JANUARY 11
1911: Tommy Duncan was born in Hillsboro, TX. As a vocalist for Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys from 1935-1947, he sang on their signature song, “San Antonio Rose,” and wrote “Stay A Little Longer” and “Take Me Back To Tulsa.”
1933: Goldie Hill was born in Karnes City, TX. Nicknamed “The Golden Hillbilly,” she earned a #1 record in 1953 with “I Let The Stars Get In My Eyes,” and a duet hit with Justin Tubb, “Looking Back To See,” before marrying Carl Smith in 1957 and retiring.
1946: Naomi Judd was born in Ashland, KY. Along with daughter Wynonna, The Judds became the preeminent duo of the ’80s with harmonies that reflect mountain music and the blues. Chronic hepatitis forced her to halt regular performing in 1991.
1951: Lefty Frizzell recorded “I Want To Be With You Always” and “Give Me More, More, More (Of Your Kisses)” at the Jim Beck Studio in Dallas, TX.
1956: In his first session for Columbia, Johnny Horton recorded “Honky-Tonk Man” and “I’m A One-Woman Man” at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville.
1956: Singer/songwriter Robert Earl Keen was born in Houston. His rough-cut sound and unique songwriting make him a favorite on the Texas red-dirt circuit, and he appeared in the soundtrack to “Happy, Texas“
1964: Roger Miller recorded “Dang Me” and “Chug-A-Lug” in Nashville at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio.
1967: Johnny Cash & June Carter recorded the classic “Jackson” at the Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville.
1970: Tex Ritter announced his candidacy for the Senate in Tennessee, denouncing “irresponsible liberal proposals.”
1978: Charley Pride recorded “Burgers And Fries” and “When I Stop Leaving (I’ll Be Gone)” at Sound Masters in Nashville.
1982: George Strait recorded “Marina Del Rey” and “A Fire I Can’t Put Out” at Music City Music Hall in Nashville.
1989: Capitol released the “Kix Brooks” album, including a song destined to become a hit for McBride & The Ride, “Sacred Ground.”
1993: Garth Brooks recorded “Standing Outside The Fire” at Jack’s Tracks in Nashville.
1994: Alan Jackson records “Summertime Blues” and “Gone Country.”
2004: The Tennessean reports that 40 years after the plane crash that took his life, Jim Reeves still earns $400,000 annually in royalties.
2017: Guitarist Tommy Allsup died in Springfield, MO. Formerly with Buddy Holly’s Crickets, Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys and Asleep At The Wheel, he also played on Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn,” George Jones’ “The Grand Tour,” Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job And Shove It” and Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” among others.
