Thomas Edison forms the Edison Phonograph Company to market his new machine that records on wax cylinders. The first models retail for $85, $100 and $130. Edison envisions the phonograph as a business dictation machine–not for entertainment.
Patsy Cline signed her first recording contract with Bill McCall, of Four Star Records in 1954. It wouldn’t be until several years later when they’d realize Cline’s true star power.
The Grand Ole Opry is televised for the first time in 1950, as WSM-TV debuts on the air.
Some big recordings happened on September 30th…
Willie Nelson recorded the gospel standard “Uncloudy Day” in 1975
Steve Earle was at Nashville’s Sound Stage in 1985 to record”Guitar Town”
George Jones and Frances Preston, head of the songwriter agency BMI, earn a place in the Country Music Hall Of Fame during the 26th annual Country Music Association awards at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House in 1992. Vince Gill and Garth Brooks are double-winners in the 26th annual Country Music Association awards at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House. Gill, who co-hosts with Reba McEntire on CBS, takes Male Vocalist and Song of the Year, for “Look At Us”
While in town for the CMAs, Dolly Parton records “Romeo” in Nashville that same day in 1992.
Buck Owens autographs one of his trademark red, white and blue guitars to Joe Diffie in 1993. Buck called him “the best damn singer to come down the pike since Merle Haggard”
Beyond Music releases “Stone Country,” a Rolling Stones tribute album in 1997. It included remakes like Deana Carter’s “Ruby Tuesday,” Travis Tritt’s “Honky Tonk Women,” George Jones’ “Time Is On My Side” and Tracy Lawrence’s “Paint It Black”
George Strait lifts the Jamey Johnson-penned “Give It Away” to the top of the Billboard country singles chart in 2006.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Singer/guitarist Jerry Scoggins is born in Mount Pleasant, TX in 1911. He joins The Cass County Boys in Dallas, appearing in several western movies. He backs Johnny Bond on the 1950 hit “Love Song In 32 Bars” and sings the theme to “The Beverly Hillbillies”
Songwriter Charlie Craig is born in Watts Mill, SC in 1938. He writes Janie Fricke’s “She’s Single Again” and Alan Jackson’s “Wanted,” among others
Bass player Richard Bowden is born in Linden, TX in 1945. After working with Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt and Dan Fogelberg, he joins Sandy Pinkard to form Pinkard & Bowden, an irreverent comedy duo that parodies country hits.
Deborah Allen is born in Memphis, Tennessee. She earns a Grammy nomination for her 1983 performance of “Baby I Lied,” but also writes John Conlee’s “I’m Only In It For The Love,” Janie Fricke’s “Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It” and Patty Loveless’ “Hurt Me Bad (In A Real Good Way)”
Marty Stuart was born in Philadelphia, MS in 1958. He played mandolin for Lester Flatt as a teen before building a solo career that features rockabilly-tinged hits and a Golden Globe nomination. He marries fellow Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith in 1997. Check out this pic from 1975 – Marty was playing with Lester Flatt at the Williamsburg Bluegrass Festival. The young mandolin player captured a lot of buzz!
Eddie Montgomery was born in Lancaster, KY in 1963. He joins Troy Gentry to form the Southern rock-tinged Montgomery Gentry, winning Vocal Duo of the Year honors from the Country Music Association in 2000. The duo joins the Grand Ole Opry in 2009. Get to know Eddie a little better by watching this interview.
