MAY 16
1953: Jimmy Dean made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced to the audience at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium by Carl Smith.1969: Merle Haggard recorded... Read More.
APRIL 16
1929: R&B singer Roy Hamilton was born in Leesburg, GA. He earned a 1955 pop hit with "Unchained Melody," later a country success... Read More.
MARCH 16
1917: Woodwind player Darol Rice is born. He contributes bass clarinet to Tennessee Ernie Ford's 1955 classic "Sixteen Tons."1942: Jerry Jeff Walker is... Read More.
FEBRUARY 16
1924: Jo Walker-Meador is born in Orlinda, Tennessee. She serves as executive director of the Country Music Association from 1962-19911931: R&B songwriter Otis... Read More.
NOVEMBER 16
1873: W.C. Handy was born in Florence, AL. Recognized as the Father of the Blues, he's referenced in the 2003 Lonestar hit "Walking... Read More.
OCTOBER 16
1918: Dale "Stoney" Cooper was born in Harman, WV. Along with wife Wilma Cooper, he was part of a successful marital team that... Read More.
SEPTEMBER 161911: Paul Henning was born in Independence, MO. He created the series "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Petticoat Junction" and wrote their theme songs,... Read More.
August 16
1935: Patsy Montana recorded "I Wanna Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart" in New York1939: Singer/songwriter Billy Joe Shaver was born in Corsicana, TX. His... Read More.
JULY 16
1953: Singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith was born in Seguin, TX. Primarily a folk artist, she wrote the Kathy Mattea country hit "Love At The... Read More.
JUNE 16
1939: Billy "Crash" Craddock was born in Greensboro, NC. Employing a sound and style influenced by Elvis Presley and rockabilly, he became a... Read More.