In 1955 George Jones convinced “Louisiana Hayride” producer Horace Logan to let him open a “Hayride” road show in Conroe, TX. Jones sings “Why Baby Why,” opening for Elvis Presley, David Houston, Johnny Horton and The Browns.
“The Eddy Arnold Show” makes its final prime-time appearance on ABC-TV on September 28, 1956.
It was a big day for Charley Pride in 1965. That’s when he got a call from manager Jack D. Johnson, informing him he’s been signed by RCA.
We lost Dewey Phillips, the disc jockey who first put Elvis Presley on the radio on September 28, 1968. He died in his sleep at his mother’s house in Memphis. Here’s Phillips interviewing another star from Sun Studios…
Six years to the day after getting signed by RCA, the label released what would become Charley Pride’s signature tune in 1971.
Kenny Rogers & Dottie West were in the Jack Clement Studios in Nashville on September 28, 1977 to record “Every Time Two Fools Collide”
Speaking of recording, it was on September 28, 1982 when Alabama records “Dixieland Delight”
Earl Scruggs is awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C. in 1989.
Tennessee Ernie Ford attended a white house dinner in 1991. Afterward, he became ill at Washington Dulles Airport and was taken to the hospital. We’d lose him 19 days later.
A big television event aired on CBS in 1997. “Get To The Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story” starred actress Maureen McCormick from “Brady Bunch.” Mandrell makes an appearance, as do Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, John Doe and Mandrell’s daughter, Jaime Dudney.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Ed Sullivan was born in New York, NY in 1902. His self-named TV show becomes an important medium of exposure for such acts as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sonny James, Johnny Horton, The Everly Brothers and Jim Reeves.
Comedian Jerry Clower was born in Liberty, MS in 1926. His southern, small-town tales about the Ledbetter family from Yazoo City, delivered with great exaggeration, gain him membership in the Grand Ole Opry in 1973.
Leonard Sipes is born near Oklahoma City, OK in 1930. We know him better as Tommy Collins. He nets five hits from 1954-1966. He also writes hits like, “Carolyn,” “The Roots Of My Raising” and “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’).” Here’s Merle Haggard’s tribute to his friend, Leonard.
Record producer/songwriter Glenn Sutton was born in Hodge, LA
Ronnie Reno was born in Buffalo, SC in 1947.
William Schlappi was born in Voorheesville, NY in 1959. Under the name Billy Montana, he signs a recording deal in the 1990s, but scores his biggest successes by writing Jo Dee Messina’s “Bring On The Rain” and Sara Evans’ “Suds In The Bucket”
