Author: Jennifer Hayes

DECEMBER 30 1927: Bob Ferguson was born in Willow Springs, MO. He produced Connie Smith, Dolly Parton and Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, and... Read More.

DECEMBER 28 1915: Roebuck "Pops" Staples was born in Winona, MS, eventually forming The Staple Singers with his son and three daughters. The soul group's... Read More.

DECEMBER 26 1911: Dobro player Beecher Kirby was born in Sevier County, TN. Under the name Bashful Brother Oswald, he became a key member of... Read More.

DECEMBER 24 1920: Songwriter Dave Bartholomew was born in Edgard, LA. A frequent collaborator of Fats Domino, he had several songs become country hits: Hank... Read More.

DECEMBER 25 1904: Riverboat captain Thomas Ryman, who funded construction of the Union Tabernacle, died in Nashville. After his passing, the building was renamed the... Read More.

DECEMBER 22 1921: Hawkshaw Hawkins was born in Huntington, WV. He scored a handful of hits from 1949-1963, including "Slow Poke," "Soldier's Joy" and "Lonesome... Read More.

DECEMBER 21 1925: Floyd Taylor "Lightnin'" Chance was born in Como, MS. He played bass on such classics as Faron Young's "Hello Walls," The Everly... Read More.

DECEMBER 20 1929: Songwriter Charlie Williams was born in TX. He wrote Bobby Bare's hit "500 Miles Away From Home" and eventually ran Willie Nelson's... Read More.

DECEMBER 19 1908: The Grand Ole Opry's Bill Carlisle was born in Wakefield, KY. Along with brother Cliff, he formed The Carlisles, and their mix... Read More.

DECEMBER 18 1943: Guitarist Keith Richards was born in Dartford, England. With The Rolling Stones, he performed on their 1964 single "It's All Over Now,"... Read More.

DECEMBER 17 1910: Spade Cooley was born in Grand, OK. A fiddler and bandleader, he brought the phrase "western swing" into widespread use, building such... Read More.

DECEMBER 16 1937: Jim Glaser was born in Spalding, NE. As a member of Tompall & The Glaser Brothers, he backed Marty Robbins on "El... Read More.