20, 1999)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Father of evangelist Jimmy Snow.
• 1926 - Age 12, ran away from home to escape an abusive father, working as a fisherman.
• 1930 - Purchased a $5.95 guitar from Eaton's catalogue and began performing around Liverpool.
• 1934 - Performed on CHNS radio in Halifax, Nova Scotia as "Hank The Singing Ranger."
• 1936 - Began recording for RCA Victor Canada.
• 1944 - Moved to the U.S., working on The Wheeling Jamboree.
• His backup group was The Rainbow Ranch Boys.
• Worked in Hollywood, California with his performing horse Shawnee.
• Jan., 1950 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• In the early 1950's, became a partner with Colonel Tom Parker in The Jamboree Attractions booking agency.
• 1979 - Inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1986 - Ended his association with RCA when his contract was not renewed. During his career, he recorded over 100 albums for RCA.
• 1997 - The Hank Snow Country Music Centre was opened in Liverpool.
• Famous for his flashy rhinestone costumes.
• Dec. 20, 1999 - Died at his home in Tennessee.
• 2000 - Inducted into The Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame in Calgary.
• Hits include "I'm Movin' On"(July, 1950)#1-21 wks. C&W, #27, "I Don't Hurt Anymore"(May, 1954)#1-20 wks. C&W, (July, 1954)#22, "I've Been Everywhere"(Sept., 1962)#1-2 wks. C&W, #68 and "Hello Love"(Feb., 1974)#1 C&W.

TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD

• Ernest Jennings Ford (Feb. 13, 1919 - Oct. 17, 1991)
• Singer/comedian/TV host born in Bristol, Tennessee.
• 1937-1941 - Worked as staff announcer at WOAI radio in Bristol.
• In the early 1940's, worked as a disc jockey in Atlanta and Knoxville.
• Sang with Cliffie Stone's quartet on "The Hometown Jamboree" radio programs.
• 1948 - Went solo, signing with Capitol Records.
• Nov., 1955 - His classic recording of "Sixteen Tons" went to #1- 10 wks. C&W, #1-8 wks.
• 1955-1965 - Hosted his own TV variety series.
• 1964 - Won a Grammy Award for his LP, "Great Gospel Songs."
• 1976 - Split with Capitol Records, recording TV marketed albums.
• Ford possessed one of the most resonant soulful baritone voices in pop music history.
• Noted for his significant contribution to gospel music, out of the 124 albums he recorded, 84 were religious. His first such album simply titled "Hymns"(1956) stayed on the Billboard charts for 300 consecutive weeks.
• Famous for his country humour and delightful "Cousin Ern'" character.
• Hits include "Tennessee Border"(April, 1949)#8 C&W, "Mule Train" (Nov., 1949)#1-4 wks. C&W, #9, "Shot Gun Boogie"(Dec., 1950)#1-14 wks. C&W, (Jan., 1951)#14, "River Of No Return"(Aug., 1954)#9 C&W, "That's All"(Feb., 1956)#17, (March, 1956)#12 C&W and "Hicktown"(June, 1965)#9 C&W.

FERLIN HUSKY

• (Dec. 3, 1925 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/comedian born in Flat River, Missouri.
• Began as a disc jockey in St. Louis, Missouri.
• Discovered by Tennessee Ernie Ford's manager Cliffie Stone.
• Recorded humourous discs under the alter ego Simon Crum.
• July, 1953 - Husky had a #1 C&W hit with "A Dear John Letter" (with Jean Shepard) which rose to #24 nationally in Oct. of 1953. He recorded it under the pseudonym Terry Preston.
• Feb., 1957 - His recording of "Gone" went to #1-10 wks. C&W, (March, 1957)#4.
• Nov., 1958 - Under the name Simon Crum, he had a #2 C&W hit with "Country Music Is Here To Stay."
• His backup band was The Hush Puppies.
• Film appearances include "Mr. Rock & Roll"(1957) and "Country Music Holiday"(1958).
• He turned in a critically acclaimed dramatic performance on TV's "Kraft Theater."
• 1977 - Suffered a stroke.
• Hits include "A Fallen Star"(July, 1957)#8 C&W, #47, "Wings Of A Dove"(Sept., 1960)#1-10 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1960)#12, "Once"(Dec., 1966)#4 C&W, "Just For You"(Dec., 1967)#4 C&W and "Heavenly Sunshine"(May, 1970)#11 C&W.

DON GIBSON

• Donald Eugene Gibson (April 3, 1928 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Shelby, North Carolina.
• Writer of the classic heartbreak songs, "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Sweet Dreams" and "Oh Lonesome Me."
• 1942 - Age 14, began performing professionally.
• 1946 - Moved to Knoxville, becoming a featured performer on WNOX's "Tennessee Barn Dance."
• 1954 - Signed on as a songwriter for Acuff-Rose.
• 1957 - Signed with RCA.
• 1958 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1970 - Left RCA for Hickory.
• Although a crossover artist, Gibson remained a purist, resentful of rock's infiltration of country.
• Hits include "Sweet Dreams"(Aug., 1956)#9 C&W, "Oh Lonesome Me" (Feb., 1958)#1-8 wks. C&W, (March, 1958)#7, "I Can't Stop Loving You"(March, 1958)#7 C&W, (Feb., 1958)#81, "Blue Blue Day"(June, 1958)#1-2 wks. C&W, #20, "Who Cares"(Feb., 1959)#3 C&W, (Jan., 1959)#43, "Just One Time"(March, 1960)#2 C&W, #29, "Sea Of Heartbreak"(June, 1961)#2 C&W, #21 and "Woman (Sensuous Woman)" (June, 1972)#1 C&W.

SONNY JAMES

• James Loden (May 1, 1929 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/fiddler born in Hackleburg, Arkansas.
• 1933 - Age 4, began touring with his 4 sisters, billed as The Loden Family.
• In his teens, won several fiddle contests.
• 1947-1957 - Featured vocalist with a Dallas, Texas radio show.
• 1952 - Signed with Capitol Records as a solo artist.
• Dec., 1956 - His recording of "Young Love" went to #1-9 wks. C&W, #1 nationally.
• Nicknamed "The Southern Gentleman."
• Film appearances include "Second Fiddle To A Steel Guitar," "Nashville Rebel" and "Hillbillys In A Haunted House"(1967).
• Hits include "That's Me Without You"(Feb., 1953)#9 C&W, "For Rent"(March, 1956)#7 C&W, "First Date, First Kiss, First Love" (March, 1957)#25, (April, 1957)#9 C&W, "The Minute You're Gone" (July, 1963)#9 C&W, (Aug., 1963)#95, "It's The Little Things" (Sept., 1967)#1-5 wks. C&W, "Is It Wrong (For Loving You)"(March, 1974)#1 C&W and "Come On In"(Aug., 1976)#8 C&W.

LEFTY FRIZZELL

• William Orville Frizzell (March 31, 1928 - July 19, 1975)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Corsicana, Texas.
• Brother of singer David Frizzell (Sept. 26, 1941 – ).
• Nicknamed Lefty during his career as a Golden Gloves champion boxer.
• Dubbed "The Honky Tonk Singer."
• April, 1951 - His recording of "I Want To Be With You Always" went to #1-11 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1951)#29.
• 1962 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• He was a great influence to many singers including Merle Haggard and George Strait.
• His career suffered because of alcohol problems.
• July 19, 1975 - Died of a stroke in Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1982 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "If You've Got The Money, I've Got The Time"(Oct., 1950)#1-3 wks. C&W, "I Love You A Thousand Ways"(Nov., 1950)#1-3 wks. C&W, "Always Late (With Your Kisses)"(Aug., 1951)#1-12 wks. C&W, "The Long Black Veil"(June, 1959)#6 C&W, "Saginaw Michigan" (Jan., 1964)#1-4 wks. C&W, #85 and "She's Gone, Gone, Gone"(May, 1965)#12 C&W.

FARON YOUNG

• (Feb. 25, 1932 - Dec. 10, 1996)
• Singer born in Shreveport, Louisiana.
• 1949 - Appeared in the film, "Stampede."
• 1951 - Worked on The Louisiana Hayride with Webb Pierce.
• 1951 - First recorded with Tillman Franks & His Rainbow Boys on the Gotham label.
• 1952 - Went solo.
• Jan., 1953 - His recording of "Goin' Steady" went to #2 C&W.
• 1956 - Appeared in the film, "Hidden Guns."
• Nicknamed "The Young Sheriff" and his band was called The Country Deputies.
• Founder and one time publisher of Nashville's Music City News.
• Other film appearances include "Daniel Boone, Trail Blazer" (1956), "Country Music Holiday"(1958) and "Road To Nashville" (1967).
• Dec. 10, 1996 - Committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
• Hits include "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young"(April, 1955)#1-3 wks. C&W, "Alone With You"(June, 1958)#1-13 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1958)#51, "Riverboat"(Nov., 1959)#4 C&W, (Jan., 1960)#83, "Hello Walls"(March, 1961)#1-9 wks. C&W, (April, 1961)#12, "It's Four In The Morning"(Dec., 1971)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1972)#92 and "Some Kind Of A Woman"(March, 1974)#8 C&W.

JIMMY DEAN

• Seth Ward (Aug. 10, 1928 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist/TV host born in Plainview, Texas.
• Nicknamed "The Long Tall Texan."
• 1938 - Age 10, began his musical career, learning guitar, accordion and piano.
• 1948 - Worked with The Tennessee Haymakers in Washington, D.C.
• 1952 - Formed his Texas Wildcats.
• 1952 - Signed with 4 Star Records.
• Famous for his dramatic narrative songs.
• 1957 - Signed with Columbia Records.
• 1957-1958 - Hosted his own CBS TV series.
• 1963-1966 - Hosted his own ABC TV series.
• During the 1970's, became a sausage entrepreneur.
• Became the 11th inductee into The Texas Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Bumming Around"(March, 1953)#5 C&W, "Big Bad John" (Oct., 1961)#1-2 wks. C&W, #1-5 wks., "P.T. 109"(March, 1962)#8, (April, 1962)#3 C&W and "I.O.U."(May, 1976)#9 C&W, #35.

BILL ANDERSON

• James William Anderson (Nov. 1, 1937 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Columbia, South Carolina.
• 1957 - Worked as a disc jockey and sportswriter in Commerce, Georgia.
• Composed numerous songs with Harlan Howard. He later dueted regularly with Howard's wife, Jan Howard.
• Wrote "City Lights" for Ray Price, "Once A Day" for Connie Smith and "Saginaw Michigan" for Lefty Frizzell.
• His songwriting brought a new realism to country music.
• Nicknamed "Whispering Bill" because of his thin vocal style.
• His band was called The Po' Boys.
• 1961 - Joined The Grand Old Opry.
• Film appearances include "Las Vegas Hillbillies"(1966) and "The Road To Nashville"(1967).
• Hits include "Tip Of My Fingers"(June, 1960)#7 C&W, "Mama Sang A Song"(July, 1962)#1-7 wks. C&W, (Oct., 1962)#89, "Still"(Feb., 1963)#1-7 wks. C&W, (April, 1963)#8, "8x10"(Aug., 1963)#2 C&W, #53, "I Love You Drops"(Feb., 1966)#4 C&W, "World Of Make Believe"(Dec., 1973)#1 C&W and "I Can't Wait Any Longer"(April, 1978)#4 C&W.

RAY PRICE

• Ray Noble Price (Jan. 12, 1926 – )
• Singer born in Perryville, Texas.
• Raised in Dallas, Texas.
• 1948 - Worked on "Hillbilly Circus" on KRBC, radio Abilene.
• 1950 - Made his recording debut on Jim Bulleit's Bullet label.
• 1951 - Signed with Columbia Records.
• A Hank Williams protégé.
• Nicknamed "The Cherokee Cowboy."
• His backing band, The Cherokee Cowboys had been formed from the remnants of Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys.
• By 1967, he was recording with a 47 piece orchestra.
• Price was successful on both the country and pop charts.
• Oct., 1996 - When he was inducted into The CMA Hall Of Fame, he casually stated, "it's about time."
• Hits include "Talk To Your Heart"(May, 1952)#3 C&W, "Crazy Arms" (May, 1956)#1-20 wks. C&W, (Dec., 1956)#67, "My Shoes Keep Walking Back To You"(July, 1957)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Oct., 1957)#63, "City Lights"(July, 1958)#1-13 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1958)#71, "Invitation To The Blues"(July, 1958)#3 C&W, (Sept., 1958)#92, "Make The World Go Away"(Aug., 1963)#2 C&W, #100, "Night Life" (Oct., 1963)#28 C&W, "For The Good Times"(June, 1970)#1 C&W, (Aug., 1970)#11 and "Diamonds In The Stars"(Nov., 1981)#9 C&W.

GEORGE JONES

• George Glenn Jones (Sept. 12, 1931 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in the "Big Thicket" Piney Woods region of Saratoga, Texas.
• One of 8 children.
• During World War II, the family moved to Beaumont, Texas.
• 1953 - Made his recording debut after discharge from the marines.
• Oct., 1955 - His recording of "Why Baby Why" went to #4 C&W.
• 1956 - Worked on The Louisiana Hayride.
• Recorded rockabilly material under the pseudonyms Hank Smith and Thumper Jones.
• March, 1959 - His recording of "White Lightning" went to #1-5 wks. C&W, (May, 1959)#73.
• In the mid 1960's, recorded with Gene Pitney as George & Gene.
• Nicknamed "The Rolls Royce Of Country Singers" and "Possum."
• 1969-1975 - Married to singer Tammy Wynette. Because of his heavy drinking and destructive lifestyle, his marriage collapsed and he became a shallow caricature of himself.
• 1969 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1979 - Missed 54 of his concerts.
• By the 1980's, Jones had turned his life around and reclaimed his reputation as the greatest interpreter of country music.
• 1992 - Inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1995 - Reunited as a duo on stage, record and video with Tammy Wynette.
• 1996 - Released his best-selling autobiography.
• 1998 - Waged a war with new country radio stations because many pure country artists including himself were not getting any airplay.
• March, 1999 - Hospitalized after a near fatal car crash. He was found to be DWI.
• Hits include "Just Once More"(Oct., 1956)#3 C&W, "Who Shot Sam" (July, 1959)#7 C&W, #93, "Tender Years"(June, 1961)#1-7 wks. C&W, (July, 1961)#76, "The Race Is On"(Sept., 1964)#3 C&W, (Jan., 1965)#96, "Walk Through This World With Me"(Jan., 1967)#1-2 wks. C&W, "I'll Share My World With You"(March, 1969)#2 C&W, "The Grand Tour"(June, 1974)#1 C&W, "Bartender's Blues"(Jan., 1978)#6 C&W, "He Stopped Loving Her Today"(April, 1980)#1 C&W, "I Always Get Lucky With You"(May, 1983)#1 C&W and "Choices"(Aug., 1999).
• See Tammy Wynette for a listing of duet hits.

JOHNNY CASH

• John R. Cash (Feb. 26, 1932 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Kingsland, Arkansas.
• Raised on a Federal Government resettlement colony in Dyess, Tennessee.
• 1944 - Age 12, wrote his first song.
• 1950-1954 - Served in the U.S. Air Force in Landsberg, Germany. He learned to play guitar in his barracks and joined his first performing band, The Landsberg Barbarians.
• 1955 - Formed a trio with guitarist Luther Perkins and bassist Marshall Grant and began recording for Sun Records. Billed as Johnny Cash And The Tennessee Two, they had a minor hit with "Hey Porter."
• June, 1956 - His classic recording of "I Walk The Line" went to #1-6 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1956)#17.
• 1956 - Along with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, he jammed at the Sun recording studio. The session was recorded and later dubbed "The Million Dollar Quartet."
• 1957 - Worked on both The Louisiana Hayride and The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1958 - Played a maniacal killer in the B movie, "Five Minutes To Live."
• Cash managed to overcome the drug related problems which plagued much of his life.
• Famous for his concerts at various prisons.
• Nicknamed "The Man In Black."
• March, 1968 - Married singer June Carter.
• 1969-1971 - Hosted his own ABC TV variety series.
• 1969 - Winner of 6 Country Music Association Awards.
• Jan., 1977 - Cash is awarded The Special Award Of Merit at The American Music Awards.
• Daughter Rosanne Cash (May 24, 1955 – ) and stepdaughter Carlene Carter are both successful C&W recording artists.
• 1980 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1983 - After 28 years with Columbia Records, he was dropped from the label.
• May, 1987 - Signed to Mercury Records.
• Dec. 19, 1988 - Underwent double bypass open-heart surgery.
• Dec. 5, 1990 - Named a Grammy Living Legend by NARAS.
• 1994 - Released his landmark Grammy Award winning "American Recordings" album produced by rap producer Rick Rubin.
• Oct., 1996 - Released his emotional "Unchained" album featuring the stunning "Spiritual" and featuring guest artists Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Mick Fleetwood and Marty Stuart.
• 1996 - Became a Kennedy Centre Honouree.
• Nov., 1997 - Diagnosed with Shy-Drager syndrome Parkinson's Disease.
• Feb. 24, 1999 - Recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
• Hits include "Folsom Prison Blues"(Feb., 1956)#4 C&W, "There You Go"(Dec., 1956)#1-5 wks. C&W, "Ballad Of A Teenage Queen"(Jan., 1958)#1-10 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1958)#14, "Guess Things Happen That Way"(May, 1958)#1-8 wks. C&W, (June, 1958)#11, "Don't Take Your Guns To Town"(Jan., 1959)#1-6 wks. C&W, #32, "The Rebel - Johnny Yuma"(June, 1961)#24 C&W, "Ring Of Fire"(June, 1963)#1-7 wks. C&W, #17, "Orange Blossom Special"(Feb., 1965)#3 C&W, #80, "Daddy Sang Bass"(Dec., 1968)#1-6 wks. C&W, #42, "A Boy Named Sue"(July, 1969)#1-5 wks. C&W, #2, "What Is Truth"(April, 1970)#3 C&W, #19, "Sunday Morning Coming Down"(Aug., 1970)#46, (Sept., 1970)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Man In Black"(March, 1971)#3 C&W, #58 and "Highwayman" (May, 1985)#1 C&W (with Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings).

KENNY ROGERS

• Kenneth Donald Rogers (Aug. 21, 1938 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Houston, Texas.
• 1958 - With The Scholars, a band he formed in high school, he had a regional hit with "That Crazy Feeling."
• Later, became the bassist for a jazz ensemble called The Bobby Doyle Trio.
• During the mid 1960's, he was a member of The Kirby Stone Four and The New Christy Minstrels.
• 1967 - Formed the rock group The First Edition. Hits include "Just Dropped In"(Feb., 1968)#5, "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town"(June, 1969)#6, "Reuben James"(Sept., 1969)#26, "Something's Burning"(Feb., 1970)#11 and "Tell It All Brother"(July, 1970)#17.
• With The First Edition, hosted the TV variety series, "Rollin'."
• 1973 - Went solo.
• 1976 - Became a country music artist.
• Jan., 1977 - His recording of "Lucille" went to #1-2 wks. C&W, (March, 1977)#5.
• Film appearances include "The Gambler"(1980), "Six Pack"(1982) and "Coward Of The County."
• Famous for his whispery, hoarse vibrato-laden voice.
• 1993 - Diagnosed with hepatitis C.
• Hits include "The Gambler"(Oct., 1978)#1-3 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1978) #16, "She Believes In Me"(April, 1979)#1-2 wks. C&W, #5, "You Decorated My Life"(Sept., 1979)#1-2 wks. C&W, #7, "Coward Of The County"(Nov., 1979)#1-3 wks. C&W, #3, "Lady"(Oct., 1980)#1 C&W, #1-6 wks., "I Don't Need You"(June, 1981)#1-2 wks. C&W, #3, "We've Got Tonight"(Jan., 1983)#1 C&W, #6 (with Sheena Easton), "Islands In The Stream"(Aug., 1983)#1-2 wks., (Sept., 1983)#1-2 wks. C&W (with Dolly Parton), "Crazy"(Dec., 1984)#1 C&W, (Jan., 1985)#79 and "Morning Desire"(Oct., 1985)#1 C&W, (Nov., 1985)#72.

COUNTRY FEMALE ARTISTS

PATSY MONTANA

• Rubye Blevins (Oct. 30, 1914 - May 3, 1996)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
• Educated at The University Of West L. A.
• Became a radio singer and was a member of The Montana Trio.
• Appeared in several films.
• 1933 - Moved to Chicago and became the vocalist with the jazz influenced string band, The Kentucky Ramblers.
• 1935 - Her backup band was The Prairie Ramblers.
• Nicknamed "The Cowboy's Sweetheart" after her famous self-penned hit, "I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart"(Jan., 1936)#10. The recording is said to be the first million seller by a country female.
• 1934-1952 - Appeared regularly on the "National Barn Dance" radio show.
• 1941 - Split from The Prairie Ramblers.
• 1946-1947 - Hosted her own ABC radio show, "Wake Up And Smile."
• From the 1950's on, in and out of retirement.
• 1971 - Made her first appearance on The Grand Ole Opry.
• Famous for her yodeling.
• May 3, 1996 - Died of heart failure at her home in San Jacinto, California.

KITTY WELLS

• Muriel Ellen Deason (Aug. 30, 1919 – )
• Singer born in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Nicknamed "The Queen Of Country Music."
• 1935 - Began singing on WSIX radio, Nashville.
• 1937 - Married banjoist/fiddler Johnny Wright (May 13, 1914 – ). Their children are singers Bobby Wright (March 30, 1942 – ) and Ruby Wright (Oct. 27, 1939 – ).
• 1938 - Joined the duo of Johnny & Jack (husband Johnny Wright and Jack Anglin).
• 1942 - Wright changed her name to Kitty Wells after an old folk song called "Sweet Kitty Wells."
• 1947-1953 - The trio were members of The Louisiana Hayride.
• 1949 - Began her solo recording career.
• July, 1952 - Her classic recording of "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" went to #1-6 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1952)#27. The song was an answer to Hank Thompson's "The Wild Side Of Life." It was the first time a female artist had topped the country charts.
• 1952 - The trio joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1954-1965 - Wells was Billboard's #1 Country Music Female Artist Of The Year.
• 1959 - Signed a lifetime contract with Decca Records.
• 1969 - With Wright, began starring in "The Kitty Wells/Johnny Wright Family Show" on TV.
• 1976 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1991 - Received The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Hits include "The Things I Might Have Been"(Feb., 1953)#22, "Makin' Believe"(March, 1955)#2 C&W, "I Can't Stop Loving You" (March, 1958)#3 C&W, "Jealousy"(July, 1958)#7 C&W, #78, "Heartbreak U.S.A."(May, 1961)#1-4 wks. C&W and "You Don't Hear" (April, 1965)#4 C&W.

PATSY CLINE

• Virginia Patterson Hensley (Sept. 8, 1932 - March 5, 1963)
• Singer born in Gore, Virginia (50 miles outside of Winchester).
• 1948 - Began singing in Nashville clubs.
• March 7, 1953-March, 1957 - Married to Gerald Cline.
• Sept. 30, 1954 - Signed a 2 year contract with 4 Star Records.
• Jan. 5, 1955 - Debut recording session.
• Nov. 8, 1956 - Recorded her classic "Walkin' After Midnight" (Feb., 1957)#12, (March, 1957)#2 C&W.
• Jan. 28, 1957 - Won on "The Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts" TV show.
• Sept. 15, 1957 - Married Charlie Dick.
• Nov., 1957 - Voted "The Most Promising Country Female Artist" by Billboard Magazine.
• Jan. 9, 1960 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• June 14, 1961 - Seriously injured in a car crash, resulting in extensive plastic surgery on her face.
• Nov., 1962 - Voted "Star Country Performer Of The Year."
• Cline possessed a rich resonant voice which she utilized to the maximum in an intimate torchy style which crossed all musical boundaries. One critic called her "a silver throated country queen with a big chesty Kate Smith sound."
• She revolutionized country music by using strings in some of her recordings (a style often termed "countrypolitan").
• Patsy Cline was the first country female to successfully rival the male dominated realm of country music by topping the bill.
• She changed the stereotypical look of the country female by appearing in high fashion gowns and sporting modern hairstyles.
• March 5, 1963 - Died in a plane crash near Patterson, Tennessee. Also on board were her manager Randy Hughes and fellow artists Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas.
• 1973 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1985 - Portrayed by Jessica Lange in the biopic, "Sweet Dreams."
• 1993 - A Patsy Cline postage stamp was issued as part of the American legends series.
• Hits include "I Fall To Pieces"(April, 1961)#1-2 wks. C&W, (May, 1961)#12, "Crazy"(Oct., 1961)#9, (Nov., 1961)#2 C&W, "She's Got You"(Jan., 1962)#14, (March, 1962)#1-5 wks. C&W, "Leavin' On Your Mind"(Jan., 1963)#83, (Feb., 1963)#8 C&W, "Sweet Dreams (Of You)" (April, 1963)#44, (May, 1963)#5 C&W and "Faded Love"(Aug., 1963) #96, (Sept., 1963)#7 C&W.

BRENDA LEE

• Brenda Mae Tarpley (Dec. 11, 1944 – )
• Singer born in Lithonia, Georgia.
• 1950 - Age 6, began singing professionally.
• Nicknamed "Little Miss Dynamite."
• 1956 - Signed to Decca Records as a pop artist, not going strictly country until 1971.
• Pop hits include "One Step At A Time"(March, 1957)#43, (April, 1957)#15 C&W, "Dynamite"(July, 1957)#72, "Sweet Nothin's"(Dec., 1959)#4, "I'm Sorry"(May, 1960)#1-3 wks., "That's All You Gotta Do"(June, 1960)#6, "I Want To Be Wanted"(Sept., 1960)#1, "Emotions"(Dec., 1960)#7, "You Can Depend On Me"(March, 1961)#6, "Dum Dum"(June, 1961)#4, "Fool #1"(Oct., 1961)#3, "Break It To Me Gently"(Jan., 1962)#4, "Everybody Loves Me But You"(April, 1962) #6, "All Alone Am I"(Sept., 1962)#3, "Losing You"(April, 1963)#6, "As Usual"(Dec., 1963)#12 and "Coming On Strong"(Oct., 1966)#11.
• Lee's gutsy powerhouse vocals influenced many pop, country and rock females. Much of her early output had a decided rockabilly flavour.
• After 1966, her pop career tapered off and Lee returned to her country roots.
• Country hits include "Nobody Wins"(Feb., 1973)#5 C&W, (March, 1973)#70, "Sunday Sunrise"(Aug., 1973)#6 C&W, "Wrong Ideas"(Jan., 1974)#6 C&W, "Big Four Poster Bed"(July, 1974)#4 C&W, "Rock On Baby"(Nov., 1974)#6 C&W, "He's My Rock"(April, 1975)#8 C&W, "Tell Me What It's Like"(Oct., 1979)#8 C&W and "Broken Trust"(Sept., 1980)#9 C&W.

SKEETER DAVIS

• Mary Frances Penick (Dec. 30, 1931 – )
• Singer born in Dry Ridge, Kentucky.
• With her friend Betty Jack Davis, she formed The Davis Sisters.
• Aug., 1953 - The Davis Sisters' recording of "I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know" went to #1-8 wks. C&W.
• Aug. 2, 1953 - Betty Jack Davis died in a car crash. Skeeter tried unsuccessfully to continue with Betty Jack Davis' sister Georgia.
• 1956 - Went solo using the name Skeeter Davis.
• Feb., 1958 - Her recording of "Lost To A Geisha Girl" went to #15 C&W.
• 1959 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Davis has toured with Eddy Arnold, Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones.
• Married first to TV's "Nashville Now" host Ralph Emery, then to bassist Joey Stampinato of the jazz/rock group NRBQ in 1987.
• 1973 - A confirmed revolutionary, Davis was suspended by The Opry for openly criticizing the Nashville Police Dept. on WSM radio.
• 1988 - Diagnosed with breast cancer resulting in mastectomy.
• Since 1953, Davis has recorded more than 30 LP's.
• Hits include "Set Him Free"(March, 1959)#5 C&W, "(I Can't Help You) I'm Falling Too"(Aug., 1960)#2 C&W, #39, "My Last Date (With You)"(Dec., 1960)#5 C&W, #26, "The End Of The World"(Dec., 1962) #2 C&W, (Jan., 1963)#2, "I Can't Stay Mad At You"(Sept., 1963)#7, (Oct., 1963)#14 C&W, "Gonna Get Along Without You Now"(May, 1964) #8 C&W, #48, "A Dear John Letter"(March, 1965)#11 C&W (with Bobby Bare), "What Does It Take (To Keep A Man Like You Satisfied)" (July, 1967)#5 C&W and "I'm A Lover (Not A Fighter)"(Dec., 1969) #9 C&W.

LORETTA LYNN

• Loretta Webb (April 14, 1935 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Butcher Hollow, near Paintsville, Kentucky.
• Sister of singer Crystal Gayle.
• Jan. 10, 1948 - Married O. V. Lynn (Oliver Vanetta "Doolittle" Lynn) (aka: Moonshine "Mooney" Lynn) (1927 - Aug. 22, 1996).
• In the early 1950's, moved to Custer, Washington, forming a band with her guitarist brother Jay Lee Webb.
• June, 1960 - Her debut recording, "Honky Tonk Girl" went to #14 C&W.
• 1962 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• By 1963, age 28, she was a mother of 6 and a grandmother.
• 1960-1968 - Toured with The Wilburn Brothers.
• Lynn was a close friend of Patsy Cline shortly before her death.
• 1967, 1972 & 1973 - CMA Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1972 - Became the first female to become CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• With Conway Twitty, 3 time winner of Duo Of The Year Award.
• One of the few country singers to be courted by the press, she appeared on the cover of Newsweek Magazine.
• Nicknamed "The Coal Miner's Daughter."
• 1980 - Her runaway best selling autobiography, "Coal Miner's Daughter" became a major motion picture starring Oscar winner Sissy Spacek.
• Jan., 1985 - Received The American Music Award Of Merit.
• 1988 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• 1997 - Her twin daughters Peggy and Patsy (1965 – ) began recording as The Lynns.
• Loretta Lynn is one of the last of the pure country female vocalists. Her voice and her songs reflect the sheer honesty of her art.
• Hits include "Success"(July, 1962)#6 C&W, "You Ain't Woman Enough"(June, 1966)#2 C&W, "Don't Come Home A' Drinkin'"(Nov., 1966)#1 C&W, "Fist City"(Feb., 1968)#1 C&W, "Your Squaw Is On The Warpath"(Oct., 1968)#3 C&W, "Woman Of The World"(Feb., 1969)#1 C&W, "Coal Miner's Daughter"(Oct., 1970)#1 C&W, (Dec., 1970)#83, "You're Lookin' At Country"(July, 1971)#5 C&W, "One's On The Way" (Dec., 1971)#1-2 wks. C&W, "The Pill"(Feb., 1975)#5 C&W and "She's Got You"(Feb., 1977)#1 C&W.

TAMMY WYNETTE

• Virginia Wynette Pugh (May 5, 1942 - April 6, 1998)
• Singer/songwriter born in Itawamba County, Mississippi (near Tupelo).
• 1959 - Married construction worker Euple Byrd and worked as a hairdresser.
• 1965 - Worked on the "Country Boy Eddy" TV show on WBRC, Birmingham.
• 1966 - Moved to Nashville where she hooked up with producer/ songwriter Billy Sherrill who changed her name and signed her to Epic.
• Dec., 1966 - Her recording of "Apartment #9" went to #44 C&W.
• 1968, 1969 & 1970 - CMA Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• Feb. 16, 1969-March 13, 1975 - Married to country superstar George Jones. The marriage was plagued by problems sparked by Jones' alcoholic binges.
• Hits with George Jones include "Take Me"(Dec., 1971)#9 C&W, "The Ceremony"(July, 1972)#6 C&W, "We're Gonna Hold On"(Sept., 1973) #1-2 wks. C&W, "(We're Not) The Jet Set"(Feb., 1974)#15 C&W, "Golden Ring"(June, 1976)#1 C&W and "Near You"(Dec., 1976)#1-2 wks. C&W.
• Oct., 1968 - Her classic "Stand By Your Man" went to #1 C&W and #19 nationally on Nov., 1968. It was the biggest selling record by a country female to date.
• Nicknamed "The First Lady Of Country Music."
• 1978 - The victim of a kidnapping at a Nashville shopping mall.
• Married 5 times, the last time to producer George Richey on July 6, 1978.
• 1982 - Her life story was turned into a feature film called "Stand By Your Man" starring Annette O'Toole.
• 1995 - Reunited as a duo on stage, record and video with George Jones.
• During her career, sold over 30 million records, had 39 top C&W hits and won 3 CMA Awards.
• April 6, 1998 - Died of a blood clot in the lungs.
• Hits include "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad"(March, 1967)#3 C&W, "I Don't Wanna Play House"(Aug., 1967)#1-3 wks. C&W, "D.I.V.O.R.C.E."(May, 1968)#1-3 wks. C&W, (June, 1968)#63, "Singing My Song"(April, 1969)#1-2 wks. C&W, #75, "He Loves Me All The Way"(May, 1970)#1-3 wks. C&W, (June, 1970)#97, "Bedtime Story"(Jan., 1972)#1 C&W, #86, "Kids Say The Darndest Things" (April, 1973)#1 C&W, (June, 1973)#72, "You And Me"(Aug., 1976)#1- 2 wks. C&W and "Another Chance"(March, 1982)#8 C&W.

DOLLY PARTON

• Dolly Rebecca Parton (June 19, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter/banjoist/guitarist/actress born in Sevier County, Tennessee.
• 1957 - Age 11, worked on radio in Knoxville.
• 1957 - Began recording for Gold Band Records.
• 1964 - Moved to Nashville where she signed with Monument. Her first hit was "Dumb Blonde"(1967).
• May 30, 1966 - Married Carl Dean in Catoosa County, Georgia.
• 1967-1974 - Replaced Norma Jean on the Porter Wagoner TV show.
• 1969 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Parton developed an angelic high pitched vocal style featuring strong bluegrass elements.
• Dec., 1970 - Enjoyed her first #1 C&W hit with "Joshua."
• 1974 - Split from Wagoner to go solo.
• Famous for her stunning good looks, infectious bubbly personality and incredible hourglass figure.
• Film appearances include "Nine To Five"(1980), "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas"(1982), "Rhinestone"(1984) and "Steel Magnolias"(1989).
• 1978 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• July 16, 1986 - Opened "Dollywood," a 400 acre theme park.
• 1987 - Hosted her own TV variety series.
• Hits include "Coat Of Many Colours"(Oct., 1971)#4 C&W, "Jolene" (Nov., 1973)#1 C&W, (Jan., 1974)#60, "Love Is Like A Butterfly" (Aug., 1974)#1 C&W, "Here You Come Again"(Oct., 1977)#1-5 wks. C&W, #3, "Two Doors Down"(March, 1978)#1-2 wks. C&W, (April, 1978)#19, "9 To 5"(Nov., 1980)#1 C&W, #1-2 wks., "But You Know I Love You"(April, 1981)#1 C&W, #41, "I Will Always Love You"(July, 1982)#1 C&W, #53 and "Islands In The Stream"(Aug., 1983)#1-2 wks., (Sept., 1983)#1-2 wks. C&W (with Kenny Rogers).

DOTTIE WEST

• Dorothy Marie Marsh (Oct. 11, 1932 - Sept. 4, 1991)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in McMinnville, Tennessee.
• Early 1950's - Studied music at Tennessee Tech where she met future husband, steel guitarist Bill West.
• Mid 1950's - Moved to Cleveland, Ohio where they worked on local TV.
• May 23, 1958 - Gave birth to daughter Shelly West who later became a country singer.
• 1959 - Signed with Starday Records, later Atlantic.
• 1963 - Signed to RCA where her career blossomed.
• 1964 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Aug., 1964 - Her recording of "Here Comes My Baby" went to #10 C&W. It later became a pop hit for Perry Como.
• Sept., 1973 - Her self penned "Country Sunshine" went to #2 C&W, #49 and became a popular coke commercial.
• Composed over 400 songs and commercials.
• Helped further the careers of Larry Gatlin and Steve Wariner.
• During the 1970's, posed as the centrefold for several leading adult magazines.
• Film appearances include, "Second Fiddle To A Steel Guitar" and "There's A Still On The Hill."
• 1978 - Began teaming with Kenny Rogers on several successful duo hits including "Every Time Two Fools Collide"(Feb., 1978)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Anyone Who Isn't Me Tonight"(Sept., 1978)#2 C&W, "All I Ever Need Is You"(Feb., 1979)#1 C&W and "What Are We Doin' In Love"(April, 1981)#1 C&W, (March, 1981)#14.
• Hits include "Let Me Off At The Corner"(Nov., 1963)#29 C&W, "Love Is No Excuse"(March, 1964)#7 C&W (with Jim Reeves), "Would You Hold It Against Me"(March, 1966)#5 C&W, "Paper Mansions"(March, 1967)#8 C&W, "Last Time I Saw Him"(March, 1974)#8 C&W, "A Lesson In Leavin'"(Feb., 1980)#1 C&W and "Are You Happy Baby?"(Dec., 1980)#1 C&W.

EMMYLOU HARRIS

• (April 2, 1947 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Birmingham, Alabama.
• During the late 1960's, worked as a folk singer in Washington, D.C.
• 1969 - Made her recording debut on Jubilee Records.
• Toured with country rock pioneer Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers until Parsons' death in 1973.
• 1973 - Had a breakthrough with hit album, "Pieces Of The Sky."
• 1975 - Formed her own group The Hot Band, at times featuring ace guitarist James Burton and future country superstar Ricky Skaggs.
• Famous for her fragile beauty and crystal clear pure country soprano.
• Jan. 8, 1977 - Married her record producer Brian Ahern in Nova Scotia, Canada who had produced her 1975 LP, "Pieces Of The Sky."
• 1985 - Recorded a concept album titled "The Ballad Of Sally Rose" co-written by her future husband, British songwriter Paul Kennerley.
• Feb., 1987 - As Trio, with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, had a #1 C&W hit with a remake of Phil Spector's "To Know Him Is To Love Him."
• 1988 - Appeared in the film, "Baja Oklahoma."
• Hits include "If I Could Only Win Your Love"(July, 1975)#4 C&W, (Aug., 1975)#58, "Sweet Dreams"(Oct., 1976)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Two More Bottles Of Wine"(April, 1978)#1 C&W, "Beneath Still Waters" (March, 1980)#1 C&W and "(Lost His Love) On Our Last Date"(Oct., 1982)#1 C&W.

BARBARA MANDRELL

• (Dec. 25, 1948 – )
• Singer/multi-instrumentalist born in Houston, Texas.
• Instruments played include bass, sax, banjo and steel guitar.
• During the 1960's, played on TV with several major artists including Red Foley and Johnny Cash.
• 1971 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1972 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1980-1982 - Hosted her own TV variety series featuring her sisters Louise and Irlene.
• 1980 & 1981 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1984 - Miraculously recovered after suffering severe injuries in a car crash.
• Many of her hits were reworkings of R&B standards and her earthy vocal style owes much to the 1960's soul divas.
• Oct., 1997 - Retired from music to concentrate on acting.
• 1977 - Portrayed by Maureen McCormick in a TV movie.
• Hits include "Tonight My Baby's Coming Home"(Dec., 1971)#10 C&W, "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Wanna Be Right"(Feb., 1979)#1 C&W, (March, 1979)#31, "Years"(Dec., 1979)#1 C&W, "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool"(May, 1981)#1 C&W and "One Of A Kind Pair Of Fools"(Aug., 1983)#1 C&W.
• Recommended track - "Sure Feels Good"(1987).

TANYA TUCKER

• Tanya Denise Tucker (Oct. 10, 1958 – )
• Singer/actress born in Seminole, Texas.
• Raised in Wilcox, Arizona.
• 1969 - Appeared on the "Lew King" TV series in Phoenix, Arizona.
• 1972 - Appeared in the film, "Jeremiah Johnson."
• May, 1972 - Her recording of "Delta Dawn" went to #6 C&W, (July, 1972)#72.
• Even as a youngster, Tucker was famous for her raunchy, earthy vocal style.
• 1996 - Released her autobiography, "Nickel Dreams."
• Hits include "What's Your Mama's Name"(March, 1973)#1 C&W, (May, 1973)#86, "Blood Red And Goin' Down"(July, 1973)#1 C&W, (Aug., 1973)#74, "Would You Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)"(Jan., 1974)#1 C&W, (Feb., 1974)#46, "San Antonio Stroll"(Aug., 1975)#1 C&W, "Just Another Love"(July, 1986)#1 C&W and "Strong Enough To Bend"(July, 1988)#1 C&W.
• Recommended track - "Don't Go Out"(1990) (with T. Graham Brown).

COUNTRY GROUPS & DUOS

THE DELMORE BROTHERS

• Alton Delmore (Dec. 25, 1908 - June 9, 1964)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/fiddler born in Elkmont, Alabama.
• Rabon Delmore (Dec. 3, 1910 - Dec. 4, 1952)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/fiddler born in Athens, Alabama.
• 1931 - Made their recording debut.
• 1932-1938 - Appeared regularly on The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1938-1939 - Worked on WPTF Raleigh, North Carolina.
• 1939-1942 - Worked on WAPI Birmingham, Alabama.
• Recorded on RCA's Bluebird label, later on Syd Nathan's King label.
• Famous for their close harmony and well defined guitaristry.
• 1971 - Elected to The Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Freight Train Boogie"(Dec., 1946)#2 C&W, "Blues Stay Away From Me"(Sept., 1949)#1 C&W and "Pan American Boogie" (Feb., 1950)#7 C&W.

THE STATLER BROTHERS

• 1955 - Vocal group formed in Staunton, Virginia.
• Consisting of Lew DeWitt (tenor), Don Reid (lead), Philip Balsley (baritone) and Harold Reid (bass).
• Harold and Don Reid are brothers.
• 1955 - Three of the group (with Joe McDorman, later being replaced with Don Reid) sang together locally.
• The gospel-steeped group was originally known as The Four Stars, later The Kingsmen, later changing their name so as not to be confused with the rock group with the same name.
• Became the Statler Brothers named after Statler tissues of Virginia.
• 1963-1971 - Toured with Johnny Cash, also appearing regularly on Cash's ABC-TV series.
• Sept., 1965 - Their recording of "Flowers On The Wall," written by DeWitt went to #2 C&W, (Nov., 1965)#4.
• They became the premier country vocal group of their time.
• 1972-1978 - The group won the CMA Vocal Group Of The Year Award for six consecutive years.
• 1979 - Again won the CMA Vocal Group Of The Year Award.
• 1982 - DeWitt retired, replaced by Jimmy Fortune.
• Hits include "Bed Of Roses"(Nov., 1970)#9 C&W, (Jan., 1971)#58, "I'll Go To My Grave Loving You"(June, 1975)#3 C&W, (Nov., 1975) #93 and "Elizabeth"(Dec., 1983)#1 C&W.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

• After World War Two, the group originated as The Country Cutups, performing regularly around Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
• 1957 - Reformed by Smitty Gatlin as The Oak Ridge Quartet.
• April, 1961 - Began a successful career as a gospel vocal group, winning several Grammys.
• From the early 1970's, they have charted numerous country hits.
• Definitive line-up consisting of Duane Allen (April 29, 1944 – ) (lead), Joe Bonsall (tenor), Richard Sterban (bass) and Steve Sanders (1953 - June 10, 1998) (baritone).
• Nov., 1980 - Their "Greatest Hits" album was released going platinum by April, 1982.
• 1987 - Former baritone Bill Golden, he of the long shaggy gray hair and beard went solo, later returning in Jan. of 1996.
• 1995 - Sanders quit.
• June 10, 1998 - Sanders died, the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
• Hits include "Y'All Come Back Saloon"(July, 1977)#3 C&W, "You're The One"(Dec., 1977)#2 C&W, "Elvira"(April, 1981)#1 C&W, (May, 1981)#5, "Bobbie Sue"(Jan., 1982)#1 C&W, #12, "American Made" (Feb., 1983)#1 C&W, (March, 1983)#72 and "This Crazy Love"(June, 1987)#1 C&W.

THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

• 1965 - Country/folk rock group formed in Long Beach, California.
• Originally named Illegitimate Jug Band.
• Consisting of singer/guitarist Jeff Hanna (July 11, 1947 – ), banjoist John McEuen (Dec. 19, 1945 – ), Jimmie Fadden (March 9, 1948 – ), Bruce Kunkel, Ralph Taylor Barr, Leslie Steven Thompson, Chris Darrow, John Cable and Jackie Clark.
• Jackson Browne was briefly a member.
• 1966 - Signed with Liberty Records.
• Their sound was a curious mixture of folk, rock, hillbilly, blues, jugband, cajun and country.
• 1976 - Hanna left and the group shortened its name to The Dirt Band.
• 1977 - Became the first American rock band to tour The Soviet Union.
• The group crosses musical boundaries with ease, helping to break down musical barriers. Unfortunately, they achieved considerable less chart action than they deserved.
• Hits include "Mr. Bojangles"(Nov., 1970)#9, "I Saw The Light" (Nov., 1971)#56 C&W (with Roy Acuff), "Long Hard Road (The Sharecropper's Dream)"(May, 1984)#1 C&W and "Fishin' In The Dark" (July, 1987)#1 C&W.
• Recommended triple album - "Will The Circle Be Unbroken"(1972) featuring a host of legendary country artists.

THE VIRTUOSOS

The following is a selected listing of some of the finest musicians in the field of country music. Although Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer are strictly instrumentalists, the other artists are as equally well known for their talents as composers and vocalists.

CHET ATKINS

• Chester Burton Atkins (June 20, 1924 - June 30, 2001)
• Guitarist/fiddler/producer born in Luttrell, Texas.
• 1933 - Age 9, began playing guitar.
• 1942 - Began working on WNOX radio backing comedian/vocalists Archie Campbell and Bill Carlisle.
• For 5 years, worked exclusively on radio.
• 1946 - His debut release was "Guitar Blues."
• 1950 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he became a producer.
• 1953 - Recorded his best known recording, "Country Gentleman."
• 1957-1968 - RCA's A&R manager in Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1968-1981 - Acted as vice president of RCA.
• World renowned guitarist, famous for his tasteful laid back style and three fingered picking technique.
• Responsible for the development of the Nashville sound, a blend of country and pop.
• 1973 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Mr. Sandman"(Jan., 1955)#13 C&W, "Boo Boo Stick Beat"(Sept., 1959)#49, "Yakety Axe"(June, 1965)#4 C&W, (July, 1965)#98 and "Prissy"(Oct., 1966)#30 C&W.

PETE DRAKE

• (Oct. 8, 1932 - July 29, 1988)
• Pedal-steel guitarist/producer born in Atlanta, Georgia.
• 1951 - Began playing steel guitar, later forming his own band The Sons Of The South.
• 1959 - Moved to Nashville, becoming one of country's foremost session musician/record producer/music publishers.
• Often billed as Pete Drake & His Talking Guitar because of his ability to make the instrument sound like it is forming words.
• 1968 - Became president of his Stop Records.
• Recorded with Elvis Presley, The Monkees and Perry Como and numerous country artists.
• Worked on Bob Dylan's "John Wesley Harding"(1968) and "Nashville Skyline"(1969) albums.
• Biggest solo hit was "Forever"(March, 1964)#25.

FLOYD CRAMER

• (Oct. 27, 1933 - Dec. 31, 1997)
• Session pianist/composer from Samti, Louisiana.
• Raised in Huttig, Arkansas.
• 1938 - Age 5, began playing piano.
• 1951 - Joined KWKH Shreveport's Louisiana Hayride.
• 1953-1954 - Recorded briefly for Abbott Records.
• 1955 - Moved to Nashville, working on sessions for Chet Atkins.
• Toured with Elvis Presley.
• 1955 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Since 1960, recorded over 40 albums for RCA.
• Dec. 31, 1997 - Died of cancer.
• Hits include "Last Date"(Oct., 1960)#2, (Nov., 1960)#11 C&W, "On The Rebound"(March, 1961)#4, "San Antonio Rose"(June, 1961)#8 C&W, #8, "Chattanooga Choo Choo"(Jan., 1962)#36 and "Dallas" (March, 1980)#32 C&W.

MERLE TRAVIS

• (Nov. 29, 1917 - Oct. 20, 1983)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Rosewood, Kentucky.
• A former marine.
• Worked with The Tennessee Tomcats and The Georgia Wildcats.
• 1943 - Participated in the first recordings for the King label under the pseudonym Bob McCarthy.
• 1946 - Moved to California.
• 1947 - Recorded the classic "Folk Songs Of The Hills" LP.
• Wrote the hit songs "Sixteen Tons" and "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette."
• Perfected a complex finger style guitar technique, later becoming the inspiration for many guitarists including Chet Atkins.
• 1970 - Elected to The Nashville Songwriter's Hall Of Fame.
• 1977 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Oct. 20, 1983 - Died in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
• Hits include "Cincinnati Lou"(June, 1946)#2 C&W, "Divorce Me C.O.D."(Sept., 1946)#1-14 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1946)#25, "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed"(Jan., 1947)#1-14 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1947) #21, "Merle's Boogie Woogie"(March, 1948)#7 C&W and "Wildwood Flower"(June, 1955)#5 C&W (with Hank Thompson).

JERRY REED

• Jerry Reed Hubbard (March 20, 1937 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Atlanta, Georgia.
• 1945 - Age 8, began learning guitar.
• 1955 - Began recording in a rockabilly vein for Capitol Records.
• 1959 - Served in the military.
• During the 1960's, worked as a session guitarist in Nashville.
• Wrote "Guitar Man" and "U.S. Male" for Elvis Presley.
• In the early 1970's, worked on "Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour" TV series.
• 1970 & 1971 - Won the CMA Instrumentalist Of The Year Award.
• Film appearances include "Gator"(1976), "Smokey And The Bandit" (1977) and "Hot Stuff"(1979).
• Hits include "Amos Moses"(Oct., 1970)#16 C&W, #8, "When You're Hot, You're Hot"(May, 1971)#1-5 wks. C&W, #9, "Lord, Mr. Ford" (May, 1973)#1 C&W and "She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft)" (July, 1982)#1-2 wks. C&W.

ROY CLARK

• (April 15, 1933 – )
• Singer/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/actor/comedian born in Meherrin, Virginia.
• 1949 and 1950 - Won The National Country Music Banjo Competition. - 1955 - Joined The Town And Country Jamboree.
• 1959 - Guitarist/arranger for Wanda Jackson.
• During the 1950's and 1960's, appeared regularly on several TV series including "The Jimmy Dean Show" and "The Beverly Hillbillies."
• June, 1963 - His recording of "Tips Of My Fingers" went to #45, (July, 1963)#10 C&W.
• 1969 - Became a regular in the cast of TV's "Hee-Haw."
• 1973 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1976 - Became the first country entertainer to perform in The Soviet Union.
• 1987 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• An amazing musician with a warm, soulful voice.
• Hits include "Yesterday When I Was Young"(June, 1969)#9 C&W, #19, "I Never Picked Cotton"(June, 1970)#5 C&W, "Come Live With Me" (Feb., 1973)#1 C&W, (May, 1973)#89 and "If I Had To Do It All Over Again"(Jan., 1976)#2 C&W.

RICKY SKAGGS

• (July 18, 1954 – )
• Singer/guitarist/mandolinist/fiddler/arranger born in Cordell, Kentucky.
• 1959 - Age 5, began playing the mandolin.
• 1969 - Along with singer/guitarist Keith Whitley, joined Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys.
• 1971 - Recorded his first album, "Tribute To The Stanley Brothers" with Keith Whitley.
• 1974 - Worked with the bluegrass group The Country Gentlemen in Washington, D.C.
• 1975-1978 - Recorded with his progressive bluegrass band Boone Creek.
• 1977 - Replaced Rodney Crowell in Emmylou Harris' Hot Band for 3 years, playing mandolin, guitar and fiddle.
• 1981 - Married Sharon White.
• 1981 - Signed with Epic, recording the "Waitin' For The Sun To Shine" album.
• Famous for his fast picking and impressive high tenor vocals, Skaggs retained the semblance of tradition in country music.
• Between 1982 and 1986, had 10 #1 C&W hits.
• 1982 - CMA Male Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1985 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• Hits include "Crying My Heart Out Over You"(Jan., 1982)#1 C&W, "I Don't Care"(May, 1982)#1 C&W, "Heartbroke"(Sept., 1982)#1 C&W, "Highway 40 Blues"(April, 1983)#1 C&W, "Uncle Pen"(July, 1984)#1 C&W and "Cajun Moon"(Jan., 1986)#1 C&W.

COUNTRY PERSONALITIES

Country humour, constantly under attack from sophisticated factions, has often been an important link between the audience and the music, sometimes with the humour as an element in the music. Back in the 1940's, Sarah Ophelia Colley (Oct. 25, 1912 - March 4, 1996) made her debut at The Grand Ole Opry in the guise of Minnie Pearl, an adorable cornball comedienne. She remained a well respected staple of the country music scene until her death. Around the same time, the dynamic Judy Canova (Nov. 20, 1916 – ) created a rather slicked up version of the same character. She immediately became known as "The Queen Of The Ozarks," performing her cornpone comedy and hillbilly vocals in a string of delightful B movies. Both Canova and the lovable Cousin Minnie Pearl (with her ever present price tag dangling from her hat) helped promote a positive country image to the masses. That same lighthearted approach was also utilized by artists like Grandpa Jones (Louis Marshall Jones) (1914 - Feb. 20, 1998) , Archie Campbell and Gordie Tapp. Later, with the popularity of TV's "Hee-Haw," country humour served as the basis for showcasing the top country music acts.

Probably the most popular country humourist is the wacky Ray Stevens who satirizes everything from the streaking fad to "The People's Court."

RAY STEVENS

• Ray Ragsdale (Jan. 24, 1939 – )
• Singer/songwriter/comedian/musician born in Clarksdale, Georgia.
• Studied music theory and composition at Georgia State University.
• 1958 - Signed with Bill Lowry's music publishing company.
• June, 1962 - His novelty recording of "Ahab The Arab" went to #5 nationally.
• During the late 1960's, he was a regular on TV's "Andy Williams Show."
• 1970 - Hosted his own TV variety series.
• 1973-1974 - Appeared on the "Music Country" TV show.
• Jan., 1977 - His hilarious recording of "In The Mood" (listed as The Henhouse Five Plus Two) went to #40.
• He became the #1 C&W novelty recording artist for more than 30 years.
• Hits include "Mr. Businessman"(Aug., 1968)#28, "Gitarzan"(April, 1969)#8, "Everything Is Beautiful"(April, 1970)#1-2 wks., (May, 1970)#39 C&W, "The Streak"(April, 1974)#3 C&W, #1-3 wks., "Misty" (March, 1975)#3 C&W, (April, 1975)#14, "Shriner's Convention" (Feb., 1980)#7 C&W, "Mississippi Squirrel Revival"(Dec., 1984) #20 C&W and "Would Jesus Wear A Rolex"(May, 1987)#41 C&W.

COUNTRY CROSSOVER ARTISTS

Several country artists such as Tennessee Ernie Ford, Patsy Cline and Kenny Rogers were able to vacillate between the pop and country charts with great ease due to their overwhelming accessibility. Although they have often been attacked by purists, the mere fact that they do cross over onto the pop charts proves that country need not be confined to one specific categorization, style or attitude. The crossover artist is often the introductory element in widening the target market for the country music industry.

SLIM WHITMAN

• Otis Dewey Whitman (Jan. 20, 1924 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Tampa, Florida.
• Left handed guitarist.
• Began as a professional baseball player before World War II.
• 1946 - Began his radio career.
• 1948 - Pursued a career in baseball.
• 1949 - Played with The Light Crust Doughboys.
• 1949 - Began recording on RCA.
• 1950 - Debuted on The Louisiana Hayride.
• 1952 - Signed with Imperial and garnered a strong following in Britain after performing at The London Palladium.
• July 30, 1954 - Elvis Presley's first stage appearance was as the opening act for Whitman in Memphis, Tennessee before an audience of 2,000.
• July, 1955 - His recording of "Rose Marie" stayed at the #1 position in the UK for an unprecedented 11 weeks.
• His forte is his distinctive high tenor, punctuated with well developed yodeling techniques.
• His commercial strength is his compilation LP sales.
• Hits include "Indian Love Call"(July, 1952)#2 C&W, #9, "Rose Marie"(May, 1954)#4 C&W, #22 and "More Than Yesterday"(Oct., 1965)#8 C&W.

MARTY ROBBINS

• Martin David Robinson (Sept. 26, 1925 - Dec. 8, 1982)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Glendale, Arizona.
• Nicknamed "Mr. Teardrop."
• 1948 - After his discharge from the navy, he hosted his own radio show with The K-Bar Cowboys.
• 1952 - Began his recording career with Columbia Records with the release of "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone."
• 1953 - Became a regular on The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1955 - He made Chuck Berry's "Maybelline" a country hit.
• 1958 - Starred in the film, "Buffalo Gun."
• Famous for his resonant voice and western narrative songs which became as popular on the pop as well as the country charts.
• Dec. 8, 1982 - Died of a heart attack.
• 1983 - Inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "I'll Go On Alone"(Dec., 1952)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Singing The Blues"(Sept., 1956)#1-13 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1956)#17, "A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation)"(April, 1957)#2, (May, 1957)#1-5 wks. C&W, "The Story Of My Life"(Nov., 1957)#1-4 wks. C&W, #15, "El Paso"(Nov., 1959)#1-7 wks. C&W, #1-2 wks. (the first Grammy ever awarded country song), "Big Iron"(March, 1960) #5 C&W, #26, "Don't Worry"(Jan., 1961)#3, (Feb., 1961)#1-10 wks. C&W, "Devil Woman"(July, 1962)#16, (Aug., 1962)#1-8 wks. C&W, "Ribbon Of Darkness"(April, 1965)#1 C&W, "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife"(Feb., 1970)#1 C&W, (March, 1970)#42 and "Among My Souvenirs"(Sept., 1976)#1 C&W.

JOHNNY HORTON

• (April 3, 1925 - Nov. 5, 1960)
• Singer born in Los Angeles, California.
• Cousin of singer Keith Stegall.
• Raised in Tyler, Texas.
• 1948 - Had his own spot on Shreaveport's KWKH radio billed as "The Singing Fisherman."
• 1951 - Joined The Louisiana Hayride.
• Married Hank Williams' widow Billie Jean Jones.
• 1956 - Signed with Columbia Records.
• April, 1959 - His classic "Battle Of New Orleans" went to #1-10 wks. C&W, #1-6 wks. nationally. Because of its anti-British lyric content, the song was banned on Canadian radio stations during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. It was composed by Jimmy Driftwood based on a folk tune titled "The Eighth Of January."
• Horton's possessed a unique raucous rockabilly vocal style.
• Nov. 5, 1960 - Died when a drunk driver hit his car head-on in Louisiana while en route to Nashville.
• Hits include "Honky-Tonk Man"(May, 1956)#9 C&W, "I'm A One Woman Man"(Sept., 1956)#7 C&W, "When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's Forty Below)"(Jan., 1959)#1 C&W, "Johnny Reb"(Aug., 1959)#54, (Sept., 1959)#10 C&W, "Sink The Bismarck"(March, 1960)#6 C&W, #3, "North To Alaska"(Sept., 1960)#4, (Nov., 1960)#1-5 wks. C&W and "Sleepy-Eyed John"(March, 1961)#54, (April, 1961)#9 C&W.

STONEWALL JACKSON

• (Nov. 6, 1932 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist born in Tabor City, North Carolina.
• A direct descendent of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.
• As a youth, playing guitar and writing songs became a hobby.
• 1949 - Age 17, joined the U.S. Navy as a cabin boy where he practiced his guitaristry.
• 1956 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• May, 1959 - His recording of "Waterloo" went to #4, (June, 1959) #1-5 wks. C&W.
• Hits include "Life To Go"(Nov., 1958)#2 C&W, "Smoke Along The Track"(June, 1959)#24 C&W, "Why I'm Walkin'"(March, 1960)#83, (April, 1960)#6 C&W and "I Washed My Hands In The Muddy Water" (Feb., 1965)#8 C&W.

THE EVERLY BROTHERS

• See Rock And Roll - Rockabilly And The Hillbilly Cats

JIM REEVES

• James Travis Reeves (Aug. 20, 1924 - July 31, 1964)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Galloway, Panola County, Texas.
• Velvet-toned balladeer nicknamed "Gentleman Jim."
• He was forced to quit as a professional pitcher for The Houston Buffaloes because of a leg injury, later becoming a radio announcer.
• 1949 - Recorded briefly for the Macy label.
• 1952 - Signed with the Abbott label.
• 1955 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry and signed with RCA.
• 1957 - Hosted his own ABC TV series.
• Dec., 1959 - His recording of "He'll Have To Go" went to #1-14 wks. C&W, #2.
• 1963 - Starred in the movie, "Kimberley Jim," released in 1965.
• July 31, 1964 - Died in a plane crash near Nashville.
• 1967 - Elected to The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Mexican Joe"(March, 1953)#1-9 wks. C&W, (April, 1953)#23, "Bimbo"(Dec., 1953)#1-3 wks. C&W, (Jan., 1954)#26, "Four Walls"(April, 1957)#1-8 wks. C&W, #11, "Billy Bayou"(Nov., 1958)#1-5 wks. C&W, (Dec., 1958)#95, "Losing Your Love"(Nov., 1961)#89, (Dec., 1961)#2 C&W, "Welcome To My World"(Jan., 1964)#2 C&W, "Distant Drums"(April, 1966)#1-4 wks. C&W, #45 and "Blue Side Of Lonesome"(Aug., 1966)#1 C&W, #59.

WANDA JACKSON

• See Rock And Roll

ROGER MILLER

• (Jan. 2, 1936 - Oct. 25, 1992)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/humourist born in Fort Worth, Texas.
• 1939 - Moved to his uncle's farm in Erick, Oklahoma.
• 1957 - After a stint in the army, moved to Nashville to get his songwriting career off the ground, writing songs for the likes of Andy Williams.
• 1957 - Recorded a debut single for Starday Records and signed on as a staff writer for Tree Publishing.
• 1960 - Signed with RCA, debuting with "You Don't Want My Love."
• Wrote numerous hits for other artists including George Jones, Ray Price and Ernest Tubb.
• Famous for his zany ditties and inventive jazzy vocals, he was often unfairly regarded as a novelty singer.
• Between 1964 and 1966, he picked up 11 Grammys.
• Developed substance abuse problems.
• 1985 - His Broadway musical, "Big River" based on the writings of Mark Twain won 7 Tony Awards including Musical Of The Year.
• Oct. 25, 1992 - Died of throat cancer.
• Hits include "Dang Me"(June, 1964)#1-6 wks. C&W, #7, "Chug-A-Lug" (Sept., 1964)#3 C&W, #9, "King Of The Road"(Jan., 1965)#4, (Feb., 1965)#1-5 wks. C&W, "Engine Engine #9"(May, 1965)#2 C&W, #7, "England Swings"(Nov., 1965)#3 C&W, #8, "You Can't Roller Skate In A Buffalo Herd"(June, 1966)#35 C&W, #40, "Walkin' In The Sunshine"(March, 1967)#37, (April, 1967)#7 C&W and "Little Green Apples"(March, 1968)#6 C&W, #39.

BOBBY GOLDSBORO

• (Jan. 18, 1941 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Marianna, Florida.
• 1956 - Moved to Dothan, Alabama.
• Studied at Auburn University for 2 years.
• 1962-1964 - Toured as guitarist with Roy Orbison.
• Pop singer, later crossing over into country.
• 1972-1975 - Hosted his own weekly TV show.
• Hits include "See The Funny Little Clown"(Jan., 1964)#9, "Little Things"(Jan., 1965)#13, "Honey"(March, 1968)#1-3 wks. C&W, #1-5 wks., "Watching Scotty Grow"(Dec., 1970)#11, (Jan., 1971)#7 C&W, "And I Love You So"(May, 1971)#48 C&W, #83, "A Butterfly For Bucky"(May, 1976)#22 C&W and "Love Ain't Never Hurt Nobody"(July, 1981)#19 C&W.

CONWAY TWITTY

• Harold Lloyd Jenkins (Sept. 1, 1933 - June 5, 1993)
• Singer/songwriter born in Friars Point, Mississippi.
• Father of C&W singer Kathy Twitty (1960 – ).
• Raised in Helena, Arkansas.
• 1943 - Age 10, formed his own group The Phillips County Ramblers.
• During the early 1950's, performed in Japan with a service band called The Cimmarons.
• 1957 - Changed his name to Conway Twitty and began recording for Sun Records (the tracks were not issued).
• Sept., 1958 - His recording of "It's Only Make Believe" went to #1-2 wks.
• Other pop hits include "Danny Boy"(Sept., 1959)#10, "Lonely Blue Boy"(Dec., 1959)#6 and "C'est Si Bon"(Dec., 1960)#22.
• 1965 - Switched over to country, eventually charting over 30 #1 solo hits and several duet hits with Loretta Lynn.
• Hits with Loretta Lynn include "After The Fire Is Gone"(Feb., 1971)#1-2 wks. C&W, #56 and "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" (June, 1973)#1 C&W.
• 1968 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1982 - Opened his own tourist resort called Twitty City in Henderson, Tennessee.
• Hits include "Next In Line"(Aug., 1968)#1 C&W, "Hello Darlin'" (April, 1970)#1-4 wks. C&W, (July, 1970)#60, "You've Never Been This Far Before"(July, 1973)#1-3 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1973)#22, "I Can't Believe She Gives It All To Me"(Nov., 1976)#1 C&W, "Happy Birthday Darlin'"(Oct., 1979)#1-3 wks. C&W, "The Rose"(Dec., 1982)#1 C&W and "Desperado Love"(June, 1986)#1 C&W.

BOBBY BARE

• Robert Joseph Bare (April 7, 1935 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Ironton, Ohio.
• 1956 - Made his recording debut for Capitol Records.
• Dec., 1958 - While drafted, his demo of the song "All American Boy" climbed to #2, released under the name Bill Parsons.
• 1964 - Appeared in the film, "A Distant Trumpet."
• 1983 - Hosted his own TV program on the Nashville Network, "Bobby Bare And Friends."
• Hits include "Detroit City"(June, 1963)#16, (July, 1963)#6 C&W, "500 Miles Away From Home"(Oct., 1963)#5 C&W, #10, "Miller's Cave"(Feb., 1964)#4 C&W, #33, "Four Strong Winds"(Oct., 1964)#60, (Nov., 1964)#3 C&W, "How I Got To Memphis"(Aug., 1970)#3 C&W and "Marie Laveau"(May, 1974)#1 C&W.

GEORGE HAMILTON IV

• (July 19, 1937 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
• Nicknamed "The International Ambassador Of Country Music."
• Nov., 1956 - His recording of "A Rose And A Baby Ruth" went to #6.
• 1959 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1960 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• Hosted his own TV series in both Canada and the U.S.
• 1978 - Became active in Christian music.
• Hits include "Why Don't They Understand"(Dec., 1957)#10, "The Teen Commandments"(Dec., 1958)#29 (with Paul Anka and Johnny Nash), "Before This Day Ends"(Oct., 1960)#4 C&W, "Abilene"(June, 1963)#1-4 wks. C&W, #15, "Early Morning Rain"(Sept., 1966)#9 C&W, "Break My Mind"(July, 1967)#6 C&W and "She's A Little Bit Country"(May, 1970)#3 C&W.

CHARLIE RICH

• (Dec. 14, 1932 - July 25, 1995)
• Singer/pianist/songwriter born in Colt, Arkansas.
• Began as a jazz and blues artist.
• Mid 1950's - While in the U.S. Airforce, formed his own jazz combo, The Velvetones.
• 1958 - Session artist for Sun Records.
• Became a major rockabilly artist.
• Sept., 1973 - His recording of "The Most Beautiful Girl" went to #1-3 wks. C&W, #1-2 wks.
• 1974 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• Nicknamed "The Silver Fox."
• July 25, 1995 - Died of a blood clot in his right lung.
• Hits include "Mohair Sam"(Aug., 1965)#21, "Behind Closed Doors" (Feb., 1973)#1-2 wks. C&W, (April, 1973)#15, "A Very Special Love Song"(Feb., 1974)#1-3 wks. C&W, #11, "I Love My Friend"(Aug., 1974)#1 C&W, #24, "Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)"(May, 1975)#3 C&W, #19, "Rollin' With The Flow"(May, 1977)#1-2 wks. C&W and "On My Knees"(Oct., 1978)#1 C&W (with Janie Fricke).

GLEN CAMPBELL

• Glen Travis Campbell (April 22, 1936 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Delight, Arkansas.
• In his teens, he toured with his own group, Glen Campbell & The Western Wranglers.
• 1954-1958 - Performed with his uncle Dick Bill's band.
• 1960 - Recorded with the instrumental combo The Champs.
• A top notch guitarist, Campbell became the most in demand session musician in Hollywood.
• 1965 - Toured with The Beach Boys.
• 1968-1972 - Hosted his own weekly TV variety series, "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour."
• 1968 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1969 - Appeared in the films, "True Grit" and "Norwood."
• Hits include "Turn Around Look At Me"(Oct., 1961)#62, "Gentle On My Mind"(July, 1967)#30 C&W, #62, "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" (Oct., 1967)#2 C&W, #26, "Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife"(July, 1968)#3 C&W, #32, "Wichita Lineman"(Nov., 1968)#1-2 wks. C&W, #3, "Galveston"(March, 1969)#1-3 wks. C&W, #4, "Try A Little Kindness"(Oct., 1969)#2 C&W, #23, "Rhinestone Cowboy"(May, 1975) #1-2 wks., (June, 1975)#1-3 wks. C&W, "Southern Nights"(Jan., 1977)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1977)#1 and "Still Within The Sound Of My Voice"(Oct., 1987)#5 C&W.

ANNE MURRAY

• Morna Anne Murray (June 20, 1945 – )
• Singer born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• The only girl in a family of six, she had planned to be a physical education teacher.
• Studied piano and voice training.
• June 20, 1966 - Debuted on the Halifax TV show, "Singalong Jubilee."
• 1969 - Signed by Paul White to Capitol Records.
• 1970 - A regular on "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" TV show.
• July, 1970 - Her recording of "Snowbird" went to #10 C&W, #8.
• 1973 - Won her fourth consecutive Juno Award for Canadian Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1980 - The #1 Adult Contemporary Artist in Billboard Magazine.
• 1980 - The Canadian Recording Industry voted her Female Artist Of The Decade.
• Winner of 3 Grammys and 25 Junos (more Junos than any other Canadian).
• One of the most resonant voices in the business, she is able to chart regularly on both the pop and country charts.
• Elvis Presley claimed her as his favourite female vocalist and Bing Crosby stated that her voice was a perfect match for his.
• 1993 - Inducted into The Canadian Music Hall Of Fame.
• Murray has amassed 49 gold records to date.
• 1996 - With the release of her 30th album, Murray presented a more earthy, bare bones style.
• May, 1998 - Split from her husband of 23 years, TV producer Bill Langstroth (1931 – ).
• Hits include "Danny's Song"(Dec., 1972)#10 C&W, (Jan., 1973)#7, "Love Song"(Dec., 1973)#5 C&W, #12, "He Thinks I Still Care" (April, 1974)#1-2 wks. C&W, "You Needed Me"(May, 1978)#4 C&W, (July, 1978)#1, "I Just Fall In Love Again"(Jan., 1979)#1-3 wks. C&W, #12, "Could I Have This Dance"(Sept., 1980)#1 C&W, #33, "A Little Good News"(Sept., 1983)#1 C&W, #74, "Now And Forever (You And Me)"(Jan., 1986)#1 C&W and "What Would It Take"(1996) (with Bryan Adams).

MAC DAVIS

• (Jan. 21, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Lubbock, Texas.
• 1960 - Formed a rock band and began writing songs.
• 1961 - A regional manager for Vee-Jay Records in Atlanta.
• 1965 - Joined Liberty Records and in 1966, became the head of Liberty's publishing division in Hollywood, Metric Music.
• Wrote "In The Ghetto" for Elvis Presley, "Something's Burning" for The First Edition, "Watching Scotty Grow" for Bobby Goldsboro and "I Believe In Music" for The Gallery.
• 1971 - Signed with Columbia.
• Nicknamed "The Song Painter."
• Film appearances include "North Dallas Forty"(1979), "Cheaper To Keep Her"(1980) and "The Sting II"(1983).
• 1974-1976 - Hosted his own weekly TV variety series.
• Hits include "Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me"(July, 1972)#1-3 wks., (Aug., 1972)#26 C&W, "Stop And Smell The Roses"(Aug., 1974)#9, (Sept., 1974)#40 C&W, "It's Hard To Be Humble"(March, 1980)#10 C&W, #43, "Hooked On Music"(Feb., 1981)#2 C&W and "You're My Best Friend"(Oct., 1981)#5 C&W.

FREDDY FENDER

• Baldemar G. Huerta (June 4, 1937 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in the South Texas border town of San Benito.
• 1956 - Began recording in Spanish using his real name.
• 1957 - Changed his name to Freddy Fender.
• May 13, 1960 - Served 3 years in Angola State prison for a marijuana conviction.
• 1974 - Went country as Freddy Fender yet never abandoned his Tex- Mex roots.
• 1987 - Appeared in the film, "The Milagro Beanfield War."
• 1990 - Joined The Texas Tornados.
• Hits include "Before The Next Teardrop Falls"(Jan., 1975)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1975)#1, "Wasted Days And Wasted Nights"(June, 1975)#1-2 wks. C&W, #8, "Secret Love"(Oct., 1975)#1 C&W, #20 and "The Rains Came"(March, 1977)#4 C&W.

CRYSTAL GAYLE

• Brenda Gail Webb (Jan. 9, 1951 – )
• Singer born in Paintsville, Kentucky.
• Youngest sister of Loretta Lynn who came up with the stage name Crystal Gayle. Raised in Wabash, Indiana.
• Sept., 1970 - Had a #23 C&W hit with Loretta Lynn's "I've Cried The Blues Right Out Of My Eyes."
• 1979 - Became the first country artist to tour China.
• Famous for her floor length hair and torchy vocals.
• Hits include "Wrong Road Again"(Oct., 1974)#6 C&W, "I'll Get Over You"(April, 1976)#1 C&W, (June, 1976)#71, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue"(July, 1977)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Aug., 1977)#2, "Talking In Your Sleep"(June, 1978)#1-2 wks. C&W, (July, 1978)#18, "It's Like We Never Said Goodbye"(Feb., 1980)#1 C&W, #63, "You And I"(Oct., 1982)#1 C&W, #7 (with Eddie Rabbitt) and "Cry"(July, 1986)#1 C&W.

EDDIE RABBITT

• Edward Thomas Rabbitt (Nov. 27, 1944 - May 3, 1998)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Brooklyn, New York.
• Raised in East Orange, New Jersey.
• 1964 - Began recording.
• 1968 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• Wrote "Kentucky Rain" for Elvis Presley.
• Ruggedly handsome pop/country singer often paired in duets with Crystal Gayle.
• May 3, 1998 - Died of lung cancer.
• Hits include "Drinkin' My Baby (Off My Mind)"(Feb., 1976)#1 C&W, "Every Which Way But Loose"(Dec., 1978)#1-3 wks. C&W, (Jan., 1979)#30, "Drivin' My Life Away"(June, 1980)#1 C&W, #5, "I Love A Rainy Night"(Nov., 1980)#1 C&W, #1-2 wks., "Step By Step"(July, 1981)#5 (Aug., 1981)#1 C&W, "You And I"(Oct., 1982)#1 C&W, #7 (with Crystal Gayle) and "I Wanna Dance With You"(Jan., 1988)#1 C&W.

JOHN DENVER

• John Henry Deutschendorf (Dec. 31, 1943 - Oct. 11, 1997)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Roswell, New Mexico.
• 1964 - Moved to Los Angeles, California.
• 1965-1968 - Worked in The Chad Mitchell Trio.
• Wrote "Leavin' On A Jet Plane" for Peter Paul And Mary.
• Famous for his folksy ballads.
• 1975 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1975 - Won an Emmy Award for his TV special, "An Evening With John Denver."
• 1976 - Founded Windsong Records.
• 1977 - Starred with George Burns in the film, "Oh God."
• Oct. 11, 1997 - Died when the small plane he was piloting crashed in Monterey Bay, California.
• Hits include "Take Me Home, Country Roads"(April, 1971)#2, (June, 1971)#50 C&W, "Rocky Mountain High"(Nov., 1972)#9, "Sunshine On My Shoulders"(Jan., 1974)#1, (Feb., 1974)#42 C&W, "Annie's Song" (June, 1974)#9 C&W, #1-2 wks., "Back Home Again"(Sept., 1974)#1 C&W, #1, "Thank God I'm A Country Boy"(March, 1975) #1,"I'm Sorry"(Aug., 1975)#1 C&W, #1 and "Some Days Are Diamonds (Some Days Are Stone)"(June, 1981)#10 C&W, #36.

BEYOND NASHVILLE

In the 1960's, Nashville's newest competition came from California. The West Coast country scene based in Bakersfield, 115 miles north of Los Angeles was the home of artists like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Tommy Collins and Wynn Stewart. By the mid 1960's, Bakersfield had nurtured a whole new roster of country entertainers whose general approach was in a more traditional western vein. In 1964, the West Coast performers created their own trade organization called The Academy Of Country And Western Music.

Aside from the West Coast movement, many of the newer country acts, self proclaimed outlaws like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson were considered too radical by Nashville standards because of their rebel image and more aggressive contemporary music. Later, their extreme popularity could no longer be ignored and acceptance by the old guard was inevitable.

BUCK OWENS

• Alvis Edgar Owens (Aug. 12, 1929 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Sherman, Texas.
• A former truck driver.
• Raised in Mesa, Arizona, learning to play guitar and mandolin.
• 1951 - Moved to Bakersfield, California.
• Playing trumpet and sax, he formed his own band The Schoolhouse Playboys and worked as a session musician for Capitol.
• In the mid 1950's, played lead guitar with Tommy Collins.
• 1955 - Began recording, originally as Corky Jones.
• With his backup band The Buckaroos, he charted more than 20 #1 C&W hits.
• His style features the fusion of western swing and honky tonk, strong instrumentation and his distinct high tenor voice. He was a major contributor to the West Coast country sound.
• Between 1969 and 1986, he was a major fixture of TV's "Hee-Haw."
• Owens was a major ingredient in the development of Bakersfield as the capitol of West Coast country music.
• 1988 - Released the "Hot Dog" album.
• Oct., 1996 - Inducted into The CMA Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Under Your Spell Again"(Oct., 1959)#4 C&W, "Act Naturally"(April, 1963)#1-4 wks. C&W, "My Heart Skips A Beat" (March, 1964)#1-7 wks. C&W, (July, 1964)#94, "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail"(Jan., 1965)#1-5 wks. C&W, #25, "Buckaroo"(Oct., 1965) #1-2 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1965)#60, "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line" (Jan., 1966)#1-7 wks. C&W, #57, "Sam's Place"(April, 1967)#1-3 wks. C&W, #92, "Tall Dark Stranger"(Aug., 1969)#1 C&W, "Made In Japan"(April, 1972)#1 C&W and "Streets Of Bakersfield"(July, 1988)#1 C&W (with Dwight Yoakam).

MERLE HAGGARD

• (April 6, 1937 - Feb. 18, 2002)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/fiddler born in Bakersfield, California.
• 1957-1960 - Served time in San Quentin for burglary. He was later granted full pardon by Governor Ronald Reagan on March 14, 1972.
• 1960 - Began performing in Bakersfield while working as a ditch digger.
• 1962 - Recording debut.
• 1962 - Worked in Wynn Stewart's band.
• 1965 - Signed with Capitol Records and formed his backup band The Strangers.
• Not a member of the so-called outlaw faction, Haggard remained a strict country traditionalist yet a nonconformist in the truest sense of the word.
• 1970 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1981 - Released his biography, "Sing Me Back Home."
• 1994 - Inducted into the CMA Hall Of Fame.
• July, 1996 - Survived a blood clot in the lung.
• During his career, enjoyed 38 #1 country singles.
• His wives included Bonnie Campbell Owens (1932 – ) and Leona Williams (1943 – ).
• Hits include "The Fugitive"(Dec., 1966)#1 C&W, "Mama Tried"(July, 1968)#1-4 wks. C&W, "Okie From Muskogee"(Oct., 1969)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1969)#41, "The Fightin' Side Of Me"(Feb., 1970)#1-3 wks. C&W, #92, "Carolyn"(Dec., 1971)#1-3 wks. C&W, #58, "If We Make It Through December"(Oct., 1973)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1973) #28, "From Graceland To The Promised Land"(Oct., 1977)#4 C&W, #58 and "Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star"(Nov., 1987)#1 C&W.

WAYLON JENNINGS

• (June 15, 1937 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Littlefield, Texas.
• 1949 - Age 12, performed on radio station KDOV.
• 1954 - Moved to Lubbock, Texas where he worked as a disc jockey.
• 1958-1959 - Toured as bassist for Buddy Holly who produced his first single, "Jole Blon'" on Brunswick.
• 1960 - Moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he formed his backup band The Wailors.
• 1961 - Began recording for Trend Records.
• 1965 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1966 - Wrote the music for and starred in the film, "Nashville Rebel."
• 1969 - Married singer Jessi Colter (Miriam Johnson).
• By the mid 1970's, he had become one of the leaders of the outlaw movement, using the material of a more current group of country writers. He also helped introduce heavier instrumentation to country music.
• 1975 - CMA Male Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1976 - Released the classic "Wanted: The Outlaws" LP featuring Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter and Tompall Glaser. It was the first country album on any label to go platinum.
• 1985 - With Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash, released "The Highwayman" album.
• April 30, 1996 - Released "Outlaws" album with Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, Tompall Glaser and Steve Earle to mixed reviews.
• Oct., 1996 - Released his autobiography, "Waylon: An Autobiography."
• Hits include "Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line"(July, 1968)#2 C&W, "Good Hearted Woman"(Jan., 1972)#3 C&W, "I'm A Ramblin' Man" (Aug., 1974)#1 C&W, (Sept., 1974)#75, "Luckenbach, Texas"(April, 1977)#1-6 wks. C&W, (May, 1977)#25, "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"(Jan., 1978)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1978)#42 (with Willie Nelson), "Theme From 'The Dukes Of Hazzard'"(Aug., 1980)#1 C&W, (Sept., 1980)#21 and "Rose In Paradise"(Jan., 1987) #1 C&W.

WILLIE NELSON

• Willie Hugh Nelson (April 30, 1933 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Raised in Abbott, Texas.
• 1943 - Age 10, learned to play guitar.
• Worked as a disc jockey, later becoming bassist for Ray Price. He wrote Price's massive hit, "Night Life."
• 1960 - Moved to Nashville where he wrote numerous hits for other artists including Patsy Cline's "Crazy" and Faron Young's "Four Walls."
• Nov. 28, 1964 - Debut performance at The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1970 - Moved to Austin, Texas and began working with more rock oriented musicians.
• 1976 - After teaming occasionally with Waylon Jennings, they came to be known as "The Outlaws" because of the way they bucked the system yet managed to create a new interest in country music.
• Nelson instigated large scale outdoor music festivals called Fourth Of July Picnics featuring many diverse acts.
• Famous for his long braided hair and headbands.
• 1979 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• Film appearances include "The Electric Horseman"(1979), "Honeysuckle Rose"(1980) and "Barbarosa"(1982).
• Nelson became the president of Farm Aid, staging benefit music concerts in aid of the American farmer.
• Jan. 30, 1989 - Received the American Music Award Of Merit.
• 1995 - Inducted into The Country Music Hall Of Fame.
• April 30, 1996 - Released a new "Outlaws" LP with Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, Tompall Glaser and Steve Earle to mixed reviews.
• Hits include "Touch Me"(May, 1962)#7 C&W, "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain"(July, 1975)#1-2 wks. C&W (Aug., 1975)#21, "Georgia On My Mind"(March, 1978)#1 C&W, (May, 1978)#84, "On The Road Again" (Aug., 1980)#1 C&W, (Sept., 1980)#20, "Always On My Mind"(March, 1982)#1-2 wks. C&W, #5, "To All The Girls I've Loved Before" (March, 1984)#1-2 wks. C&W, #5 (with Julio Iglesias), "City Of New Orleans"(Aug., 1984)#1 C&W and "Living In The Promised Land" (March, 1986)#1 C&W.

THE NEW COUNTRY

Country music enjoyed its greatest across the board success in the 1980's and 1990's. As the baby boomers became disenchanted with the newer more abrasive music forms, modern country appeared to be a logical alternative. The new country had widened its appeal by reducing the twang, incorporating soft rock elements and adapting a more contemporary accessible image. In fact, with the emergence of artists like Garth Brooks, country music performances became full fledged events featuring all the flash and technology of rock concerts. No longer were record buyers hesitant to admit that they were country music fans. Country had finally become cool - a sentiment perfectly encapsulated in Barbara Mandrell's 1981 hit, "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool."

Over the years, television programs such as "Hee-Haw" had helped sustain a strong interest in country music, paving the way for more sophisticated shows like "Hot Country Nights" and the all powerful TNN (The Nashville Network).

In the 1990's, the New York survey firm, The Cold Spring Harbor Group conducted a poll which revealed that 25% of American households earning $50,000 annually listened to country music and that 67% of country listeners were married. A 1991 poll also showed that a whopping 51% of Americans were country music fans.

On May 24, 1991, Billboard Magazine began a new sales tabulating system automatically recorded at the cash register. Rather than using polls, this new more accurate way of tabulation revealed a drastic leap in the sale of country oriented music. The pop charts changed considerably, with country acts competing with major pop stars for the top positions on the charts. And when country superstar Garth Brooks was voted the most popular male vocalist in North America, there was no doubting that country music was and always had been a dominant force in pop music. By 1992, the sales of country music albums had topped the $700 million mark.

A whole new crop of country artists began to dominate the music scene. In the male vocalist department, the country hunk had come of age. With the emergence of Alan Jackson, Clint Black and of course Garth Brooks, the image of the country male had become much more attractive. And in the spring of 1992, country music saw the rise of a new sex symbol with the appearance of Billy Ray Cyrus and his mammoth hit recording, "Achy Breaky Heart." The song triggered a craze for country line dancing. Finally, country females were no longer taking a back seat. Top notch performers like Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, Faith Hill, Michelle Wright and Shania Twain were giving the males a run for their money.

By 1992, the newest country mecca was the resort town of Branson, Missouri. Its Las Vegas-like atmosphere with a country flavour had begun to draw millions of tourists annually (see The Nineties). In 1996, Atlanta's Country Fest attracted more than a quarter of a million fans, proving once and for all the power of country music.

Finally, the world had discovered what hard core country and western fans had known all along - country sells.

NEW COUNTRY MALES

HANK WILLIAMS JR.

• Randall Hank Williams (May 26, 1949 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Shreveport, Louisiana.
• The son of country legend Hank Williams and Audrey Williams (Audrey Sheppard Guy) who his father divorced in May, 1952.
• Father of Hank Williams III (1974 – ).
• Nicknamed Bocephus by his father.
• Also recorded as Luke The Drifter Jr.
• Raised in Nashville, Tennesee.
• 1962 - Age 13, toured with Audrey's Caravan Of Stars.
• 1962 - Began appearing on The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1964 - Appeared on the soundtrack of the biopic, "Your Cheatin' Heart."
• 1974 - Moved to Cullman, Alabama.
• Aug. 8, 1975 - Injured in a climbing accident in Montana.
• 1977 - Returned to performing.
• 1984 - Had his own Showtime TV special.
• Moved to Aris, Tennessee.
• 1987 and 1988 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• Famous for his country/boogie music hybrid.
• Hits include "Long Gone Lonesome Blues"(Feb., 1964)#5 C&W, "Standing In The Shadows"(May, 1966)#5 C&W, "All For The Love Of Sunshine"(Aug., 1970)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Texas Women"(Feb., 1981)#1 C&W, "Honky Tonkin'"(June, 1982)#1 C&W, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight"(Oct., 1984)#10 C&W, "Ain't Misbehavin'" (Feb., 1986)#1 C&W, "Born To Boogie"(June, 1987)#1 C&W, "Young Country"(Feb., 1988)#2 C&W.

GEORGE STRAIT

• (May 18, 1952 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor from Pearsall, Texas.
• 1971 - Taught himself to play the guitar while in the army.
• 1975 - Formed his Ace In The Hole Band.
• 1976 - Recorded briefly for D Records.
• 1981 - Signed with MCA Records.
• One of the founding fathers of the current new country music boom, he helped usher western swing elements into the new scene.
• Since 1981, he has enjoyed more than twenty #1 C&W hits.
• Famous for his Stetson hats and traditional western gear.
• 1984, 1985 & 1988 - Academy Of Country Music Male Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1986 - CMA Male Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1989 & 1990 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1996 - His "Blue Clear Sky" LP went to #1-2 wks. C&W.
• 1996 - Broke the Houston Astrodome record for an individual performance, drawing 62,936 fans.
• 1996 - CMA Male Vocalist Of The Year, Single Of the Year for "Check Yes Or No" and LP Of The Year for "Blue Clear Sky."
• Hits include "Fool Hearted Memory"(June, 1982)#1 C&W, "Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind"(Sept., 1984)#1 C&W, "The Chair" (Sept., 1985)#1 C&W, "Ocean Front Property"(Jan., 1987)#1 C&W, "All My Ex's Live In Texas"(May, 1987)#1 C&W, "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')"(Sept., 1988)#1 C&W, "Check Yes Or No" (1995), "I Can Still Make Cheyenne"(Oct., 1996) and "The Beat Day"(May, 2000).

RANDY TRAVIS

• Randy Bruce Traywick (May 5, 1959 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Marshville, North Carolina.
• 1967 - Age 8, learned to play guitar.
• Worked in the music business since age 10.
• As a teenager, worked with his brother Ricky in local clubs as The Traywick Brothers.
• 1976-1981 - Worked at Country Music City U.S.A., Charlotte.
• 1981 - Moved to Nashville, working as a cook, dishwasher and singer.
• Jan., 1985 - Changed his name to Travis and signed with RCA.
• 1986 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• His angular good looks and traditional country vocal style insured immediate success with the fans.
• Travis put the twang back into country.
• One of the few non "hat acts" on the current scene.
• Between 1986 and 1992, he had 6 platinum albums and 3 gold albums.
• 1987 - CMA Awards for Male Vocalist Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Single Of The Year.
• May, 1991 - Married his manager Liz Hatcher.
• 1996 - Tested his acting ability by appearing on TV's "Touched By An Angel."
• Film roles include "The Rainmaker," "Fire Down Below" and "Black Dog"(1998).
• Hits include "1982"(Dec., 1985)#6 C&W, "On The Other Hand"(April, 1986)#1 C&W, "Diggin' Up Bones"(Aug., 1986)#1 C&W, "Forever And Ever, Amen"(April, 1987)#1-3 wks. C&W, "Too Gone Too Long"(Dec., 1987)#1 C&W, "I Told You So"(April, 1988)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Honky Tonk Moon"(July, 1988)#1 C&W, "Deeper Than The Holler"(Nov., 1988)#1 C&W, "Whisper My Name"(Sept., 1994)#1 C&W and "Would I" (1996).

DWIGHT YOAKAM

• Dwight David Yoakam (Oct. 23, 1956 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Pikesville, Kentucky.
• Rockabilly styled artist famous for his nasal twang and skin tight jeans.
• In the mid 1980's, moved to Los Angeles, becoming a prominent fixture in the Bakersfield scene.
• A prime exponent of roadhouse rockabilly.
• March, 1986 - Released an independent EP featuring a rendition of "Ring Of Fire."
• April, 1986 - Released his debut album, "Guitars, Cadillacs Etc., Etc." He calls its style California honky tonk.
• 1995 - With the release of the "Gone" album featuring the hit, "Nothing," Yoakam delivered what many considered to be the most adventurous country album to date.
• Film roles include "Sling Blade"(1996) and "The Newton Boys" (1998).
• June, 2000 - Released the "dwightyoakamacoustic.net" album.
• Hits include "Honky Tonk Man"(March, 1986)#3 C&W, "Guitars, Cadillacs"(July, 1986)#4 C&W, "Little Sister"(April, 1987)#7 C&W, "Streets Of Bakersfield"(July, 1988)#1 C&W (with Buck Owens), "Suspicious Minds"(Sept., 1992)#18, "Fast As You"(Jan., 1994)#70 and "Nothing"(1995).
• Recommended album - "Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room"(1988).

LYLE LOVETT

• (Nov. 1, 1957 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Klein, Texas.
• Unique uncategorizable artist who incorporates jazz, blues, western swing and tongue-in-cheek humour into his style.
• Famous for his unruly pompadour hairstyle.
• 1979 - Made his professional debut.
• 1986 - Released his debut album, "Lyle Lovett."
• 1989 - Released his "Lyle Lovett And His Large Band" album featuring an uncanny rendition of "Stand By Your Man."
• June 27, 1993-March 29, 1995 - Married to film star Julia Roberts.
• Hits include "Cowboy Man"(Nov., 1986)#10 C&W, "She's No Lady" (Jan., 1988)#17 C&W, "I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You"(Dec.,1988)#45 C&W and "I Love Everybody"(Oct., 1994)#26.
• Recommended album - "Joshua Judges Ruth"(1992).

CLINT BLACK

• Clint Patrick Black (Feb. 4, 1962 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Long Branch, New Jersey.
• Raised in Houston, Texas.
• May, 1989 - Released his critically acclaimed debut LP, "Killin' Time" featuring the #1 C&W hit, "A Better Man."
• Famous for his trademark starched white shirt and black hat.
• Oct. 20, 1991 - Married actress Lisa Hartman.
• 1991 - Appeared on the Roy Rogers LP, "Tribute," featuring the song, "Hold On Partner" which was nominated for a 1992 CMA Vocal Event Of The Year Award.
• By his third album, "The Hard Way," Black was adopting folkie pop sensibilities in hopes of catching up to rival Garth Brooks who had crossed over onto the pop charts.
• 1994 - Appeared in the film, "Maverick."
• Dec., 1996 - Became the 2,078th star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
• Hits include "Put Yourself In My Shoes"(Nov., 1990), "Desperado" (1994) (from The Eagles tribute LP, "Common Threads"), "Chain Of Fools"(1994) (with The Pointer Sisters), "Summer's Comin'"(1995) #1-3 wks. C&W, "One Emotion"(Aug., 1995) and "Like The Rain" (Oct., 1996).

ALAN JACKSON

• (Oct. 17, 1958 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Newman, Georgia.
• 1985 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1985 - Worked in the mailing room of The Nashville Network.
• Became a songwriter at Glen Campbell's publishing company.
• Famous for his fresh good looks, long blonde hair and mustache, Jackson began wearing white Stetson hats to hide scars above his left eyebrow.
• 1989 - His debut album, "Here In The Real World" was released, later going platinum.
• His first 3 albums were certified platinum.
• 1992 - CMA Awards for Best Single and Best Album.
• Oct., 1995 - Became CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1996 - Released his "Greatest Hits Collection" LP.
• Hits include "Here In The Real World"(1990) #1 C&W, "Don't Rock The Jukebox"(1991), "Midnight In Montgomery"(1991), "Dallas" (1992), "Chattahoochee"(1993), "Gone Country"(1995), "Tall Tall Trees"(Oct., 1995) and "Little Bitty"(Oct., 1996)#1 C&W.

TRAVIS TRITT

• (Feb. 9, 1963 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Marietta, Georgia.
• 1984 - Began working in the music business full time.
• Likes to be called a non "hat act."
• Tritt's sound is a fusion of honky tonk and hard driving Southern rock.
• Famous for his long hair, leather pants and necklace made from 2 melted down wedding rings from unsuccessful marriages.
• Dec., 1993 - His video of "Take It Easy" featured The Eagles.
• By 1995, he had racked up six #1 C&W hits.
• 1996 - Appeared as himself in the film, "Sgt. Bilko."
• Albums include "Country Club"(1990), "It's All About To Change" (1991) and "T-R-O-U-B-L-E"(1992).
• Hits include "Help Me Hold On," "Here's A Quarter," "The Whiskey Ain't Workin'" (with Marty Stuart), "Sometimes She Forgets" (Sept., 1995), "More Than You'll Ever Know"(Oct., 1996) and "Where The Corn Don't Grow"(1996).

GARTH BROOKS

• Troyal Garth Brooks (Feb. 7, 1962 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Raised in Yukon, Oklahoma.
• 1985 - Tried unsuccessfully to attract interest in Nashville.
• 1986 - Married Sandy Mahl.
• 1987 - His second trip to Nashville got him signed to Capitol Records.
• 1989 - Released his debut album, "Garth Brooks."
• Brooks is a major reason for the current new country music boom. He has gone out of his way to dispel stereotypical ideas concerning country artists by defiantly crossing musical boundaries and staging his shows with the same creativity and excitement associated with rock concerts.
• Brooks is noted for the social commentary in his music.
• Oct., 1990 - Became the 65th member of The Grand Ole Opry.
• By 1991, he was voted the most popular male vocalist in North America, picking up numerous Grammys, American Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards.
• 1991 - His controversial video dealing with wife beating, "The Thunder Rolls," caused quite a stir in certain areas, blazing the way for more adventurous ideas in country music.
• Dec., 1992 - Brooks won numerous Billboard Awards including Top Country Singles Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Albums Artist, Top Pop Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album Artist and Top Billboard Album.
• Jan., 1993 - Released the controversial pro-gay "We Shall Be Free." His sister Betsy who also plays in his band is gay.
• 1994 - Appeared on the Kiss tribute album, "Kiss My Ass" singing "Hard Luck Woman."
• Jan. 13, 1996 - Received The Favourite Artist Of The Year American Music Award, refusing it stating that it should have went to Hootie & The Blowfish.
• March 13, 1996 - Kicked off a 3 year worldwide tour.
• By 1996, his album sales had topped the 60 million mark and his "No Fences" album (1995) became the longest running #1 C&W album (41 wks.) of the 90's.
• 1996 - Released his "Fresh Horses" album which went platinum 4 times after 50 weeks on the C&W album charts. The album featured the hit song, "The Change."
• 1996 - Sold over 2 million concert tickets.
• 1996 - Became the best selling solo artist in the history of music, second only to The Beatles with album sales exceeding the 60 million mark.
• Nov., 2000 - Divorced his wife Sandy.
• Hits include "If Tomorrow Never Comes"(Dec., 1989)#1 C&W, "The Dance"(July, 1990)#1 C&W, "Friends In Low Places"(Oct., 1990)#1 C&W, "Two Of A Kind"(April, 1991)#1 C&W, "The Thunder Rolls" (June, 1991)#1 C&W, "Shameless"(Nov., 1991)#1 C&W, "Rodeo"(1991), "We Shall Be Free"(1993), "The Red Strokes"(1995), "She's Every Woman"(Sept., 1995)#1 C&W and "That Ol' Wind"(1996).
• Recommended albums - "The Chase"(1992) and Brooks' Christmas collection, "Beyond The Season"(1992).

VINCE GILL

• Vincent Grant Gill (April 5, 1957 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Norman, Oklahoma.
• One of the most devastatingly beautiful voices in modern music.
• By age 15, he was playing lead guitar in his own band.
• 1975 - Played with The Bluegrass Alliance.
• 1979 - Played with Pure Prairie League.
• Worked with Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell.
• 1983 - Went solo.
• His wife Janis is a member of Sweethearts Of The Rodeo.
• 1994 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• 1995 - CMA Male Vocalist Of The Year for the fifth consecutive year.
• 1996 - Received the CMA Song Of The Year Award for "Go Rest High On That Mountain."
• 1996 - 8 time Grammy Award winner to date. His "Souvenirs" album went platinum.
• By 1996, Gill had amassed 17 CMA Awards and was the CMA's most awarded artist.
• 1998 - Released the critically acclaimed album, "The Key."
• Often dubbed "The Benefit King."
• March 10, 2000 - Married singer Amy Grant.
• Hits include "If It Weren't For Him"(July, 1985)#10 C&W, "Oklahoma Borderline"(Nov., 1985)#9 C&W, "Cinderella"(May, 1987) #5 C&W, "When I Call Your Name"(1990)#1 C&W, "Look At Us"(1990), "When Love Finds You"(1995), "Go Rest High On That Mountain" (1995) and "Worlds Apart"(Oct., 1996).
• Recommended tracks - "The Heart Won't Lie"(1992) (with Reba McEntire) and "High Lonesome Sound"(1996) (with Alison Krauss).

MARTY STUART

• (Sept. 30, 1958 – )
• Singer/guitarist/mandolinist born in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
• 1972 - Age 13, went on the road with Lester Flatt and Nashville Grass.
• 1979-1985 - Toured with Johnny Cash's band.
• Married Johnny Cash's daughter Cindy.
• Famous for his well sculpted coal black hair, Stuart is decidedly not a hat act.
• Collector of classic rhinestone jackets and other flashy western gear.
• 1996 - Appeared in the Steven Seagal film, "Fire Down Below."
• Hits include "Arlene"(Dec., 1985)#19 C&W, "All Because Of You" (Aug., 1986)#39 C&W, "Matches"(June, 1988)#66 C&W and "You Can't Stop Love"(1996).
• Recommended album - "This One's Gonna Hurt You"(1992).

BILLY RAY CYRUS

• (Aug. 25, 1961 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Flatwoods, Kentucky.
• Son of Kentucky politician Ronald Ray Cyrus.
• Originally worked as a car salesman.
• Formed the group, Sly Dog.
• Already hailed as the new Elvis, Cyrus is the country hunk with the ponytail and the Chippendales body.
• 1992 - His debut LP, "Some Gave All" went platinum 2 months after its release and remained at #1 C&W for 34 weeks.
• Spring, 1992 - His recording of "Achy Breaky Heart" skyrocketed to the top of both the pop and country charts and triggered a fad for a new line dance called The Achy Breaky.
• Cyrus has taken a lot of flack but he has proved himself to be no one hit wonder.
• 1996 - Acted as a member of the Olympic torch bearing team.
• 1996 - Released his critically acclaimed "Trail Of Tears" album.
• Hits include "Could've Been Me"(Sept., 1992), "Where'm I Gonna Live"(1992) and "In The Heart Of A Woman"(July, 1993).
• Recommended track - His recording of "One Night" from the Elvis Presley tribute album and video (1994).

TIM McGRAW

• (May 1, 1967 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Start, Louisiana.
• Son of Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tug McGraw.
• 1985 - Graduated as class salutatorian of Monroe Christian High School.
• 1989 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee and formed a band.
• 1991 - Signed with Curb Records.
• 1992 - Released his debut LP.
• 1994 - Released second LP, the 5 million seller, "Not A Moment Too Soon" featuring the hit, "Indian Outlaw."
• 1996 - Toured on the Spontaneous Combustian Tour with Faith Hill.
• Oct., 1966 - Married Hill. They later became known as "Mr. & Mrs. Country Music."
• June, 1997 - Released his critically acclaimed 2 million selling "Everywhere" album.
• April 22, 1998 - Received 9 ACMA nominations.
• Hits include, "I Like It, I Love It."

NEW COUNTRY FEMALES

LACY J. DALTON

• Jill Byrem (Oct. 13, 1948 – )
• Singer born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
• During the late 1960's, moved to Santa Cruz, California where she became folk singer.
• In the early 1970's, performed with the rock group Office.
• 1978 - Recorded as Jill Croston.
• Famous for her whiskey voice and earthy style.
• Hits include "Hard Times"(Aug., 1980)#7 C&W, "Takin' It Easy" (July, 1981)#2 C&W, "Everybody Makes Mistakes"(Dec., 1981)#5 C&W, "Wild Turkey"(Dec., 1981)#5 C&W, "16th Avenue"(Sept., 1982)#7 C&W, "Dream Baby"(June, 1983)#9 C&W and "Working Class Man"(June, 1986)#16 C&W.
• Recommended track - "Somebody Killed Dewey Jones Daughter" from the "Takin' It Easy" album (1981).

REBA McENTIRE

• Reba Nell McEntire (March 28, 1954 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actress born in Chokie, Oklahoma.
• Daughter of champion steer-roping rodeo cowboy, Clark McEntire.
• Nicknamed "The Crown Jewel Of Country Music."
• Competed on the rodeo circuit as a horseback barrel jumper.
• Began singing at rodeos with her brother and sister as The Singing McEntires.
• 1972 - The trio began recording on Boss Records.
• 1976 - Released her debut recording, "I Don't Want To Be A One- Night Stand."
• 1977 - Worked on The Grand Ole Opry, becoming a member in 1985.
• 1983-1990 - Scored 13 #1 C&W hits. However, none crossed over onto the pop charts.
• 1984-1987 - CMA Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1986 - Her brother Pake began his recording career.
• 1986 - CMA Entertainer Of The Year.
• A singer with a strong clear voice, inspired improvisation and impeccable delivery.
• McEntire is undeniably the most important country female vocalist of her time.
• 1989 - Married her manager, Narvel Blackstock.
• 1990 - Made an impressive screen debut in the camp horror film, "Tremors."
• March, 16, 1991 - Her road manager Kirk Cappello and 7 members of her band were killed in a plane crash en route to a concert.
• Sept., 1995 - Portrayed Annie Oakley in the TV mini-series, "Buffalo Girls."
• 1996 - Received The People's Choice Award as Favourite Female Musical Performer.
• 1996 - Released her 26th album, "What If It's You" and caused a stir when she changed her image by cutting her hair shorter.
• 2002 - Starred in her own TV sitcom, "Reba."
• Hits include "(You Lift Me) Up To Heaven"(June, 1980)#8 C&W, "Can't Even Get The Blues"(Oct., 1982)#1 C&W, "You're First Time I've Ever Thought About Leaving"(April, 1983)#1 C&W, "How Blue" (Oct., 1984)#1 C&W, "Whoever's In New England"(Feb., 1986)#1 C&W, "The Last One To Know"(Sept., 1987)#1 C&W, "New Fool At An Old Game"(Dec., 1988)#1 C&W, "Take It Back"(1992), "The Heart Won't Lie"(1992) (with Vince Gill), "On My Own"(Sept., 1995), "The Fear Of Being Alone"(1996), "What If"(Jan., 1998)#50 US and "I'll Be" (June, 2000).
• Recommended track - The Grammy Award-winning "Does He Love You" (1994) (with Linda Davis).

KATHY MATTEA

• (June 21, 1959 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Cross Lane, West Virginia.
• Former member of the bluegrass group Pennsboro.
• Worked as a tour guide for The Country Music Hall Of Fame before breaking into the music business as a solo act.
• 1990 - Received The Best Country Female Vocalist Grammy Award.
• Hits include "Love At The Five And Dime"(April, 1986)#3 C&W, "Goin' Gone"(Oct., 1987)#1 C&W, "Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses"(March, 1988)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Life As We Knew It"(Nov., 1988)#4 C&W and "The Trouble With Angels"(June, 2000).

K. D. LANG

• Katherine Dawn Lang (Nov. 2, 1961 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Consort, Alberta, Canada (population - 650).
• Prefers to have her name written as k. d. lang.
• 1984 - Released her debut LP, "A Truly Western Experience."
• Changed stereotypical notions about country females by performing in colourful western garb and sporting a neo-punk crew cut.
• Always controversial, she took a dramatic stand with her anti-meat campaign.
• Her androgynous appearance has helped break down barriers for persons who don't quite fit into the neatly packaged stereotypical image of beauty and fashion consciousness.
• One of the most powerful soulful voices of her time.
• Originally famous for what was termed "cowpunk," lang firmly believed that she was the reincarnated spirit of Patsy Cline. Her first band was called The Reclines.
• 1985 - Won the Juno Award for The Most Promising Canadian Female Vocalist.
• Dec., 1987 - Her recording of "Crying" with Roy Orbison drew rave revues yet only climbed to #42 C&W.
• 1989 - Winner of The Best Country Female Vocalist Grammy Award.
• 1991 - Appeared in the German film, "Salmonberries."
• July, 1992 - Admitted to being gay in The Advocate magazine.
• 1992 - Her torchy pop album, "Ingenue," featuring the hits, "Constant Craving" and "Miss Chatelaine" garnered almost every award possible. All songs were written by lang and Ben Mink. The LP took her away from country and into uncharted territory.
• 1992 - Won The Best Pop Female Vocal Grammy Award for "Constant Craving."
• 1993 - Appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine.
• June, 1997 - Released her "Drag" album of classic songs featuring a smoke motif.
• Hits include "I'm Down To My Last Cigarette"(May, 1988)#21 C&W, "Lock Stock And Teardrops"(Sept., 1988)#53 C&W, "Trail Of Broken Hearts"(1989), "If I Were You"(1995) and "Summerfling"(June, 2000).

K. T. OSLIN

• Kay Toinette Oslin (May 15, 1944 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actress born in Crossit, Arkansas.
• Raised in Mobile, Alabama.
• Mid 1960's - Worked in a folk trio with Guy Clark and David Jones.
• Appeared in the musicals, "Hello Dolly" and "West Side Story."
• While in New York City, worked mainly in commercials.
• 1985 - Moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
• 1987 & 1988 - Winner of The Best Country Female Vocalist Grammy Award.
• A unique intense performer who didn't break through until she was well into her forties.
• 1993 - Appeared in the film, "The Thing Called Love."
• Hits include "80's Ladies"(April, 1987)#7 C&W, "Do Ya"(Sept., 1987)#1 C&W, "I'll Always Come Back"(Jan., 1988)#1 C&W and "Hold Me"(Oct., 1988)#1 C&W.

LORRIE MORGAN

• Loretta Lynn Morgan (June 27, 1960 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Youngest daughter of country legend George Morgan.
• 1984 - Began working on The Grand Ole Opry.
• Nov., 1986-May 9, 1989 - Married to C&W singer Keith Whitley until his death from alcohol abuse.
• Beautiful ice cream blonde with a sophisticated smooth vocal style.
• 1996 - With Carlene Carter and Pam Tillis, took part in the first all female country tour.
• Nov. 16, 1996 - Married singer Jon Randall in her 4th marriage to date. The two met when they dueted together on the hit, "By My Side."
• Hits include "Two People In Love"(March, 1979)#75 C&W, "I'm Completely Satisfied With You"(Nov., 1979)#93 C&W (with George Morgan), "Don't Go Changing"(March, 1984)#69 C&W, "Trainwreck Of Emotion"(Dec., 1988)#20 C&W, "Except For Monday"(1991), "Something In Red"(1992), "Back In Your Arms Again"(Sept., 1995) and "A Picture Of Me (Without You)"(1996).

PATTY LOVELESS

• Patricia Ramey (Jan. 4, 1957 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Pikesville, Kentucky.
• A distant cousin of Loretta Lynn.
• 1967 - Her coal miner father moved the family to Louisville.
• 1971 - Age 14, worked with her brother Roger.
• Toured with The Wilburn Brothers while attending high school.
• Married The Wilburn Brothers' drummer Terry Lovelace.
• 1973-1985 - Worked in clubs in North Carolina.
• Became a staff writer for Acuff-Rose.
• In the mid 1980's, changed her name to Loveless.
• 1988 - Joined The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1992 - Signed with Epic Records.
• Jan. 4, 1993 - Resumed recording the "Only What I Feel" album after recuperating from laser vocal cord surgery. The album sold over 1 million copies.
• Married her producer, Emory Gordy Jr.
• 1996 - CMA Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• June, 2001 - Released the "Mountain Soul" album.
• Considered to be one of the finest bluegrass voices in the business.
• Hits include "Lonely Days, Lonely Nights"(Dec., 1985)#46 C&W, "If My Heart Had Windows"(Feb., 1988)#10 C&W, "A Little Bit In Love" (June, 1988)#2 C&W, "Blue Side Of Town"(Oct., 1988)#4 C&W, "Chains"(Jan., 1990) #1 C&W, "Hurt Me Bad (In A Real Good Way)" (Sept., 1991)#3 C&W, "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye"(1993) and "You Can't Feel Bad"(1996)#1-2 wks. C&W.

MARY-CHAPIN CARPENTER

• (Feb. 21, 1958 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Princeton, New Jersey.
• Daughter of Life Magazine executive Chapin Carpenter.
• Likes to be called Chapin.
• Began singing folk songs in clubs in Washington, D.C.
• By the age of 26, she discovered that she was a victim of alcohol abuse.
• 1986 - Awarded a Whammie for Best Live Performer.
• 1987 - Recorded a demo in guitarist John Jennings' basement. A CBS executive heard the tape and signed her.
• 1988 - Released her critically received debut album, "Hometown Girl," which sold 20,000 copies.
• 1990 - Her third album, "Shooting Straight In The Dark" hit paydirt.
• 1990 - Toured Europe.
• 1991, 1992, 1994 & 1995 - Received The Female Vocalist Of The Year Grammy Award.
• Wrote "Girls With Guitars" for Wynonna and "Sally's Pigeon" for Cyndi Lauper.
• 1994 - Won the Best Country Album Grammy Award for "Stones In The Road."
• Hits include "How Do"(Jan., 1990), "Never Had It So Good," "Quittin' Time," "Down At The Twist And Shout"(1991)#2 C&W, "Right Now," "I Feel Lucky"(1992)#4 C&W, "He Thinks He'll Keep Her," "The Hard Way," "Walking Through Fire," "Passionate Kisses"(1994), "Shut Up And Kiss Me"(Nov., 1994)#1 C&W, #90 US, "One Cool Remove"(1995) (with Shawn Colvin) and "Let Me Into Your Heart"(1996).

MICHELLE WRIGHT

• (July 1, 1961 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada.
• Raised in Merlin, Ontario.
• Earthy vocalist with a sexy new look and style.
• 1988 - Came to terms with an alcohol problem.
• 1988 - Debut LP.
• 1990, 1991 & 1992 - Canadian Country Female Vocalist Of The Year.
• 1992 - CMA Award for Best Single and Best Video for "Take It Like A Man."
• Hits include "One Time Around"(1992) and "He Would Be Sixteen" (1992).

ALISON KRAUSS

• (July 22, 1971 – )
• Singer/songwriter/fiddler/viola player/bandleader born in Champaign, Illinois.
• Brilliant bluegrass vocalist and musician.
• Often compared vocally to Dolly Parton.
• 1976 - Age 5, began playing violin.
• 1983 - Age 12, won her first State Fiddle Championship.
• 1984 - Joined the bluegrass group, John Pennell's Silver Rail. The group changed its name to Union Station in 1986.
• 1987 - Debuted on Rounder Records.
• 1987 - Released her debut album, "Too Late To Cry."
• Feb., 1991 - Her "I've Got That Old Feeling" album won the Best Bluegrass Recording Grammy.
• June, 1993 - Inducted into The Grand Ole Opry.
• 1994 - Toured with Garth Brooks.
• 1996 - Recipient of 2 Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Baby, Now That I've Found You" and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for "Somewhere In The Vicinity Of Your Heart" with Shenandoah.
• 1998 - Alison Krauss & Union Station won 3 Grammys.
• Hits include "Sleep On"(1982), "Every Time You Say Goodbye" (1992), "Baby, Now That I've Found You"(1994), "Atlanta"(1994) and "When You Say Nothing At All"(June, 1995)#53.
• Recommended track - An exquisite rendition of Lennon/McCartney's "I Will"(1994).

SHANIA TWAIN

• (Eilleen Regina Edwards) (Aug. 28, 1965 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
• 1968 - Age 3, her parents divorced and she moved to Timmons, Ontario with her mother Sharon. After her mother married an Ojibwa Indian named Gerald "Jerry" Twain, he adopted Eilleen and her 2 siblings. Later, two more children were born.
• Jerry Twain taught her to play guitar.
• 1973 - Age 8, began performing.
• 1975 - Age 10, began appearing in clubs and bars.
• As a teenager, joined the band Longshot for a time before teaming with singer/songwriter Lawrence Martin.
• 1985 - Began working with Toronto DJ/record producer Stan Campbell and recorded a duet called "Heavy On The Sunshine" on the Tim Denis self-titled debut album.
• Worked as a backup singer for Canadian singer Kelita.
• Nov. 1, 1987 - Both her parents were killed in a car crash and she was forced to care for her siblings.
• 1987 - Began appearing in a revue called "Viva Vegas" at the Deerhurst vacation resort in Huntsville, Ontario doing 6 shows weekly.
• Changed her name to Shania Twain, Shania being Ojibwa Indian for "I'm on my way."
• Late, 1991 - Signed a solo recording contract with Mercury Nashville.
• 1992 - Released the "Shania Twain" album featuring the self-penned "God Ain't Gonna Getcha For That."
• Toured with Toby Keith and John Brannen.
• June, 1993 - Performed at "Fan Fair" where she met British record producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange (1960 – ).
• 1993 - Country Music Television Europe gave her the "Rising Star Award."
• Dec. 28, 1993 - Married Lange in Huntsville, Ontario.
• 1995 - Released "The Woman In Me" album featuring all self-penned material including the singles "Any Man Of Mine"(March, 1995)#1 C&W, "(If You're Not In It For Love) I'm Outta Here"(1995)#1 C&W, "You Win My Love"(1995)#1 and "No One Needs To Know"(1995)#1 C&W. It was the most expensive C&W recording ever made - $500,000. With no tour to promote it, it sold over 10 million copies in 36 months. It won 25 awards.
• Shania's video image became sexier and she came to be known for her belly button.
• Because of her Ojibwa name, she was later unjustly accused of exploiting Native culture for her own success.
• 1997 - Released her "Come On Over" album featuring the hits, "Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)," "Love Gets Me Every Time," "Honey I'm Home," "You're Still The One," "Man I Feel Like A Woman" and "Come On Over."
• 1998 - Began touring successfully.
• 1998 - CMT named her "Female Artist Of 1998."
• 1999 - Twain was the most nominated artist at The American Music Awards.
• 2002 - Released the "Up" album featuring the hits "I'm Gonna Getcha Good" and "Up."

NEW COUNTRY GROUPS

LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS

• Three brothers from Seminole, Texas where they began as a gospel group, often augmented by their sister LaDonna.
• Larry Gatlin (May 2, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Seminole, Texas.
• Steve Gatlin (April 4, 1951 – )
• Rudi Gatlin (April 20, 1952 – )
• Larry began working with The Imperials in Las Vegas as part of The Jimmy Dean Show.
• 1971 - Several of his songs were recorded by major artists including Dottie West and Johnny Cash.
• 1972 - Signed with Monument Records.
• 1975 - Reunited with The Gatlin Brothers.
• Dec. 10, 1984 - Spent time in a California drug and alcohol abuse centre, returning to music in 1985.
• Gatlin possesses one of country's most melodic voices.
• Hits include "I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love"(Dec., 1977)#1 C&W, "All The Gold In California"(Aug., 1979)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer To You)"(Sept., 1983)#1-2 wks. C&W and "Love Of A Lifetime"(March, 1988)#4 C&W.

ALABAMA

• 1969 - Quartet formed in Fort Payne, Alabama.
• Originally called Wildcountry.
• Consisting of Randy Owen (Randy Yeull Owen) (Dec. 13, 1949 – ) (vocals/guitar), Jeff Cook (Jeffrey Alan Cook) (Aug. 27, 1949 – ) (keys/fiddle), Teddy Gentry (Teddy Wayne Gentry) (Jan. 22, 1952 – ) (bass) and John Vartanian (drums).
• Owen, Cook and Gentry are cousins.
• 1973 - Began working in clubs in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
• 1976 - Mark Herndon (Mark Joel Herndon) (May 11, 1955 – ) replaced Vartanian.
• July, 1977 - Became Alabama, recording their first hit, "I Want To Be With You Tonight."
• 1980 - Signed with RCA.
• The band's forte is country with a folk rock flavour.
• During the 1980's, notched up 26 #1 C&W singles.
• Winner of The Academy Of Country Music's Artist Of The Decade for the 1980's.
• 1982, 1983 & 1984 - CMA Entertainers Of The Year.
• 1996 - Released the "In Pictures" album.
• By 1996, the group had racked up 18 gold albums.
• Hits include "Tennessee River"(May, 1980)#1 C&W, "Feels So Right" (May, 1981)#1-2 wks. C&W, (June, 1981)#20, "Love In The First Degree"(Oct., 1981)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1981)#15, "Mountain Music"(March, 1982)#1 C&W, "Take Me Down"(May, 1982)#1 C&W, #18, "Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)"(Jan., 1984)#1 C&W, "Tar Top"(Aug., 1987)#7 C&W, "She Ain't Your Ordinary Girl"(1995) and "The Maker Said Take Her"(Oct., 1996).

THE JUDDS/WYNONNA

• Mother and daughter duo from Ashland, Kentucky.
• Naomi Judd (Diana Ellen Judd) (Jan. 11, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actress.
• Wynonna Judd (Christina Claire Ciminella) (May 30, 1964 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist.
• Wynonna's actress sister Ashley (1968 – ) was a cast member of NBC's "Sisters," later becoming a major film star.
• 1963 - Diana Judd found herself pregnant out of wedlock.
• Jan. 3, 1964 - Judd married Michael Ciminella, who was not Christina's father.
• 1967 - The family moved to Los Angeles, California.
• 1972 - The Ciminellas divorced.
• 1976 - Diana moved her children back to Kentucky. The same year she bought Christina her first guitar and the two began singing together.
• 1977 - The moved to Marin County, California.
• Took the stage names of Wynonna (from the song, "Route 66") and Naomi.
• May, 1979 - They moved to Franklin, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville.
• Mid 1984 - Added guitarist Don Porter to their group and made their professional stage debut.
• 1984 - CMA Best Vocal Group Award.
• 1989 - Naomi married session singer Larry Strickland.
• Oct. 17, 1990 - Naomi held a press conference to announce her retirement from touring due to chronic hepatitis C.
• 1991 - Began their farewell tour consisting of 124 shows in 12 months.
• The group sold over 30 million records and won 6 Grammys.
• 1992 - Wynonna went solo, hitting #1 C&W with "No One Else On Earth." Her debut solo LP went triple platinum. Solo hits include "It's Never Easy To Say Goodbye," "Is It Over Yet" and "Without Your Love I'm Going Nowhere."
• 1995 - A TV mini-series chronicled their career.
• 2000 - Reunited for the "Power To Change" tour and TV special.
• Sept. 15, 2001 - Wynonna debuted at The Grand Ole Opry.
• Hits include "Mama He's Crazy"(April, 1984)#1 C&W, "Why Not Me" (Oct., 1984)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Girl's Night Out"(Feb., 1985)#1 C&W, "Have Mercy"(Oct., 1985)#1-2 wks. C&W, "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)"(Feb., 1986)#1 C&W, "Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain"(May, 1986)#1 C&W, "Change Of Heart"(Oct., 1988)#1 C&W and "Love Can Build A Bridge"(1990).

THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS

• Country rock quintet consisting of Ricky Lee Phelps (vocals), Doug Phelps (bass/vocals), Greg Martin (lead guitar), Fred Young (drums) and Richard Young (rhythm guitar).
• The wildest bunch of characters ever to make it big in country. Their music is hard edged countrified rock and their look is scruffy hippie yokel.
• 1990 - Won The Best Country Duo Or Group Award.
• June, 1992 - Both Phelps brothers left the group.
• Hits include "Oh Lonesome Me"(1990) and "The Ballad Of Davy Crockett"(1991).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER MAJOR COUNTRY RECORDINGS

• Rex Allen - "Don't Go Near The Indians"(Sept., 1962)#4 C&W, #17.
• John Anderson - "Swingin'"(Jan., 1983)#1 C&W, (March, 1983)#43.
• Lynn Anderson - "Rose Garden"(Nov., 1970)#1-5 wks. C&W, #3.
• Ernest Ashworth - "Talk Back Trembling Lips"(June, 1963)#1 C&W.
• John Berry - "Kiss Me In The Car"(1993).
• Elton Britt & The Skytoppers - "Candy Kisses"(March, 1949)#4 C&W.
• Brooks & Dunn - "Boot Scootin' Boogie"(1995)#1 C&W.
• Ed Bruce - "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" (Nov., 1975)#15 C&W.
• Henson Cargill - "Skip A Rope"(Dec., 1967)#1-5 wks. C&W, #25.
• Deana Carter - "Strawberry Wine"(1996)#1 C&W.
• Rosanne Cash - "Seven Year Ache"(Feb., 1981)#1 C&W, (April, 1981) #22.
• Jessi Colter - "I'm Not Lisa"(Feb., 1975)#1 C&W, (April, 1975)#4.
• Cowboy Copas - "Tennessee Waltz"(May, 1948)#3 C&W.
• Billy "Crash" Craddock - "Rub It In"(June, 1974)#1-2 wks. C&W, #16.
• Ted Daffan's Texans - "Born To Lose"(Jan., 1944)#3 C&W, (Aug., 1943)#19.
• The Charlie Daniels Band - "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"(June, 1979)#1 C&W, #3.
• Al Dexter - "Pistol Packin' Mama"(Jan., 1944)#1-3 wks. C&W, (June, 1943)#1-8 wks.
• Little Jimmy Dickens - "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose" (Oct., 1965)#1-2 wks. C&W, #15.
• The Dixie Chicks - "Landslide"(2002).
• Barbara Fairchild - "Teddy Bear Song"(Dec., 1972)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Feb., 1973)#32.
• Donna Fargo - "The Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A."(March, 1972) #1-3 wks. C&W, (May, 1972)#11.
• Mickey Gilley - "Room Full Of Roses"(April, 1974)#1 C&W, (June, 1974)#50.
• Jack Greene - "There Goes My Everything"(Oct., 1966)#1-7 wks. C&W, (Jan., 1967)#65.
• Lee Greenwood - "God Bless The U.S.A."(May, 1984)#7 C&W.
• Tom T. Hall - "I Love"(Nov., 1973)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Dec., 1973)#12.
• Hawkshaw Hawkins - "Lonesome 7-7203"(March, 1963)#1-4 wks. C&W.
• Bobby Helms - "My Special Angel"(Oct., 1957)#1-4 wks. C&W, #7.
• Ty Herndon - "Living In A Moment"(1996).
• Faith Hill - "Breathe"(2000)#2.
• The Kendalls - "Heaven's Just A Sin Away"(Aug., 1977)#1-4 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1977)#69.
• Claude King - "Wolverton Mountain"(May, 1962)#1-9 wks. C&W, #6.
• Pee Wee King - "Slow Poke"(Sept., 1951)#1-15 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1951) #1-3 wks.
• Christy Lane - "One Day At A Time"(March, 1980)#1 C&W.
• Tracy Lawrence - "Time Marches On"(1996).
• Johnny Lee - "Lookin' For Love"(July, 1980)#1-3 wks. C&W, #5.
• Hank Locklin - "Please Help Me I'm Falling"(March, 1960)#1-14 wks. C&W, (May, 1960)#8.
• Lonestar - "No News"(1996).
• C.W. McCall - "Convoy"(Nov., 1975)#1-6 wks. C&W, (Dec., 1975)#1.
• Mel McDaniel - "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On"(Nov., 1984)#1 C&W.
• Ronnie McDowell - "The King Is Gone"(Sept., 1977)#13 C&W, #13.
• Tim McGraw - "She Never Lets It Go To Her Heart"(1996).
• Jody Miller - "Queen Of The House"(April, 1965)#12, (May, 1965)#5 C&W.
• Ned Miller - "From A Jack To A King"(Dec., 1962)#2 C&W, #6.
• Ronnie Milsap - "Lost In The Fifties Tonight"(July, 1985)#1-2 wks. C&W.
• John Michael Montgomery - "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)"(1995)#1 C&W.
• Melba Montgomery - "No Charge"(March, 1974)#1 C&W, (April, 1974) #39.
• George Morgan - "Candy Kisses"(Feb., 1949)#1-3 wks. C&W.
• Gary Morris - "The Wind Beneath My Wings"(Aug., 1983)#4 C&W.
• Moon Mullican - "I'll Sail My Ship Alone"(March, 1950)#1-4 wks. C&W, (June, 1950)#17.
• Johnny Paycheck - "Take This Job And Shove It"(Nov., 1977)#1-2 wks. C&W.
• Webb Pierce - "In The Jailhouse Now"(Feb., 1955)#1-21 wks. C&W.
• Charlie Pride - "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'"(Oct., 1971)#1-5 wks. C&W, (Nov., 1971)#21.
• Jeanne Pruett - "Satin Sheets"(March, 1973)#1-3 wks. C&W, (May, 1973)#28.
• Marvin Rainwater - "Gonna Find Me A Bluebird"(April, 1957)#3 C&W, (May, 1957)#18.
• Ricochet - "Daddy's Money"(1996).
• Jeannie C. Riley - "Harper Valley P.T.A."(Aug., 1968)#1-3 wks. C&W, #1.
• LeAnn Rimes - "Blue"(Aug., 1996)#1 C&W.
• Jimmie Rodgers - "Honeycomb"(Oct.,1957)#7 C&W, (Aug., 1957)#1-4 wks.
• Sawyer Brown - "Step That Step"(Feb., 1985)#1 C&W.
• Ricky Van Shelton - "Somebody Lied"(Aug., 1987)#1 C&W.
• Jean Shepard - "A Dear John Letter"(July, 1953)#1-6 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1953)#4 (with Ferlin Husky).
• Carl Smith - "There She Goes"(May, 1955)#3 C&W.
• Sammi Smith - "Help Me Make It Through The Night"(Dec., 1970)#1-13 wks. C&W, (Jan., 1971)#8.
• Red Sovine - "Phantom 309"(July, 1967)#9 C&W.
• Billy Swan - "I Can Help"(Oct.,1974)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1974) #1-2 wks.
• Sylvia - "Nobody"(June, 1982)#1 C&W, (Aug., 1982)#15.
• Hank Thompson - "The Wild Side Of Life"(March, 1952)#1-15 wks. C&W, (June, 1952)#27.
• Mel Tillis - "I Ain't Never"(Aug., 1972)#1-2 wks. C&W.
• Pam Tillis - "Cleopatra, Queen Of Denial"(1992).
• Floyd Tillman - "I Love You So Much It Hurts"(July, 1948)#5 C&W.
• T. Texas Tyler - "Filipino Baby"(Aug., 1946)#5 C&W.
• Leroy Van Dyke - "Walk On By"(Sept., 1961)#1-19 wks. C&W, (Oct., 1961)#5.
• Porter Wagoner - "A Satisfied Mind"(May, 1955)#1-14 wks. C&W.
• Clay Walker - "Hypnotize The Moon"(1996).
• Margaret Whiting & Jimmy Wakely - "Slippin' Around"(Sept., 1949) #1-17 wks. C&W, #1-3 wks.
• Don Williams - "I Believe In You"(Aug., 1980)#1-2 wks. C&W, (Sept., 1980)#24.
• Tex Williams - "Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette"(July, 1947)#1-16 wks. C&W, #1-6 wks.
• Trisha Yearwood - "Believe Me Baby (I Lied)"(Oct., 1996)#1 C&W.

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 15: Folk Music
• Chapter 17: Rock And Roll
• Chapter 24: American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties - Folk Rock
• Chapter 31: Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - Southern And Country Rock
• Chapter 37: Eighties Revue
• Chapter 38: The Nineties And Beyond

BIBLIOGRAPHY