MAY 31

1938: Donald Lytle was born in Greenfield, OH. As Johnny Paycheck, he becomes one of country music’s most colorful stars as his legal run-ins coincide with his membership in the “outlaw” movement. He’s best known for 1977’s “Take This Job And Shove It.”

1975: Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle! “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” brought a joyous John Denver to the top of the Billboard country chart.

1988: RCA released Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” album.

1991: Tracy Lawrence was shot in Shoney’s parking lot on Music Row just after completing vocals for his debut album. Lawrence and a female friend were robbed by three gunmen prior to the shooting.

1997: Lee Ann Womack made her Grand Ole Opry debut, singing “Never Again, Again.”