MARCH 13
1930: Singer/songwriter Liz Anderson was born in Roseau, MN. The mother of Lynn Anderson, she wrote two of Merle Haggard’s first hits: “(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers” and “The Fugitive.”
1930: Lula Grace Johnson was born in West Plains, MO. She became Jan Howard with her marriage to songwriter Harlan Howard. She nabbed several solo hits in the 1960s, then added four more in duets with Bill Anderson, joining the Grand Ole Opry in 1971.
1934: KFWB announcer Harry Hall introduced 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 received their name.
1956: RCA released Elvis Presley’s self-titled first album.
1963: Traditional country singer/songwriter Billy Yates was born in Doniphan, MO. He penned the George Jones singles “Choices” and “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.”
1965: The Statler Brothers recorded “Flowers On The Wall” at a session originally slated for Johnny Cash, who failed to appear, at the Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville.
1969: Glen Campbell recorded “True Grit,” the title song for the John Wayne movie, at the RCA Studio in Hollywood.
1970: Roy Clark recorded “Thank God And Greyhound” during the evening hours at Bradley’s Barn in Mt. Juliet, TN.
1972: Cal Smith records “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking” and “I’ve Found Someone Of My Own” in Nashville.
1972: Freddie Hart won five times during the seventh annual Academy Of Country & Western Music awards at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. “Easy Loving” took Single Record, Song and Album of the Year, and Hart claimed Entertainer and Top Male Vocalist.
1978: RCA released Steve Wariner’s debut single, “I’m Already Taken.”
1978: Gene Watson recorded “Farewell Party” at the Jack Clement Studios in Nashville.
1979: Crystal Gayle recorded “Half The Way” at Jack’s Tracks in Nashville.
1980: Johnny Cash held a recording session at Nashville’s Quadraphonic Studios. It marked the first time that he was backed in the studio by Marty Stuart.
1999: Trisha Yearwood joined the Grand Ole Opry the same night singer and songwriter John Prine made his Opry debut.
2001: Charley Pride received a Hall of Fame medallion during the first official function at the new Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. Robyn Young also accepted one for his late father, Faron Young.
2003: The state of Texas observed Lee Ann Womack Day.
2017: Dolly Parton offered her vocal talents on the Sprout series, “Lily’s Driftwood Bay” – as the voice for Nolene, an animated chicken.
2017: Clay Walker, Steve Wariner and Crystal Gayle performed at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley to raise money for Anita Cochran in her battle with cancer. Also performing were Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Bryan White, Wade Hayes, Suzy Bogguss, Mandy Barnett, Ty Herndon, The Lynns and Lorrie Morgan.
