Mar 13, 1930
Singer/songwriter Liz Anderson is born in Roseau, Minnesota. The mother of Lynn Anderson, she writes two of Merle Haggard’s first hits: “(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers” and “The Fugitive”
Mar 13, 1930
Lula Grace Johnson is born in West Plains, Missouri. She becomes Jan Howard with her marriage to songwriter Harlan Howard. She nabs several solo hits in the 1960s, then adds four more in duets with Bill Anderson, joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1971
Mar 13, 1934
KFWB announcer Harry Hall introduces The Pioneer Trio on the Los Angeles radio station, saying the act is too young to be considered pioneers, but could be “sons of pioneers.” Thus, the Sons Of The Pioneers receive their name
Mar 13, 1956
RCA releases Elvis Presley’s self-titled first album
Mar 13, 1963
Traditional country singer/songwriter Billy Yates is born in Doniphan, Missouri. He pens the George Jones singles “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”
Mar 13, 1965
The Statler Brothers record “Flowers On The Wall” at a session originally slated for Johnny Cash, who failed to appear, at the Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville
Mar 13, 1969
Glen Campbell records “True Grit,” the title song for the John Wayne movie, at the RCA Studio in Hollywood
Mar 13, 1970
Roy Clark records “Thank God And Greyhound” during the evening hours at Bradley’s Barn in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Mar 13, 1972
Cal Smith records “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking” and “I’ve Found Someone Of My Own” in Nashville
Mar 13, 1972
Freddie Hart wins five times during the seventh annual Academy Of Country & Western Music awards at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. “Easy Loving” takes Single Record, Song and Album of the Year, and Hart claims Entertainer and Top Male Vocalist
Mar 13, 1978
RCA releases Steve Wariner’s debut single, “I’m Already Taken”
Mar 13, 1978
Gene Watson records “Farewell Party” at the Jack Clement Studios in Nashville
Mar 13, 1979
Crystal Gayle records “Half The Way” at Jack’s Tracks in Nashville
Mar 13, 1980
Johnny Cash holds a recording session at Nashville’s Quadraphonic Studios. It marks the first time that he’s backed in the studio by Marty Stuart
Mar 13, 2001
Charley Pride receives a Hall of Fame medallion during the first official function at the new Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. Robyn Young also accepts one for his late father, Faron Young
