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"September '05"
Volume 26
September 2005 - ©Bill Morrison
This month's column is dedicated to those who lost their life on 9-11-2001, and their
families and loved ones. We would also pay homage to the military service men and women, first
responders, and our Homeland Security hero's who protect America with bravery, honor and
personal sacrifice.
To the murdering Muslim fanatics that have now infected the entire world with their
religious ignorance and hatred of everything and everyone who is free - it is our prayer
that your suffering will be brought to a rapid conclusion, so you can go down to your just
reward.
Quote of the Month
Quote: "I don't like country music, but I don't mean to denigrate those who do. And for
the people who like country music, denigrate means put down." -- Bob Newhart
September Highlights
WSM radio, The Grand Ole Opry, Opryland, The Nashville Network and the Ryman Auditorium
were purchased by Edward L. Gaylord on September 1, 1983. The fate of Traditional country
music in Nashville was sealed.
Connie Smith and Bob Luman joined the Grand Ole Opry September 2, 1965.
Loretta Lynn signed her first major recording contract September 3, 1961.
Dottie West died in a Nashville hospital September 4, 1991. Dottie died as a result of
injuries suffered in a car wreck on August 30th near the Grand Ole Opry House. Dottie was
the first female Country Artist to win a Grammy. She won for "Here Comes My Baby."
The Country Music Association was chartered by the State of Tennessee, September 5, 1958.
Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" died in Nashville, Tennessee, September 6, 1984.
Inducted CMHF 1965, NSHF 1970 and the Texas CMHF 1999.
Charles Hardin Holley, "Buddy Holly," born Lubbock, Texas, September 7, 1936.
Inducted R&RHF 1986, NSHF 1994.
Buck Owens played lead guitar on Tommy Collins first recording session, at Capitol Records
Melrose Avenue Studios, in Los Angeles, September 8, 1953. The first song recorded was
"You Better Not Do That." The single became Collin's first hit, reaching No. 2 on the
charts.
Elvis Presley recorded "Good Rockin' Tonight/I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine" at Sun
Records in Memphis, September 9, 1954. Sam Phillips auditioned Johnny Cash later that same
day.
Rosie Flores, Rockabilly singer/guitarist, born San Antonio, Texas, September 10, 1956.
Billy Ray Cyrus' PAX-TV show "Doc" is filmed in Toronto, but the setting is New York City.
While filming skyline footage of NYC on September 11, 2001, cameras were pointed at the
World Trade Center when the plane crashed into the south tower. The footage was provided
to government officials, and media outlets.
David Skepner, age 63, manager of Loretta Lynn, and Riders In The Sky, died of a heart
attack September 11, 2001, after the attack on the Twin Towers, and Pentagon.
On September 11, 2001, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)
were scheduled to present Garth Brooks with their Golden Note Award, at a dinner with
members of Congress. As a result of the terrorist attacks on America the dinner was
canceled, and Garth was stranded in New York City.
Rodney Crowell's daughter Carrie lives with her mother Rosanne Cash, in New York City.
Eleven-year-old Carrie was at school on September 11, 2001, when the plane crashed into
the south tower of the World Trade Center, a mere 15 blocks away. Rosanne retrieved
Carrie, unharmed, a few hours later.
Carolyn Mayer Beug, 48, filmmaker who produced several music videos for Dwight Yoakam,
died in New York City on September 11, 2001. She was a passenger on American Airlines
Flight 11 that was crashed into the World Trade Center by terrorists.
Johnny Cash, age 71, died in Baptist Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee September 12, 2003.
The Man In Black has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of
Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The new U.S. postage stamp honoring Roy Acuff as "The King of Country Music," was unveiled
on stage at the Grand Ole Opry September 13, 2003. U.S. Postmaster General John Potter
presided.
John Wayne Hill, singer/songwriter/guitarist/fiddler, born September 14, 1964. John is
married to Nashville songwriter Susan Hill.
Jerry Lee Lewis married his second wife, Jane Mitcham, age 17, on September 15,
1954, prior to divorcing his first wife Dorothy Barton.
Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon "Alabama" were inducted into the
Vocal Group Hall of Fame September 16, 2004.
The Country Music Hall of Fame displayed a new bronze statue of Hank Williams Sr. on the
75th anniversary of the singers birth on September 17, 1998. Hank Williams III, Hank's
grandson, was the model that posed for the artist.
Merle Haggard recorded "Sing Me Back Home" September 18, 1967.
Gram Parsons died in Joshua Tree, California, September 19, 1973, from a drug overdose. A
few days later, Gram's manager "Phil Coffman" stole the body from the local airport. The
body was driven to Joshua Tree National Park by Coffman, soaked in gasoline, and cremated
on the ground. Coffman was arrested, and paid a $300.00 misdemeanor fine, for the theft of
the casket. The left coast has always found it extremely difficult to prosecute
Jim Croce singer/songwriter killed in a plane crash while on tour in Louisiana, September
20, 1973.
The George D. Hay Hall of Fame, in Mammoth, AR, inducted; Bill Monroe, Jimmy Martin,
Conway Twitty, Ernie Ashworth, Jeannie Seely, George Hamilton IV, Jimmy C. Newman, Barbara
Fairchild and Clyde Moody September 21, 2003.
Bobby Helms member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on
September 22, 1957.
Dwight Yoakam met Buck Owens for the first time, at Bucks' office in Bakersfield,
California on September 23, 1987. Later that evening Buck joined Dwight on stage at the
Kern County Fair.
Harlan Howard, Cindy Walker, and Brenda Lee, inducted Country Music Hall of Fame on
September 24, 1997.
WSM president Jack DeWitt fired Grand Ole Opry manager Jim Denny on September 25, 1956.
Conflict of interest was the reason given for the termination. Walter D. Kilpatrick was
hired to replace Denny.
Carlene Carter born "Rebecca Carlene Smith," Madison, Tennessee, September 26, 1955.
Carlene is the daughter of Carl Smith, and June Carter.
The National Life and Accident Insurance Company, owner of the Grand Ole Opry, purchased
the Ryman Auditorium, and renamed it the "Grand Ole Opry House," on September 27, 1963.
The purchase price was $207,500.
Johnny Horton and Billie Jean Williams (Hank Williams's widow,) married September 28,
1953.
Jerry Lee Lewis shot his bass player Norman Bush, in the chest with a 357 magnum on
September 29, 1976. Norman survived the gunshot, and "The Killer," fired him. The police
charged Lewis with a misdemeanor charge, of discharging a firearm within the city limits.
Sometimes Tennessee has a difficult time convicting entertainers of serious crimes. Sound
familiar?
Dolly Parton, appearing on TNN's "Prime Time Country" on September 30, 1998, stated to the
host that "President Clinton is a horny old toad."
Check out my entire Country Calendar at:
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
Rockabilly Pioneer
Bob Luman - 1937-1978
Bobby Glynn Luman was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on April 15, 1937. After winning a Talent
Contest, judged by members of the Louisiana Hayride, Bob was invited to make a guest
appearance on that show. Later, when Johnny Cash left the Hayride, Luman was chosen to
replace him even though he was still in his teens.
Luman signed with Imperial Records in 1957. Bob put together a band in Shreveport with
James Burton on guitar, Bruce White on drums, and James Kirkland on bass. The Rockabilly
classic "Red Cadillac and a Black Mustache" was born at his first Imperial recording
session. In a short time Bob had his own TV show in Shreveport.
Bob took the band to Hollywood to make the movie "Carnival Rock," and while there, he was
offered a spot on the very popular "Town Hall Party" television show. Ricky Nelson heard
Bob's band at this time and hired them away from Luman.
After leaving Imperial, Bob signed with Capitol Records, and later signed on with Warner
Brothers. Bob's "Let's Think About Living" became a hit on both pop, and country charts.
When Bob moved to Nashville in 1964, he joined the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry was never the
same after that. Bob was very hard to follow, after bringing the Ryman audience to a
frenzy. Many old timers didn't like that at all, and they didn't try to hide it. Bob ruled
the Ryman for a few years, and he kept all the seats filled every Saturday night.
In the fourteen years Bob lived in Nashville, he charted thirty-seven records. "Lonely
Women Make Good Lovers" was the best seller.
We lost Bob Luman in 1978. He was 41 years old. I was Bob's opening act on some very
exciting shows, in the late sixties, and early seventies. No one took better care of an
audience than Bob Luman - and I sure do miss him.
Whatever Happened To
Johnny Ace
died on December 24, 1954, back stage at Houston's City Auditorium. While
playing Russian Roulette, the 25 year old singer shot himself in the head. His top 20 hit
"Pledging My Love" hit the charts one month after his death.
Brian Epstein
age 32, manager of the Beatles died of a drug overdose August 27th, 1967.
Mary Ann Ganser
age 23, of The Shangri-Las, died n 1971 from encephalitis. Mary Ann sang
on the hit record "The Leader of the Pack."
Marvin Gaye
was shot and killed on April 1, 1984, one day before his birthday, in what
police described as a family dispute. The gunman was his father. Marvin was 44 years old.
Rick James
age 56, of "Super Freak" fame, died on August 5, 2004, of natural causes.
Rudy Lewis
age 28, lead singer for the Drifters "On Broadway" and "Up On The Roof," was
found dead on May 20, 1964, the night prior to the scheduled recording of "Under the
Boardwalk." No arrests were ever made in what police described as a mysterious death.
Richard Manuel
age 56, of "The Band" took his own life in his hotel room on March 4, 1986,
after a concert date in Florida. He was found hanging in his room.
Dee Dee Ramone a.k.a. Douglas Colvin,
bass player for the Ramones died as the result of a
drug overdose, June 7, 2002.
Danny Rapp
age 41, leader of Danny and The Juniors, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound
on April 4, 1983. Danny's hits were "At The Hop" and "Rock and Roll Is Here To Stay."
Del Shannon
age 55, died in his California home from a self-inflicted gun shot wound on
February 8, 1990. One of Del's hit singles was "Runaway."
"All fame is written in ice, and eventually the sun comes out."
Q. & A.
(Name withheld by request) wrote with the following question.
Q: Bill how do we collect our royalties from satellite radio and Internet airplay?
A: SoundExchange Inc. has a website at:
www.soundexchange.com that can help you with your royalty
collection process. They will provide you with the required forms. You may also contact
them by telephone at: 202-828-0120. Go get 'em pal.
If you have a question (related to MUSIC) send your e-mail to:
RockabillyCountryNewsViews@gmail.com.
Country Music Classics
If you're a fan of country music from the 1950's thru the 1980's, back when country music
was REALLY country, then subscribe to Country Music Classics a free weekday email
newsletter all about classic country music ... stories behind the songs - questions and
answers ... win FREE CD's & cassettes and more! For your FREE subscription send a blank
email to: Classics@countrymusicclassics.com With "SUBSCRIBE" in subject line.
What's Happening?
Keith Urban And Lee Ann Womack will Announce Nominees For "The 39th Annual CMA Awards"
September 7th In New York City.
Vince Gill will be inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame on September 22, 2005.
The GAC cable network will broadcast the 4th Annual Americana Music Honors and Awards on
September 26, 2005, at 8:00 PM and 11:00PM EST.
Dierks Bentley was interrupted on stage during a performance at The House of Blues in Los
Angeles, on July 27, 2005, when Marty Stuart walked on stage and asked Dierks "Will you do
it? Will you marry the Grand Ole Opry?" Dierks said yes, and will become the Opry's
youngest member (29) on October 1, 2005.
The Tennessean reported that Alison Moorer and Steve Earle were married August 11, 2005,
at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville.
The James Burton International Guitar Festival was held in Shreveport, Louisiana, August
19-21,2005.
Vassar Clements, age 77, a world class fiddle virtuoso and A-list studio musician, died at
his home as a result of cancer on August 16, 2005.
Hal Rugg, age 69, Steel Guitarist, died August 9, 2005. Hal was a member of the Steel
Guitar Hall of Fame.
Rufus Thibodeaux, age 71, a renowned Cajun fiddler who performed at the Grand Ole Opry
with country music legend Jimmy C. Newman, died August 12, 2005, at a nursing home in
Nashville.
Stage Names:
"Country Artists"
Liz Anderson - Elizabeth Jane Haaby
Tammy Wynette - Virginia Wynette Pugh
Chubby Wise - Robert Russell Dees
Conway Twitty - Harold Loyd Jenkins
Sue Thompson - Eva Sue McKee
Sunshine Sue - Mary Arlene Higdon
Cal Smith - Calvin Grant Shofner
Texas Ruby - Ruby Agnes Owens
Molly O'Day - Lois LaVerne Williamson
Jerry Naylor - Jerry Naylor Jackson
"Hollyweird Heroes"
Chuck Norris - Carlos Ray
Stan Laurel - Arthur Jefferson
Ray Milland - Reginald Truscott Jones
Linda Lovelace - Linda Susan Boreman
Sophia Loren - Sophia Villani Scicolone
David Janssen - David Meyer
Bob Hope - Leslie Townes Hope
Peter Graves - Peter Aurness
Dennis Franz - Dennis Schlachta
Buddy Ebsen - Christian Rudolf Ebsen
"Rock & Pop"
England Dan - Dan Seals
Fats Domino - Antoine Domino
Joey Dee - Joseph DiNicola
Elvis Costello - Delcan Patrick McManus
Charo - Maria Rosario Pilar Martinez Molina Baeza
Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon - Frederick Anthony Picariello
Elston Gunn - Bob Dylan (stage name used in early days)
Weird Al Yankovic - Alfred Matthew Yankovic
Rick Springfield - Richard Springthorpe
The Singing Nun - Jeanine Deckers
Did You Know?
In May, 1924, Chicago gangster Al Capone's girlfriend was invited to appear on The WLS
National Barn Dance. After her performance Big Al insisted that she be paid - she was, and
as a result all of the entertainers were put on the payroll at WLS.
Roy Orbison filmed "A Black and White Night Live" at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles on
September 30, 1987.
Brenda Lee's home was destroyed by fire December 30, 1962.
Three suspects were arrested by Memphis police for attempting to steal Elvis Presley's
body from the grave on August 29, 1977. Elvis' body and the body of his mother were then
moved from the cemetery to Graceland.
Jerry Lee Lewis' wife Shawn, died of a methadone overdose at the couple's home in
Mississippi, on August 24, 1983. They had been married for two months.
Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" was broadcast by ABC-TV for the first time on August 5,
1957.
Buddy Holly and Maria Santiago were married in Lubbock, Texas on August 15, 1958.
Elvis Presley's divorce from Priscilla became final on October 11, 1973.
Buddy Holly opened a show for Bill Haley and the Comets in Lubbock, Texas on October 14,
1955.
Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps appeared on National TV for the first time on the Ed
Sullivan Show November 25, 1957.
The radio network show "Your Hit Parade" debuted on April 12, 1935.
Otis Redding posthumously received a gold record for his single "(Sittin' on) The Dock of
the Bay" on March 11, 1968. Otis was killed in a plane crash three days after the record
was released, and never knew he had a monster hit.
From The Wisdom Desk:
A Holiday For Atheists
The Barna Research Group conducted a study in 1999 that indicates roughly seven percent of
the American adult population describe themselves as atheistic or agnostic. The United
States has more atheists and agnostics than Mormons (by a three to one margin), Jews (by a
four to one margin) or Muslims by a fourteen to one margin.)
One of those atheists complained that Christians have their special holidays such as
Christmas, Easter, and so on. The Jews celebrate Passover. "But we atheists have no
recognized national holiday. It just isn't fair."
"I have an idea," said the man's neighbor. "Why don't you celebrate April 1st?"
NOTE to my friends in other nations: In America, April 1st is "Fools Day."
Have a great September. God willing, I'll see you here next month. If not - I'll see you in
heaven - won't I? --Bill Morrison
"The gods we worship write their names on our faces." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Bill's Favorite Music Links:
http://www.rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.html
http://www.etrecordshop.com
http://www.countryforums.com
http://www.therockabillys.com
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html
http://www.clabranson.com
http://www.countryweekly.com
http://www.google.com
http://www.roycost.com
http://www.radiohof.org
http://www.stararchive.com
http://www.whodoesthatsong.com
http://www.wsmonline.com
http://www.ifco.org/links.html
http://www.countryhall.com
http://www.roysamazinglinks.com
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/index.html
http://www.twangtownusa.com/news
http://www.dickshuey.com
http://www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
Visit Bill Morrison's Country Calendar
"August '05"
Volume 25
August 2005 - ©Bill Morrison
Quote of the Month
Quote: "You've got to walk and talk with God to go to heaven. I have the devil
in me.
If I didn't have, I'd be a Christian." --Jerry Lee Lewis 1957
August Highlights
Johnny Burnette, age 30, singer/songwriter/guitarist, died in a boating accident
in California on 8-1-1964. Brother of Dorsey Burnette, and father of Rocky
Burnette.
Robert Zimmerman went to court and changed his name to Bob Dylan on 8-2-1962.
Ivan Leroy "Little Roy" Wiggins, age 73, steel guitarist for Eddy Arnold/session
musician, died in Sevierville, Tennessee on 8-3-1999.
Kenny Price, age 56, the "Round Mound of Sound" died from a heart attack
8-4-1987.
Luther Perkins, Johnny Cash's guitarist, killed in a house fire in Tennessee,
8-5-1968.
Loretta's twin beauties, Patsy and Peggy Lynn, born Nashville, Tennessee
8-6-1964.
Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto were married in San Antonio, Texas on 8-7-1954.
The best man was John's brother Roy. Marshall Grant, bass player for the
Tennessee Two, loaned John the money to get to San Antonio for the wedding.
Hank Williams Jr. seriously injured in a fall on Montana's Ajax Mountain
8-8-1975. It would take two years before Jr. resumed his career.
Wyatt "Merle" Kilgore born Chickasha, Oklahoma, on 8-9-1934. Worked as Hank
Williams Jr.'s opening act for twenty-one years prior to taking over as his
personal manager.
David Rogers, age 57, died 8-10-1993. His recording career produced 37 chart
hits between (1968-1984).
Opry Manager Jim Denny, called Hank Williams at home, and fired him from the
Grand Ole Opry on 8-11-1952. Ernest Tubb was in the room when Denny made the
call.
Linda Parker, age 23, star of the WLS National Barn Dance, became ill during a
show in Elkhart, Indiana. She was hospitalized, and died in the hospital of
peritonitis on August 12th, 1935.
Joe Tex died in Navasota, Texas on 8-13-1982.
Gladys Presley, Elvis' mother, died in Memphis, Tennessee on 8-14-1958.
Bobby Helms, Jingle Bell Rock/My Special Angel, was born in Bloomington, Indiana
on 8-15-1933. Inducted Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2003.
Elvis Presley, age 42, died in Memphis, on 8-16-1977. Inducted R&RHF 1986. CMHF
1998.
Charlie Rich's first SUN recording session was held in Memphis, on 8-17-1958.
Elvis Presley was buried beside his mother's grave in Forest Hill Cemetery,
Memphis, Tennessee on 8-18-1977. Both bodies would be moved to Graceland later,
after an attempt to steal Elvis' body from his grave. Attending the private
ceremony at Graceland were Caroline Kennedy, Ann Margret, Burt Reynolds, John
Wayne along with friends and family.
Dorsey Burnette, age 46, Rockabilly singer/songwriter, died of a heart attack
8-19-1979. Brother of Johnny Burnette, and uncle of Rocky Burnette.
Leon McAuliffe, age 71, Western Swing band leader and steel guitarist for Bob
Wills, died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, 8-20-1988.
Rockabilly Hall of Fame inductee Grant Grieves and his lovely wife Marcia, were
married on 8-21-1955. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this
month at their home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Congratulations from your
friends at Rockabilly Country News & Views.
Dale Hawkins, Rockabilly singer/guitarist/songwriter, wrote and recorded "Suzie
Q" born Goldmine, Louisiana 8-22-1938. Inducted Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Kitty Wells' single "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," became the First
#1 hit by a female artist in Country Music history on 8-23-1952. The Grand Ole
Opry management refused to let Kitty sing the song on the Opry, and NBC banned
the song on their radio network because it was too "suggestive."
Waylon Jennings was arrested for conspiracy, and possession of Cocaine, by
Federal Agents on 8-24-1977.
Bill Doggett's #1 single "Honky Tonk (Parts 1 & 2)" hit the charts on 8-25-1956.
Wilma Burgess, age 64, died in Nashville, on 8-26-2003.
The Louisiana Hayride presented its last performance on KWKH in Shreveport, LA,
on 8-27-1960. The very successful program debuted April 3, 1948, and was known
as "The Cradle of the Stars."
Bob Boatman, director of Hee Haw, died on 8-28-1989.
Charlie Feathers, pioneer Rockabilly artist, age 66, died in Memphis, 8-29-1998.
Charlie was a favorite Rockabilly songwriter, of the stable of SUN recording
artists. Rockabilly Hall of Fame inductee.
Slim Whitman, and Billy Walker headlined a show at the Overton Park Shell in
Memphis on 8-30-1954. The opening act was Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys.
Fan dancer Sally Rand, age 75, died in Glendora, California 8-31-1979. I met
Sally in her dressing room one afternoon, at a nightclub in Rockford, Illinois
in the 1960's. She was a true delight. During the World's Fair in Chicago where
she performed forty-years before I met her, Sally was the most famous
entertainer in America.
Check out my entire Country Calendar at:
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
Songwriters Spotlight
Thomas Wayne Perkins 1940 -1971
Wayne Perkins was born July 22, 1940 in Battsville, Mississippi, the brother of
Luther Perkins, Johnny Cash's first guitar player. Wayne attended Humes High
School in Memphis, where a few years earlier Elvis Presley had graduated. While
in school Wayne formed a group he called the De-Lons. Scotty Moore, co-owned
the Fernwood Record label at that time, and he recorded the De-Lons. Wayne's
second single on Fernwood, a ballad called "Tragedy" went to #5 on the national
charts. This song became a hit again in 1961 for the Fleetwoods.
Elvis recorded a song written by Wayne Perkins in 1960 called "The Girl Next
Door Went A Walking." During the next ten years Wayne recorded on other labels,
with other producers however he was never able to match the success he had with
"Tragedy." Wayne's life ended much too soon when he was killed in a traffic
accident near Memphis on August 15, 1971. He was 31 years old.
News Notes
A brand new Rockabilly Radio Show is scheduled to go into production on October
1st, in Nashville. The sponsors are on board, the host (my pal Billy London) is
lining up guest artists, and I am looking forward to hearing the first
broadcast. Being located in Nashville, is a tremendous advantage when it comes
to booking guests on radio and TV. Bob Timmers (founder and director of the
Rockabilly Hall of Fame) will certainly be invited to appear when ever it's
convenient. That man has lots of stories to share. RCNV will keep you posted on
all the details about this new show, as the debut date draws near.
7 things you should know about Billy London:
1. Billy London sang the original George of the Jungle cartoon theme song.
2. Billy recorded and played with the Monkees.
3. Billy was signed by Clive Davis to Columbia Records.
4. Billy was signed by Les Garland to Atlantic Records.
5. Billy has appeared on national TV with Stephen Bishop as a pedal steel and
guitar player on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, The Tonight Show, Saturday Night
Live and a CBS special with Natalie Cole.
6. Billy has sang our National Anthem for major league basketball and major
league baseball.
7.Billy worked with the cast of Laverne and Shirley during the 1980 season.
Al Krivoy and The Fabulous Rockabillys had a wonderful month of July. They
signed a deal for European distribution of their new CD, as well as a publishing
agreement. I'll bet they'll be touring Europe in the near future, and once our
European friends have the opportunity to see this Rockabilly group in person,
they're going to love them as much as we do. Congratulations to Al, and the
entire group. It's a wonderful thing to see good things happen to nice people.
I had the honor of meeting Rockabilly Hall of Fame member Grant Grieves on the
evening of July 19th in Nashville. My daughter and son-in-law John and Susan
Hill, arranged the meeting, and were present at the Grieves' home for dinner,
and a wonderful evening. Grant's son Dug, daughter-in-law Amanda, and their two
sons were also present. Dug is one of Nashville's top session players, and
produced Grant's latest CD. Thanks to Grant and Marcia Grieves for a wonderful
evening we'll never forget. And by the way·congratulations on your 50th wedding
anniversary on August 21, 2005.
Q. & A.
Scott Adamson writes from East St. Louis, Illinois:
Q: Bill, I read your biography on the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame website. Of all
the entertainers you worked with during your career, which one did you like the
most, which one did you like the least and why?
A: It isn't possible for me to answer your question Scott. Many of the artists
I worked with I loved. A few I just liked for one reason or another. And there
were a couple that were despicable. Go back to
www.rockabillyhall.com/billmorrison.html
and read it one more time. I believe I pretty much covered how I felt about
everyone I worked with. But I would like to say something about Roy Acuff.
I never worked with Mr. Acuff on the road. I did work with his son Roy Acuff Jr.
However, I did spend some incredible hours with "The King of Country Music."
Some times in Linebaughs Cafe on lower Broadway in Nashville, I would listen to
his stories and loved them all. But most of our time together was spent in his
Gift Shop/Museum, or in the dressing room he had in the back. That's where the
Smokey Mountain Boys relaxed and prepared for their appearances on the Grand Ole
Opry, when the Ryman Auditorium was the Opry's home. I treasure every one of
those hours.
Here's what I would like to get off my mind, and I'm grateful to you for the
opportunity. There were some things that Mr. Roy and I disagreed on every time
the subject came up. I had friends on the Opry that recorded music in the
studios of Nashville, and they all used drums. The fans wanted to hear these
artists sing their songs on the Opry, and they wanted them to sound like they
did on the records. Mr. Acuff would have nothing to do with a full set of drums
on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry·and he was the Grand Ole Opry, so for many
years there were no drums allowed. I thought that was unfair to the artists and
I told him so many times.
He explained his position clearly, and was never shy about giving his reasons.
The music being played on the Opry at that point in time was pure country or
mountain, or bluegrass. Mr. Roy said if new instruments were allowed on the
show, the music would change, the Opry would change, and it would have a
negative affect on the artists that made the Grand Ole Opry what it was. Well, I
thought he was very, very wrong. But Scott, it wasn't Mr. Acuff who was wrong,
it was me. The rules eventually changed, and everything that Roy Acuff said
would happen, did happen·and it was, and is, a tragedy.
Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry is not a happy place these days. There are some
of the old traditionalists back there, but they don't smile much anymore. And
Scott, I wish I could tell Mr. Roy that I'm sorry. He was right. He knew what
would happen. It wasn't all caused by a full set of drums being used on the
Opry, but that was the beginning. Today country music in Nashville, Tennessee,
is almost non-existent, and that absolutely breaks my old heart. Who's
responsible? Country radio and the Greedy Gaylord Group of Goons. Watch what
they're going to do to WSM, the Ryman auditorium, and the Grand Ole Opry. The
parking lot at the Ryman auditorium has already been sold to a Bank, and will be
used to construct a very large building on the property. It's all going to go
folks·it's only a matter of time.
If you would like to ask a question, (here we go again) send it to:
RockabillyCountryNewsViews@gmail.com
Please include your name, town, and state (or country) (or Institution).
Before They Were Stars
Gene Autry worked as a honky tonk singer in Tioga, Texas at age 15. By 16, he
traveled with The Fields Brothers Marvelous Medicine Show, singing, acting,
doing blackface comedy, and played the saxophone. After graduation from high school in
1925 he worked for the St. Louis & Frisco Railroad where he eventually became a
telegrapher. Gene sang on KVOO radio in Tulsa, Oklahoma as "The Oklahoma
Yodeling Cowboy" and was backed up by Jimmy Wilson's Catfish String Band.
Mark Collie was born in Waynesboro, Tennessee on January 18, 1956. Mark was
playing in bands by age 12, and moved to Nashville in 1982. Eventually his hard
work, and talent, took him to MCA Records and producer Tony Brown in 1989.
Jimmy Dean served in the Merchant Marines and the U. S. Air Force. Jimmy
dropped out of high school in order to help support his mother. In 2003 Jimmy
Dean received his High School Diploma from the Plainview, Texas School District.
Mark Chestnut dropped out of High School to play drums in a rock band. By the
time his first album had been released he had been singing country songs in the
bars around Southeast Texas for ten years.
Maybelle Carter learned to play the guitar (a new instrument in the mountains of
Virginia at that time) when she was twelve. She developed a style of picking
that allowed her to play the melody, and rhythm at the same time. Maybelle was Sara
Carter's cousin, and she married A. P. Carter's brother, Ezra in 1926. The Carter Family
was born in 1927.
Webb Pierce worked in the Men's Dept. at Sears in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Melba Montgomery sang with Roy Acuff's Smokey Mountain Boys, for four years.
George Jones disc jockey in Texas, and a U. S. Marine.
Eric Heatherly landscaper, house painter.
Leon Everette served in the U.S. Navy and worked for South Carolina Power &
Gas.
What Ever Happened To:
Eddie Cochran
best known for his 1950's hit, "Summertime Blues", was killed in a
car accident on April 17, 1960 at the age of 21.
Mark Dinning
whose only hit, "Teen Angel" was banned by many radio stations who
called it "a death disc", died of a heart attack on March 22, 1986 at the age of
52.
Jim Croce
singer/songwriter who recorded "Operator" and "Bad Bad Leroy Brown"
was killed when his chartered plane snagged a pecan tree during takeoff on
September 20, 1973. He was 30 years old.
Bobby Fuller
24 year old leader of The Bobby Fuller Four who scored a huge hit
with "I Fought The Law" was found on the front seat of his mother's Oldsmobile,
parked outside of a Los Angeles apartment building on July 18, 1966. His death
was ruled accidental even though gasoline was found on his body and in his
lungs.
Thurston Harris
recorded the Top Ten hit "Little Bitty Pretty One" in 1957, died
of a heart attack on April 14, 1990 at the age of 58.
Doris Troy
age 67, the singer of the 1963 hit "Just One Look" died of emphysema
on February 16, 2004.
Junior Walker
age 64, leader of the All-Stars on "Shotgun", "What Does It Take"
and "Roadrunner" died of cancer on Nov 23, 1995.
Paul Williams
of The Temptations, died of a self inflicted gunshot wound on
August 17, 1973 at the age of 34. Williams had left the Temptations in 1971
because of poor health.
Jackie Wilson
age 49, died on January 21, 1984, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, at
the Burlington County Memorial Hospital. He had suffered a heart attack while
singing "Lonely Teardrops" at the Latin Casino in New Jersey during a
performance in 1975 and hit his head in the fall. Wilson suffered brain damage
and required permanent care the rest of his life.
Raymond Peterson
age 65, singer/songwriter "Tell Laura I Love Her" died from
cancer on January 25, 2005. Elvis recorded his song "The Wonder of You."
Did You Know?
The first band Roy Acuff worked with was the "Three Rolling Stones."(1932)
By 1961 Nashville had more than one hundred song Publishers, over 1,300 studio
musicians, and fifteen recording studios. There were over 200 songwriters living
in Nashville, and 1,600 professional singers and sidemen.
Dwight Yoakam's first #1 song was the "Streets of Bakersfield," a duet with Buck
Owens.
Brook's and Dunn's album "Brand New Man," stayed on Billboards Top Country
Albums chart for over five years.
Johnny Cash turned down "Skip a Rope" because he thought the song would not be
popular with country fans. Henson Cargill recorded the tune instead, and it
topped the Billboard chart for 11 weeks.
Minnie Pearl describes Red Foley: "Oh he was the best-lookin' thing. He'd wear a
white shirt and a white jacket, sort of zipped up in front, kind of an
Eisenhower jacket you know. And a white hat, black boots, black trousers, very
tight; he had a good figure. He was a snappy dresser. Red Foley was snappy,
that's the only word that describes him."
Buck Owens and Harlan Howard started Blue Book Music Publishing in 1956.
Jerry Lee Lewis filed for bankruptcy with over three million dollars of debt,
and no assets in 1988.
Jo Dee Messina began her 2005 tour March 16th in Las Vegas, and will complete
the tour August 7th in Columbia, Maryland.
The Glen Campbell "Goodtime Hour" featured guests, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens,
and Johnny Cash on January 11, 1972.
From The Wisdom Desk
My First Love
I first met her in high school. She was older than I was and
exciting. She'd been around. My parents warned me to have nothing to do with
her. They claimed that no good could come from our relationship.
But I kept meeting her on the sly. She was so sophisticated and
worldly. It made me feel grown up just being with her. It was fun to take her to
a party in those days. She was almost always the center of attention.
We began seeing more of each other after I joined the navy. When I got
a place of my own she was a frequent guest. It wasn't long before she moved in
with me. It may have been common law, but it was heartbreaking for my parents. I
kept reminding myself I wasn't a kid anymore. Besides, it was legal.
We lived together right through my military service, and into my early
days in the music business. I seldom went anywhere without her but I wasn't
blind. I knew she was unfaithful to me. What's worse, I didn't care. As long as
she was there for me when I needed her (and she always was), it didn't matter.
The longer we lived together the more attached I became to her. But it
wasn't mutual. She began to delight in making me look foolish in front of my
friends. But I still couldn't give her up.
It became a love-hate relationship. I figured out that her glamour was
nothing more than a cheap mask to hide her spite and cynicism behind. I could no
longer see her beauty after I came to know her true character.
But old habits are hard to break. We had invested many years in each
other. Even though my relationship with her made me lose a little respect for
myself, she had become the center of my life. We didn't go anywhere. We didn't
do anything. We didn't have friends over. It was just the two of us. I became
deeply depressed and knew that she was largely responsible for my misery. I
finally told her I was leaving her for good. It took a lot of guts, but I left.
I still see her around. She's still as beautiful as when we first met.
I miss her now and then. I'm not boasting when I say she'd take me back in a
minute. But by the grace of God, I will never take up with her again.
If you see her, just give her my regards. I don't hate her. I just
loved her too much. Chances are you know her family. The name is Alcohol.
Note: In 1948 my four-year old brother was run over by a drunk driver. He died
in my mother's arms. I have thought about that beautiful, loving child, almost
every day of my life for the past fifty-seven years. Drunk driving is the
nation's most frequently committed violent crime. Please·don't drink and drive.
Good Lord willin' I'll see you next month·have a great August.
Bill's Favorite Music Links:
http://www.rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.html
http://www.etrecordshop.com
http://www.countryforums.com
http://www.therockabillys.com
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html
http://www.clabranson.com
http://www.countryweekly.com
http://www.google.com
http://www.roycost.com
http://www.radiohof.org
http://www.stararchive.com
http://www.whodoesthatsong.com
http://www.wsmonline.com
http://www.ifco.org/links.html
http://www.countryhall.com
http://www.roysamazinglinks.com
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/index.html
http://www.twangtownusa.com/news
http://www.dickshuey.com
http://www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
Visit Bill Morrison's Country Calendar
"July '05"
Volume 24
July 2005 - ©Bill Morrison
This months column brings to a close two full years of Rockabilly
Country News & Views. It doesn't seem possible, but I know it's true
because I numbered all of the volumes, and I've done the math. I'm
fairly certain that next months column "Volume 25" will be the start of
year number three. Thanks to Bob Timmers for all the work he has done to
make the last two years go smoothly. Thanks to the readers from around
the globe, for your questions and comments, e-mail, support, and
assistance. It's all about you, the fans, and of course, The Rockabilly
Hall of Fame and our sister site The Traditional Country Hall of Fame
www.traditionalcountryhalloffame.com.
It is impossible to separate the two genres. Rockabilly and Traditional
Country were created, and performed, by the same individuals. I have
never met a Rockabilly artist that did not play country music (for a
living) at one time or another during their career. Thanks again for the
past two years - I treasure the friends I have met, and the messages I
have received, well - most of them, and I look forward to year #3. My
message to you as we begin another year: Support our troops and their
families. Look out for your elderly neighbors. Support the Rockabilly
Hall of Fame. And - never forget, Jesus loves some of you:-)
Quote of the Month
Quote: "The one genre of music that literally has me just baffled is
country. What the (bleep) is country now? The corporate guys have
moved into Nashville and destroyed the city. They have destroyed what
was country music. I just look at it and I laugh. If you are a pretty
good looking guy who stays in the gym six days a week and wears a big
hat, then you are going to be a mega-star. These guys just crack me up.
Record companies make these guys what they are and they don't have to
pay any dues. Maybe I am just a purest at heart. Maybe I am just old
school. You can take any of them guys and I will play circles around
his (bleep,) any day of the week. A lot of the guys in Nashville wish
they were Lynyrd Skynyrd." - Rickey Medlocke of Lynyrd Skynyrd
July Highlights
Eddie Bond, Country/Rockabilly/Gospel singer born Memphis, TN 7-1-1933.
Ken Curtis born "Curtis Wain Gates," Las Amimar, CA 7-2-1916. Ken was a
member of the "Sons of the Pioneers," and played "Festus Hagan," on
"Gunsmoke."
Scotty Moore called Elvis and asked if he would like to audition for Sam
Phillips at Sun Records 7-3-1954.
Tammy Wynette married her fifth husband, George Richey, 7-4-1978.
The Grand Ole Opry moved from the Dixie Tabernacle, to the War Memorial
Auditorium, 7-5-1939.
Johnny Russell, Opry member, was buried 7-6-2001. The Pallbearers were
Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Jim Ed Brown, Billy Walker, Porter Wagoner,
Jack Greene and Little Jimmy Dickens.
George Morgan, age 50, died in Nashville after bypass surgery, 7-7-1975.
George joined the Grand Ole Opry on September 25, 1948, and was inducted
into the CMHF in 1998.
Marty Stuart and Connie Smith were married 7-8-1997. The ceremony took
place on an Indian reservation in South Dakota.
Carl Smith and June Carter, married in Merryville, TN 7-9-1952.
Roy Acuff was seriously injured in a car wreck near Sparta, TN
7-10-1965.
Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson's "Pancho and Lefty," album Certified
gold 7-11-1983.
Jimmy Driftwood, age 91, died Fayetteville, AR on 7-12-1998. Jimmy was a
school teacher and songwriter. His Grammy winning songs were "Battle of
New Orleans," "Songs of Billy Yank and Johnny Red," and "Tennessee
Stud."
Louise Mandrell born Corpus Christi, TX 7-13-1954.
Marvin Rainwater appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show 7-14-1957.
Aaron Tippin married Thea Corontzos at Trinity Orthodox Church in
Nashville 7-15-1995.
Roy Orbison's widow, Barbara Orbison, filed a lawsuit against Sony Music
on 7-16-1998. The suit alleges that Sony underpaid royalties on both
foreign and domestic record sales. The Twelve Million Dollar suit
requests back payments, plus interest on money owed.
Don Rich, age 33, of the "Buckaroos" died in a motorcycle accident in
California on 7-17-1974.
Elvis, age 18, went to the Memphis Recording Service, and paid four
dollars to record My Happiness/That's When Your Heartaches Begin, on an
acetate record 7-18-1953.
Lefty Frizzell, age 47, died on 7-19-1975, after suffering a stroke.
Lefty joined the Grand Ole Opry 1951. Elected NSHF 1972, and the CMHF
1982.
Clay Davidson and eight members of his band and crew were injured when
their tour bus crashed in Effingham, IL, on 7-20-2001. All were treated
and released from a local hospital and immediately returned to Nashville
for recovery.
Jeanne Pruett joined the Grand Ole Opry on 7-21-1973. Pruett was the
last person to become a member of the Opry, on the stage of the Ryman
Auditorium, prior to the move to the new Opry House.
Loretta Lynn's son, Jack Benny Lynn, drowned in Waverly, TN on
7-22-1984.
The Gene Autry Show debuted on CBS-TV on 7-23-1950, and ran through
August 7, 1956.
Ral Donner's "You Don't Know What You've Got" (Until You Lose it)
charted on 7-24-1961.
Charlie Rich, age 62, died in Hammond, LA 7-25-1995. Charlie was found
dead in a Hammond, LA motel room. Death was the result of a blood clot
in his lungs.
Gene Autry joined the U. S. Army Air Corp on 7-26-1942.
LeAnn Rimes, age 13, recorded her debut album "Blue" on 7-27-1996. The
album went to #1, and remained there for twenty-eight weeks.
Gene Vincent appeared on the "Perry Como Show," 7-28-1956.
Pete Drake, age 55, steel guitarist/producer, died Nashville, TN
7-29-1988.
Sam Phillips, age 80, founder of SUN Records, died in Memphis 7-30-2003.
Jim Reeves, age 39, killed in plane crash near Nashville, TN 7-31-1964.
Jim was flying the plane. Also killed in the crash was his pianist Dean
Manuel. Inducted CMHF 1967.
Check out my entire Country Calendar at:
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
Where Are They Now:
Barbara Fairchild
Barbara Fairchild, best remembered for her smash hit "Teddy Bear"
retired from the music industry in the late 70's, after her records
failed to have much chart success. In 1991 Barbara was booked on some
shows in Branson, Missouri. Returning to the stage excited Barbara, and
she soon became a full-time Branson resident. She now tours with her
husband, Roy Morris, continues to entertain the Branson tourists, and
has released some new material.
You can catch up on all the latest news about this wonderful entertainer
at: www.BarbaraFairchild.com
Stage Names Of The Stars:
"Country Artists"
Charline Arthur - Charline Highsmith
T. Graham Brown - Anthony Graham Brown
Kris Carson - used by Kris Kristofferson early in his career
Gail Davies - Patricia Gail Dickerson
Don Everly - Isaac Everly
Howdy Forrester - Howard Wilson Forrester
Hardrock Gunter - Sidney Louis Gunter Jr.
Jana Jae - Jana Margaret Meyer
Pee Wee King - Julius Frank Kuczynski
Christy Lane - Elanor Johnston
"Hollyweird Heroes"
Tom Yewell - Samuel Yewell Tompkins
Shelley Winters - Shirley Schrift
Trigger - Golden Cloud was the birth name of Roy Roger's horse
Arnold Strong - Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1st film stage name
Jane Russell - Ernestine Russell
Brad Pitt - William Bradley Pitt
Kim Novak - Marilyn Pauline Novak
Demi Moore - Demetria Guynes
Peter Lorre - Laszio Lowenstein
Buster Keaton - Joseph Francis Keaton
"Rock & Pop"
Tom Jones - Thomas Jones Woodward
Jan & Dean - Jan Berry and Dean Torrence
Jimi Hendrix - James Marshall Hendrix
Kenny G - Kenny Gorelick
Ferrante & Teicher - Arthur Ferrante & Louis Teicher
Gary U.S. Bonds - Gary Anderson
Gene Vincent - Vincent Craddock
Wolfman Jack - Robert Weston Smith (deejay)
Richie Valens - Ricardo Valnezuela
Gene Simmons - Chaim Witz
Q. & A.
Here is a partial list of questions I have received during the first two
years of Rockabilly Country News & Views, that for obvious reasons never
made the column. It's good to know that in a world full of hate, there
remain some intelligent people, with a sense of humor, who refuse to
live in fear.
"Hey Bill, would you please tell your songwriter friends in Cashville,
that love isn't something you go looking for? It's something you give.
Now maybe we'll get some better songs."
"In World War II why did Japan's Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?"
"Can you tell me why prison officials here in --_____, use sterilized
needles on Death Row inmates when they kill them by lethal injection? Is
that a federal law or something?"
"Bill, why is it that no matter what color bubble bath I use, the
bubbles are always white? If you don't believe me come see for yourself.
I live at _______________."
"Will you please tell me how all those dead bugs keep getting into my
light fixtures?"
"Here's a WARNING for your readers. NEVER talk about your mother's
cooking when you're eating something your girlfriend cooked."
"My husband and I bank at __________. I was wondering why the law allows
them to charge a fee for Insufficient Funds, when we obviously don't
have enough money in our account to begin with? Are they stupid or
what?"
"You might want to pass this along to your male readers. Never in
recorded history has a man ever been murdered by his wife, while he was
doing the dishes!!!!!"
"Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were
buried in forever?"
"If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing? I
think that's rude."
"My dad dared me to ask you, who was the first person to look at a cow
and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink
whatever comes out?" My dad is silly sometimes."
Q: This next question was a second request from a 5th grade student in
Iowa -
A:"What do you call male ballerinas? And this time I need an answer that
won't make my teacher mad!!!"
And my all time favorite -
"Mr. Morrison, if people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?"
If you would like to ask a question, (here we go again) send it to:
RockabillyCountryNewsViews@gmail.com
Please include your name, town, and state (or country) (or Institution).
What Ever Happened To:
Duane Allman
Duane Allman, age 24, of the "Allman Brothers" was killed in a
motorcycle accident on October 29, 1971.
Toy Caldwell
Toy Caldwell, age 45, lead singer for The Marshall Tucker band on their
1977 million seller, "Heard It In A Love Song", died in his sleep on
February 25th, 1993.
Billy Fury
Billy Fury, age 42, Rockabilly artist from Great Britain, died as the
result of heart and kidney failure on January 27,1983. Billy's "Halfway
To Paradise" was his biggest hit in England, where he was a major star.
Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter, age 32, died as the result of anorexia nervosa on
February 4, 1983.
Dee Clark
Dee Clark, best remembered for his hit "Raindrops" suffered a heart
attack and died on December 7th, 1990 at age 52.
Brian Cole
Brian Cole, age 28, vocalist/bass guitarist, with "The Association" died
in Los Angeles, as the result of a heroin overdose on August 2, 1972.
Bobby Day
Bobby Day, age 60, died of cancer on July 27, 1990. Bobby's biggest hit
"Rockin' Robin" was released in 1958.
Alan Freed
Alan Freed, age 43, the disc jockey who is often credited with
popularizing the phrase "rock and roll" in the mid 1950s, died of
cirrhosis of the liver on Jan. 20, 1965.
RCNV Wants You To Know
The late Hunter S. Thompson understood the music industry. From New
York City, to Los Angeles, and Nashville in between, Hunter recognized
the shady herd of industry insiders that would cheat, lie, and steal
from the songwriters, and artists that made America's Music what it was.
He knew about payola. Not only the payments to radio executives,
deejays, and some of the "Chart" services, but he also knew about the
underside of some of Nashville's print media. The sleazy folks who were
always available, for a price, to record labels, or other Music Row
blood suckers, who had some kind of agenda that always involved lies and
half-truths. Hunter took his own life earlier this year, but he left us
with this truth before he went away.
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic
hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.
There's also a negative side." - Hunter S. Thompson
Nashville old timers will tell you, that if all of Music City's print
media had been as truthful, reliable, and honest as the Music City
News, Traditional Country Music would still call Nashville home. It's
true, real country music no longer lives in Nashville, but the greedy
herd of thieves, and pimps can still be found without much effort. Only
now they prey upon those who pretend to be country. Ain't life grand?
Did You Know?
I recently read in "TwangTownUSA" about the Answer Lady. If you have a
question about Country Music - Irene has the answer. Send your question to
Irene at: AskIrene4634@aol.com
Big Salt Lick was the original name of Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville
was once the home of Country Music - but that was a loooong time ago.
Harlan Howard once told Johnny Russell that he'd never make it as a
songwriter in Nashville, because he didn't hang out at Tootsie's.
Buddy Holly's song "Peggy Sue" was originally titled "Cindy Lou."
"Southern Made Donuts" is the only product Elvis Presley ever made a TV
commercial for. November 6, 1954 Elvis sang the product's jingle on the
Louisiana Hayride.
Billboard's record popularity chart debuted in 1922.
Little Richard quit the rock 'n' roll business in late 1957. He decided,
while on tour in Australia, with Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent, that he
was going to become a preacher.
In 1956, Buck Owens recorded some Rockabilly songs, which were released
under the pseudonym "Corky Jones," on the PEP label.
Tom T. Hall wrote more hit songs in the 60's than any other Nashville
writer.
Tex Williams recorded "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! That Cigarette" in 1947. The
song later became Capitol Records' first to sell a million copies.
Chet Atkins was the top executive at RCA Records in Nashville. He was
always embarrassed about not having a high school diploma.
Ken Nelson signed Wanda Jackson to Capitol Records. Wanda was a guitar
virtuoso by the time she was ten, and at age twelve, she had her own
radio show on KERP in Oklahoma City. Wanda joined Hank Thompson and his
Brazos Valley Boys road show in 1954. Wanda toured with Elvis in 1955.
Her first Capitol Records release "I Gotta Know," went straight to #1.
International stardom came for Wanda after "Fujiyama Mama," made her a
superstar in Japan. The rock 'n' roll stardom came with "Let's Have a
Party," which was recorded during the same sessions as "Fujiyama Mama."
It became a top-40 hit and a million-seller for Wanda and Capitol.
Elvis' Vital Statistics:
Born: January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, MS.
Died: August 16, 1977 in Memphis, TN
Blood type: O
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 167-250 1954-1970's
Eyes: Blue
Hair: blond at birth-dyed black
Neck: 151/2 to 17
Waist: 30 to 42
Shoes: 11D
From The Wisdom Desk
I had another birthday recently. I didn't need another birthday, but I
decided to have one anyway. Being closer to 70 years old than I am to
60, I have learned a lot of things in my life, and when you get old you
have the time to share with others the things that you think are
important. But alas - no one who is young enough to benefit from the
lessons old age acquires, has any interest in listening. Well, lots of
people my age read this column every month. I know that to be true,
because most of them have corrected me (via E-mail) at least once in the
last two years. So I'm going to share a few of life's precious truths
with my old friends. They're the best kind anyway.
Almost none of the things I worried about when I was young
ever happened.
It's hard to argue with someone when they're right.
People who read the Bible, and understand what they've read,
never worry.
What happens to us is not important - it's how we handle it
that's important.
There are always two sides to an issue.
It's taking me a very long time to become the person I really
want to be.
Anger manages everything poorly.
You can teach yourself almost anything by reading.
If you allow someone to make you angry, they own you.
Never marry someone who has more problems than you.
Good health is true wealth.
If you can't forgive and forget, you can at least forgive and
move on.
People always find time to do the things they really want to
do.
All fame is written in ice and eventually the sun comes out.
You can do, something in an instant that will give you a
heartache for life.
I have spent decades morning the loss of some of my musical pals. I'm
speaking about Roy Acuff, Dave Akeman (Stringbean), Grant Turner, Tex
Ritter, George Morgan, Ernest Tubb, Bob Luman, Joe Heathcock and many
more. Now that I am getting old, and experiencing failing health, I have
come to know that my friends were really the lucky ones. Old age is an
unrepentant thief - and we will never be friends.
NOTE: Did you know that America treats their elderly worse than any
other industrialized nation on earth? The wealthiest superpower in
history, has millions of elderly citizens who must choose every month
between food and medication. I have lost neighbors in recent years
because they could not afford medical care - but like most of my other
neighbors - I didn't know the names of most of these dead, elderly victims
of our society. Our highest ranking government officials (in both
political parties) are a disgrace to this once great nation. Both
parties take money, from people whose job it is to see that the cost of
drugs, and medical treatment remain at current levels. On the other
hand, I've heard that abortion doctors who tear live babies to pieces in
the wombs of their loving mothers, haven't raised their prices in years,
and have no intention of doing so. It would seem that evil always has
the means.
Well, good Lord willin' I'll see you right here next month. If not,
don't worry about it, I will have become one of the "lucky" ones. And
someday, you could be a lucky one too - are you ready? Eternity is a long,
long time. Have a "Happy July."
Bill's Favorite Music Links:
http://www.rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.html
http://www.etrecordshop.com
http://www.countryforums.com
http://www.therockabillys.com
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html
http://www.clabranson.com
http://www.countryweekly.com
http://www.google.com
http://www.roycost.com
http://www.radiohof.org
http://www.stararchive.com
http://www.whodoesthatsong.com
http://www.wsmonline.com
http://www.ifco.org/links.html
http://www.countryhall.com
http://www.roysamazinglinks.com
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/index.html
http://www.twangtownusa.com/news
http://www.dickshuey.com
http://www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
Visit Bill Morrison's Country Calendar
"June '05"
Volume 23
June 2005 - ©Bill Morrison
Welcome to the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. We are very happy you stopped
by. If you see something here that you like - tell a friend. This free
monthly article is made possible by the contributions of folks like you.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation we would be
delighted. Contact the Director at:
Bob@rockabillyhall.com. Bob Timmers will
provide you with details about how you can help the Hall of Fame. No
donation is too small! As of this date - no donation has been too large!
We are so easy to please because "You" make all of this possible.
Note: Every month I receive questions about artists from every genre in
the music spectrum. From time to time, you might find information here
about singers, and musicians that you don't care for. If you see an
artist here that you don't think belongs - don't read about them - move on
to something that you enjoy. And then - don't send me a nasty e-mail,
unless you also include your home address.
Note #2: Please do not ask me to provide contact information (address
and/or telephone numbers) for the stars. In today's society, providing
the public with contact information, puts the artists and their loved
ones at risk. When you tell me that you're related to the artist you're
inquiring about, how am I suppose to confirm that? Absolutely NO
information of that nature will be released by RCNV. No exceptions.
Quote of the Month
Quote: "Yes, sometimes I am two people. Johnny is the nice one, Cash
causes all the trouble. They fight." -Johnny Cash answering daughter
Tara's question - "Did you ever have an imaginary friend?"
June Highlights
Doug Supernaw was arrested for bail jumping and locked up in the Potter
County jail in Texas, for the third time in the past week on 6-1-2004.
He was arrested twice at a Ramada Inn in Amarillo. Once for marijuana
possession, and later for Criminal Trespass. The bail jumping charge was
filed by the state of Washington.
Helen Carter, age 70, died in Nashville, on 6-2-1998. She was the
daughter of Mother Maybelle Carter, and sister of June Carter Cash.
Willie Nelson released his album "Who'll Buy My Memories - The IRS
Tapes" on 6-3-1991. Money raised by the sale of this album, would go to
the IRS to pay off the sixteen million dollar tax debt that Willie owed.
John Hartford, age 63, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist died
6-4-2001.
Conway Twitty, age 59, died near Branson, Missouri, on 6-5-1993.
Inducted Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame 1993. CMHF 1999.
William A. Palmer, inventor of the magnetic tape recorder, died on
6-6-1996. Prior to his invention music was cut direct to the record.
Claudette Orbison,first wife of Roy Orbison, was killed in a motorcycle
accident on 6-7-1966. Roy was riding his cycle a short distance behind
Claudette when she was killed.
Vernon Oxford, singer/songwriter/musician, born Rogers, Arkansas on
6-8-1941.
Jerry Lee Lewis paid for a full page ad in Billboard Magazine on
6-9-1958. The purpose of the ad, was to explain how he happened to marry
his thirteen year old cousin Myra, six months prior to divorcing his
second wife.
Steve Sanders, age 45, died in his Florida home, from a self-inflicted
gunshot wound on 6-10-1998. Steve had recently quit the "Oak Ridge
Boys," after a fifteen-year association.
Hank Williams debuted as a guest, on the Grand Ole Opry on 6-11-1949. He
appeared on the 9:30-10:00 PM segment sponsored by Warren Paint, and
hosted by Ernest Tubb. He sang "Lovesick Blues," and received six
encores.
Charlie Feathers, Rockabilly singer-songwriter, Sun recording artist,
was born in Myrtle, Mississippi, on 6-12-1932. Member Rockabilly Hall of
Fame®.
The final broadcast of "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" aired on
6-13-1972.
Patsy Cline was seriously injured in a car wreck on a Nashville street
on 6-14-1961. Patsy went through the windshield and received a
dislocated hip, broken wrist, and serious lacerations on her face, and
cracked ribs. Patsy was unable to sing for the next eight months.
Waylon Jennings, born Littlefield, Texas on 6-15-1937.
Buck Owens recorded "Under Your Spell Again" at Capitol Records, in
Hollywood, on 6-16-1959. The record was released on July 13, 1959, and
became the first of Buck's compositions to become a country standard.
Minnie Pearl suffered a serious stroke on 6-17-1991, and spent the
remaining years of her life in a nursing home in Nashville.
The L.A. Times reported, the following country music stars, were honored
with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 6-18-1998: Reba McEntire,
Charlie Pride, Freddy Fender, Alabama and Patsy Cline.
Lester Flatt, singer/guitarist/mandolinist, born Overton County,
Tennessee, 6-19-14.
Ira Louvin, age 41, and wife Anne, died in an automobile accident near
Williamsburg, Missouri on 6-20-1965. Member Grand Ole Opry. Inducted
NSHF 1979, CMHF 2001.
Johnny Cash released his first Sun Records single "Hey Porter," on
6-21-55.
The seating capacity of the Ryman Auditorium was increased, when the
construction of the balcony was completed on 6-22-1897. The extra space
was needed for an upcoming Confederate Veterans convention.
Arkie The Arkansas Woodchopper, "Luther Ossenbrink," age 65, died in
Marshall, Missouri, on 6-23-1981.
Joe Sun's "Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You," charted on 6-24-1978.
Jenifer Strait, age 13, daughter of George and Norma Strait, died in a
car wreck on 6-25-1986.
Elvis Presley gave his final concert in Indianapolis, Indiana, on
6-26-1977.
Wanda Jackson released "Let's Have A Party," on 6-27-1960.
Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens were married on 6-28-1965.
Brenda Lee released her first #1 record "I'm Sorry" on 6-29-1960. The
song was written by Rockabilly legend Ronnie Self. Brenda received a
gold record and was nominated for a Grammy.
Bonnie Guitar and the Everly Brothers appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show
6-30-1957.
Check out my entire Country Calendar at:
www.talentondisplay.com/countrycalendar.html
What Ever Happened To:
Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke was shot and killed on December 11th, 1964, by Bertha
Franklin, manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California.
Bertha claimed she acted in self-defense after Cooke raped a 22-year-old
woman, who escaped and ran to the Motel Office for help. When Cooke
followed the victim into the office, he started to attack the manager,
who then shot the singer. The shooting was ruled a justifiable homicide.
Sam Cooke was 33 years old, and at the top of his career.
Tommy Edwards
Tommy Edwards died on October 23rd, 1969, at the age of 47 after
suffering a brain aneurysm. Tommy's #1 hit "It's All In The Game" was my
favorite song in the late 50's when I served in the U.S. Navy at the
Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Tom Fogerty
Tom Fogerty guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revival, died on Sept
6th, 1990 of respiratory failure at the age of 48.
Bill Haley
Bill Haley who helped start the early 50's rock and roll movement, died
in his sleep of an apparent heart attack on February 9th, 1981 at age
55.
Bobby Helms
Bobby Helms age 63, best known for his perennial Christmas hit, "Jingle
Bell Rock", died of emphysema at his home in Martinsville, Indiana on
June 19th, 1997. Bobby was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in
2003.
Buddy Knox
Buddy Knox died of cancer on February 14th, 1999, at the age of 65. He
is best remembered for his 1957 hit, "Party Doll."
Clyde McPhatter
Clyde McPhatter died of a heart attack on June 13th, 1972 at the age of
39. He had been the original lead singer with The Drifters before having
solo hits like "A Lover's Question" and "Lover Please."
Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison age 52, died of a heart attack on December 6th, 1988. Roy
was one of America's all time greatest voices, and was Elvis Presley's
favorite singer.
Johnny Burnette
Johnny Burnette, age 30, drowned after a boating accident on August
14th, 1964. Johnny had hits on "You're Sixteen" and "Dreamin.'"
Harry Chapin
Harry Chapin, age 38, singer/songwriter, died in a traffic accident on
July 18, 1981.
What's Happening?
May 12, 2005 (Roanoke, VA) The Pepsi Cola company will again produce a
Mountain Dew can panel for Roanoke's
FiddleFest 2005, one of Virginia's premier traditional music events. In
June, Pepsi will produce 1.5 million cans that will be distributed to
the Carolinas, Virginia & West Virginia, Maryland and the D.C, southern
Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Kentucky. The cans will display information
on the July 28 - July 30, 2005 festival and include the names of some of
the featured performers: The Grascals,
The Randy Kohrs Band,
Larry Cordle &
Lonesome Standard Time, and Lou Reid
and Carolina.
For more information on FiddleFest 2005, please visit
roanokefiddlefest.org.
1-866-883-9466
RCNV Music Firsts
Gene Autry's first radio show debuted on WLS in Chicago in 1931. Autry
was the best selling Country & Western artist, from the Depression
through the end of WW II.
Shelia Bibby was the first female executive to run a country music
record label (Decca) in 1993.
Samantha Burngarner and Eva Davis, were the first women to record
country music. They recorded fiddle and banjo duets for Columbia in
1924.
Johnny Cash met June Carter for the first time, backstage at the Grand
Ole Opry, on the night he made his debut appearance, July 7, 1956.
"Coal Miner's Daughter," the movie, was shown for the first time on
March 4, 1980, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jimmy Dean's single "Big Bad John" was certified gold in December,
1961. This was the first ever country single to be certified gold by the
RIAA, (Recording Industry Association of America.)
J. L. "Joe" Frank was the first promoter, and talent manager in
Nashville.
The Grand Ole Opry for the first time allowed a trumpet to be played on
the show in 1945, when "Taps" was played to honor President Franklin
Roosevelt, who died two days earlier.
George Hamilton IV was the first American country artist to perform in
Russia.
Johnny Horton appeared on the Louisiana Hayride for the first time on
May 17, 1952. Johnny was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry on several
occasions, and he declined each invitation. His wife, Billie Jean, was
Hank Williams Sr.'s widow, and she was not very happy about Hank being
fired from the Opry in 1952.
Q. & A.
M. Clayton writes from Little Rock, Arkansas with the following
question:
Q: I enjoy the information about all the music stars in your articles,
but I have a question about the God you like to talk about. Where is he
when our children are murdered in their schools along with some of our
best teachers? It seems to me if he can't protect our little ones why
should anyone think he can do anything else??? - M. Clayton
A: Hi Mary, thanks for the question. The answer is simple; between the
politically correct school administrators, the communist founded ACLU,
the NEA, (teachers union), and the activist Judges with their own
agenda's, God has not been welcome in America's schools for years. If
you expect God to serve and protect your children, and grandchildren,
then see to it that He, and His laws, are made welcome in their
schools - the schools that you have built with your tax dollars. You pay
the salaries of the above listed activists, with the exception of the
ACLU (Satan pays their salaries.) If parents refused to bow down to the
God haters in today's America, we would all be a lot safer. Mary, if you
think things are bad in America today, you haven't seen anything yet.
If you would like to ask a question, send it to:
RockabillyCountryNewsViews@gmail.com.
Please include your name, town, and state or country.
Before They Were Stars
Jimmy Bowen - worked as a teenage DJ, and played bass and sang
with Buddy Knox & the Rhythm Orchids.
Carlene Carter - a.k.a. Rebecca Carlene Smith, had her own band,
the Yellow Submarines by age 12. She studied music
theory at Belmont College, and took guitar lessons from her great aunt
Maybelle Carter. Carlene is the daughter of Carl Smith and June Carter,
her stepfather is Johnny Cash, her stepmother is Goldie Hill. Carlene
started her music career as a member of the Carter Sisters. In 1988 the
group recorded Wildwood Flower for Mercury Records.
Bobby Goldsboro - attended Auburn University in Alabama.
Joe Clay - a.k.a. Claiborne Joseph Cheramie, a highly
rated Rockabilly artist, was discovered by a deejay from New Orleans.
Clay cut a demo for Vik Records and was given a contract. The record
took him to the stage of the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport. Four
decades later his songs were reissued on CD's, and Joe continues to tour
the world from time to time.
Buddy Holly - sang in nightclubs in, and around, Lubbock,
Texas.
Reba McEntire - received a degree in elementary education at
Southeastern Oklahoma State. Reba competed in rodeos as a horseback
barrel rider.
Mel Tillis - U.S. Air Force baker, delivery driver and
railroad fireman.
Porter Wagoner - worked as a clerk in a grocery store when he was
14. The owner of the store sponsored a fifteen minute radio show that
featured Porter, in his hometown of West Plains, Missouri.
Trisha Yearwood - studied for her college degree in Music Business,
and worked as a receptionist at MTM Records. She will soon become Mrs.
Garth Brooks.
Don Williams - oil field worker, bill collector and furniture
salesman.
Stage Names
"Country Artists"
Rosalie Allen - Julie Marlene Bedra
Carolina Cotton - Helen Hagstrom
Cowboy Copas - Lloyd Estel Copas
Jimmy Dean - Seth Ward
Leon Ashley - Leon Walton
Hank Cochran - Graland Perry Cochran
Kix Brooks - Leon Eric Brooks III
Freddy Fender - Baldemar G. Huerta a.k.a. Be Bop Kid
Bobbie Gentry - Roberta Lee Streeter
Wynonna Judd - Christina Claire Ciminella
"Hollyweird Heroes"
Fred Astaire - Frederick Austerlitz
Ernest Borgnine - Ermes Effron Borgnino
Richard Burton - Richard Jenkins
Tony Curtis - Bernard Schwartz
Diana Dors - Diana Fluck
W. C. Fields - William Claude Dukenfield
Rita Hayworth - Margarita Cansino
Cheryl Ladd - Cheryl Stoppelmoor
Lee Majors - Harvey Lee Yeary ll
Harry Morgan - Harry Bratsburg
"Rock & Pop"
Pat Benatar - Patricia Andrejewski
John Bon Jovi - John Francis Bongiovi Jr.
Vicki Carr - Florencia Bisenta De Casillas Martinez Cardona
Eric Clapton - Eric Patrick Clapp
Sheena Easton - Sheena Shirley Orr
Julio Iglesias - Julio Jose Iglesias de la Cueva
Patti LaBelle - Patricia Louise Holt
Liberace - Wladziu Lee Valentino
Mama Cass Elliott - Ellen Naomi Cohen
Tony Orlando - Michael Anthony Orlando Cassivitis
RCNV News Flash
Thanks to Keith, at www.CountryForums.com
for adding links to my Hall of Fame webpage and the RCNV page. I urge
you to check out Country Forums. It is a discussion forum for country
western music where fans and artists can talk all things country. It is
located in Austin, Texas. Now who knows more about country than the
folks in Austin? That's right, nobody.
Did You Know?
Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, George Morgan, and E.W. " Bud" Wendell,
former Opry manager, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame
1998.
Waylon Jennings, age 64, died in his sleep in Chandler, Arizona on
February 13, 2002. Waylon was inducted into the Country Music Hall of
Fame in 2001. As a result of a long-standing feud with the Country Music
Association, Waylon refused to attend the induction ceremony, and sent
his son Buddy, to pick up the award. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of
Fame inducted Waylon in 1995, and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
inducted him in 1999.
In 1953, Rock and Roll was born. The Grand Ole Opry sold 243,721 tickets
to the Ryman Auditorium Opry Shows that year. By 1960, as a direct
result of the new genre sweeping the world, ticket sales were down 40%,
to 136,520.
James Brown made a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on March 10,
1979. Roy Acuff was not pleased about that, but changes were in the wind
for the once great WSM showcase. By today's Opry standards, James Brown
wouldn't even stand out as being different.
The Grand Ole Opry returned to the Grand Ole Opry House March 4, 2005.
No longer able to fill the seats at the much larger Opry House in the
winter months, the show has moved back to the Ryman Auditorium every
fall for the past few years. The new Pop-Rock style of "not-so country
music" featured at the Opry won't fill the seats anymore.
Radio Guide magazine estimated in 1936, that country's barn-dance,
hayride, and opry performers were a $25 million dollar a year business.
5,000 radio programs featured hillbilly music in 1935.
Rex Allen Sr. born Willcox, Arizona, December 31, 1920. Rex, age 77, the
"Arizona Cowboy," died on December 17, 1999. The singer/actor was
accidentally killed in Tucson, when his caregiver ran over him with a
car.
The name of Bobby Bare's band was "Pulleybone."
Jerry Lee Lewis shot his bass player, Norman Bush, in the chest with a
357 magnum on September 29, 1976. Norman survived the gunshot, and "The
Killer," fired him. The police charged Lewis with a misdemeanor charge,
of discharging a firearm within the city limits. Go figure.
In 1932 A. P. Carter and wife Sarah separated, and Sarah would return to
the group only for recording sessions, and major concerts.
Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto were married in San Antonio, Texas on
August 7, 1954. The best man was John's brother Roy Cash. Marshall
Grant, bass man for the Tennessee Two, loaned John the money to get to
San Antonio for the wedding. John and Vivian spent their wedding night
in Palestine, Texas.
Jimmy Dean received his High School diploma from the Plainview, Texas,
School District in 2003. Jimmy dropped out of high school approximately
sixty years ago, to support his mother. Way to go Jimmy.
LeAnn's first name is Margaret, her last name is Rimes, and LeAnn
belongs in the middle. This young lady sings like an angel, but she
doesn't play the fiddle.
A reporter once asked Willie Nelson when he planned to retire. Willie's
response: "Retire? All I do is play music and golf. Which one do you
want me to give up?"
When Merle Haggard was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, he
mentioned his plumber in his acceptance speech.
The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame announced in 2005, that Naomi and
Wynonna Judd, Sam Bush, John Conlee and gospel singer Dottie Rambo are
among the people who will be included in the next round of inductees
into their Hall of Fame on February 23, 2006.
From The Wisdom Desk
In his book, Hitler's Cross, Erwin W. Lutzer analyzes the Nazi agenda
for Germany and how the German church responded. Here is a paragraph
from the book:
Since Germans had for centuries celebrated Christmas and Easter, Hitler
had to reinterpret their meaning. Christmas was turned into a totally
pagan festival; in fact, at least for the SS troops, its date was
changed to December 21, the date of the winter solstice. Carols and
Nativity plays were banned from the schools in 1938, and even the name
Christmas was changed to "Yuletide." Crucifixes were eliminated from the
classrooms, and Easter was turned into a holiday that heralded the
arrival of spring.
You will recognize some of the same changes taking place in America
today.
See you next month, Good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise.
Support our troops, and their families.
Do not support "not-so country music radio."
Bill's Favorite Music Links:
http://www.rcs.law.emory.edu/rcs/index.htm
http://www.etrecordshop.com
http://www.countryforums.com
http://www.therockabillys.com
http://rockabillyhall.com/BillMorrison.html
http://www.clabranson.com
http://www.countryweekly.com
http://www.google.com
http://www.roycost.com
http://www.radiohof.org
http://www.stararchive.com
http://www.whodoesthatsong.com
http://www.wsmonline.com
www.ifco.org/links.html
http://www.countryhall.com
http://www.roysamazinglinks.com
http://www.oldiesmusic.com/index.html
http://www.twangtownusa.com/news
http://www.dickshuey.com
http://www.talentondisplay.com/country
calendar.html
Visit Bill Morrison's Country Calendar
www.ernesttubb.com
"MAY '05"
Volume 22
May 2005 - ©Bill Morrison
Quote of the Month
Quote: "I just talked to Jim Denny (Grand Ole Opry manager) and they've agreed to take me back
on the Opry. I got one date to play on New Year's Day and then I'm moving back
to Nashville." -Hank Williams speaking to Justin Tubb in Austin, Texas, at the Skyline
Club, December 20, 1952, (two weeks prior to Hank's death)
May Highlights
Wynonna and Naomi Judd moved to Nashville, on 5-1-1979. Their
first residence was at the Music City Motor Inn.
Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, signed Sonny Burgess to a recording contract,
and recorded Sonny and his band "The Pacers," on the same day on 5-2-1956. Sonny went
on to become a Rockabilly legend.
Kitty Wells recorded "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," at her first session for
Decca, 5-3-1952. The session was held at Castle Studio, in the Tulane Hotel in Nashville.
Owen Bradley produced, Jack Anglin played rhythm guitar, Shot Jackson played steel guitar,
Johnnie Wright played bass, and Paul Warren played fiddle on the session.
Gene Vincent recorded "Be Bop A Lula," in Nashville, on 5-4-1956.
Jenifer Gill, only child of Vince and Janis Gill, born 5-5-1982.
Songwriter Otis Blackwell, age 70, died in Nashville, on 5-6-2001. NSHF 1986.
Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons reported in her column on 5-7-1940: "Roy Acuff,
young hill-billy brought here by Republic Pictures from Nashville, is suffering from appendicitis
and will be operated on as soon as the picture is finished." The film, "Grand Ole Opry"
was finished a short time later, but Roy had seen all of Hollywood that he cared to.
He loaded the Smokey Mountain Boys into their touring car, and headed back to his beloved
Tennessee. Upon arriving in Nashville, Roy was immediately admitted to St. Thomas Hospital,
and the appendix was removed.
George Jones was arrested by Nashville Police for DUI on 5-8-1982. The arrest was
caught on film by a local TV cameraman, and broadcast around the world.
Keith Whitley, age 33, died from alcohol poisoning in Goodlettsville, Tennessee on
5-9-1989. At the time of his death, Keith had a blood alcohol content of .47%. In most states,
.10% is considered the point of intoxication.
Willie Nelson was arrested in Texas, for possession of marijuana on 5-10-1994.
A judge threw out the evidence and dropped the charge on March 23, 1995.
Elvis bought his first home at 1034 Audubon Drive, in Memphis, Tennessee on 5-11-1956.
Elvis paid $40,000.00 in cash for the home, which he shared with Gladys and Vernon.
Brenda Lee appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show 5-12-1963.
Dewey Phillips, Memphis disc jockey, born Adamsville, Tennessee on 5-13-1926.
Buddy Holly's optometrist gave him contact lenses for his 20/800 eyesight on 5-14-1956.
Buddy was not comfortable wearing them, so he wore the trademark glasses the rest of his life.
Elvis Presley inhaled the cap on one of his teeth and was taken to a Los Angeles hospital
to have it removed from his lung on 5-15-1957.
Ray Charles was inducted into the Atlanta Celebrity Walk on 5-16-1991.
The New "Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum," opened for business in downtown Nashville on
5-17-2001. This magnificent $37 million facility is the Crown Jewel of Music City USA. The memorabilia
is wonderful. The people who run the place aren't.
The made-for-TV movie "Stagecoach," starring Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash,
Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and John Schneider, debuted on CBS on 5-18-1986.
Roy Orbison released "Ooby Dooby," 5-19-1956.
Jack Cash, age 14, older brother of Johnny Cash, died in the hospital after a chain saw
incident in Arkansas, 5-20-1944. John always believed his brother had been murdered.
The teenager John suspected of killing Jack, disappeared on the same day Jack was injured.
Toby Keith left the ACM Awards Show before it was announced that he had won
Entertainer of the Year on 5-21-2003. Toby told the press that he and Willie Nelson
went to the bus to write songs, that's his story, and he's stickin' to it. I'll guarantee
you the smoke was thick inside that bus.
Jerry Lee Lewis opened a tour in England on 5-22-1958. Against the advice of Sam Phillips
at Sun Records, Jerry took his new bride along. When the English press discovered that Jerry
had married his 13 year old cousin, before divorcing his second wife, the tour was cancelled,
and his career was almost brought to a close. The Killer's nightly fee went from $10,000 per
show, down to a low of $250.
Misty Morgan of "Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan," born Buffalo, New York 5-23-1945.
Taylor Ray Jennings, age 22, and his girlfriend were killed near Dallas, Texas,
by a drunk driver on 5-24-2003. Taylor was the grandson of Waylon Jennings.
Jessi Colter born "Mirriam Johnson," in Phoenix, Arizona on 5-25-1947. Married to Duane
Eddy and Waylon Jennings. NO - not at the same time!!!
James Charles "Jimmie" Rodgers, age 35, died in his Hotel room in New York City, on 5-26-1933.
Jimmie was known as "The Singing Brakeman," and was the first person to be inducted into the
Country Music Hall of Fame 1961.
Redd Stewart born Henry Ellis Stewart, Ashland City, Tennessee on 5-27-1921.
Sonny Burgess, singer/songwriter/lead guitarist, and SUN Records artist, was born in
Newport, Arkansas 5-28-1931.
George Strait, Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett played a concert at Texas Stadium in Dallas, Texas on 5-29-2004.
Between them, the trio has sold over 120 million records, including 80 plus #1 hits.
Dolly Parton married Carl Dean in Catoosa County, Georgia on 5-30-1966. Dolly and Carl are still marrie