MAY 11

1955: Alabama drummer Mark Herndon was born in Springfield, MA. He joined the Hall of Fame band in 1979, just prior to its launch into country’s mainstream. Herndon was a live fixture with the group, though he rarely played on recordings produced by the band.

1963: Tim Raybon was born in Jacksonville, FL. He joined sibling Marty to form The Raybon Brothers, who earn a gold single with their remake of the pop song “Butterfly Kisses.” These days, Tim is still making hits on the Bluegrass charts. Happy Birthday, Tim!

1965: Johnny Cash was arrested for trespassing in Starkville, MS. He got into trouble when he walked onto private property to pick some flowers. He spent the night in jail and reportedly kicked the walls of his cell and broke his big toe.

1977: Mel Tillis recorded “I Got The Hoss” at the Glaser Studios in Nashville

1979: We lost Lester Flatt to heart failure at the age of 64. The guitarist teamed with banjo player Earl Scruggs in Bill Monroe’s band, before the two went on to form their own influential bluegrass act. Flatt & Scruggs were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985

1987: (Then) former Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden filed a $40 million lawsuit. The band announced the addition of Steve Sanders the same day. Golden is back with the band and singing their hits during the group’s Farewell Tour.

1991: George Strait’s “If I Know Me” stops at #1 on the Billboard country chart

1993: Little Texas’ second studio album, “Big Time” album was released by Warner Brothers. It’d compete with Wynonna’s second studio album, “Tell Me Why” album released by MCA on the same day. Both records produced numerous hits.