Jun 26, 1909
Colonel Tom Parker is born in Breda, Holland, his real name: Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk. He manages Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow and, of course, Elvis Presley
Jun 26, 1926
Fiddler Kenny Baker is born in Jenkins, Kentucky. After first appearing with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1956, he plays on more of Monroe’s sessions than any other musician. He also plays on Tom T. Hall’s “Fox On The Run”
Jun 26, 1953
Bass player Ralph Ezell is born in Union, Mississippi. As a member of Shenandoah, he plays a role in such hits as “The Church On Cumberland Road,” “Janie Baker’s Love Slave” and “Two Dozen Roses”
Jun 26, 1954
Elvis Presley has a spur-of-the-moment tryout with Sam Phillips
Jun 26, 1963
Columbia releases Ray Price’s “Make The World Go Away” and “Night Life”
Jun 26, 1963
A Nashville judge approves 18-year-old Brenda Lee’s plan to sign a 20-year contract with Decca Records guaranteeing her $35,000 annually
Jun 26, 1973
Gretchen Wilson is born in Granite City, Illinois. Her feisty debut single, “Redneck Woman,” leads to instant stardom and the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award. She follows it with “Here For The Party” and “When I Think About Cheatin"”
Jun 26, 1973
Olivia Newton-John records “Let Me Be There”
Jun 26, 1977
Elvis Presley performs what proves to be his final concert at Indianapolis’ Market Square Arena. He becomes ill and is hospitalized overnight. His last song: “Can’t Help Falling In Love”
Jun 26, 1981
MCA releases Merle Haggard’s “Rainbow Stew/Live At Anaheim Stadium”
Jun 26, 1984
George Strait records “The Cowboy Rides Away” in a late-night session at the Sound Stage in Nashville
Jun 26, 1989
Alan Jackson signs his first recording contract with Arista Records. He also records “Wanted,” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and “I’d Love You All Over Again”
Jun 26, 1990
Capitol releases Pirates Of The Mississippi’s self-titled debut album
Jun 26, 1992
Columbia releases Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album “Come On, Come On”
Jun 26, 2014
Lake City, Tennessee, renames itself Rocky Top in an effort to increase tourism. The change is under appeal as the House of Bryant, which owns the rights to the song “Rocky Top,” maintains the town will harm its business
