Author: Jennifer Hayes

JANUARY 24 1936: Doug Kershaw was born in Tiel Ridge, LA. An influential Cajun singer and fiddler, he hit country's Top 10 with brother Rusty... Read More.

JANUARY 23 1940: Johnny Russell was born in Roundaway, MS. A 1985 addition to the Grand Ole Opry, he scored a hit with 1973's "Rednecks,... Read More.

JANUARY 22 1935: Sam Cooke was born in Clarksdale, MS. A highly regarded R&B vocalist, Cooke had two songs covered in the country charts: "Bring... Read More.

JANUARY 21 1919: Bass player and guitarist Louis Innis was born in Seymour, IN. After a stint in Red Foley's band, he worked on recordings... Read More.

JANUARY 20 1889: Huddie Ledbetter is born near Mooringsport, LA. Under the name Lead Belly, he became a major blues figure. He also saw his... Read More.

JANUARY 19 1911: Record producer Ken Nelson was born in Caledonia, MN. Instrumental in building Capitol Records' country division, he oversaw sessions for such acts... Read More.

JANUARY 18 1926: Robert Moncrief was born in Anniston, AL. Under the pseudonym Bobby Edwards, he wrote and recorded the 1961 hit "You're The Reason." 1938:... Read More.

JANUARY 17 1921: Artist manager E.E. "Si" Siman was born in Springfield, MO. He worked with Brenda Lee and Chet Atkins, and his son, Scott... Read More.

JANUARY 16 1894: Songwriter Irving Mills was born in New York. In addition to the jazz classics "Mood Indigo" and "It Don't Mean A Thing... Read More.

JANUARY 15 1925: Record producer and entrepreneur Ralph Peer coins the phrase "hillbilly music" to describe southern folk. 1949: Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant is... Read More.

JANUARY 13 1927: Guitarist Bernice Hilburn was born in Black Rock, AR. She and husband Doyle Turner played in Hank Williams' band for nearly two... Read More.

JANUARY 12 1905: Maurice "Tex" Ritter was born near Murvaul, TX. A successful silver-screen cowboy, he built a music career on top of his acting,... Read More.