1927
Born on this day, in West Plains, Missouri was Porter Wagoner, Country singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. In 1967, he introduced a then little known Dolly Parton on his long-running television show. Also known as Mr. Grand Ole Opry, Wagoner has scored over 80 US singles from 1954-1983. He died from lung cancer on October 28, 2007.
1929Born on this day in Sherman, Texas was Buck Owens, Jr., singer and guitarist, who scored twenty 21 #1 hits on the Billboard country music charts and pioneered what has come to be called the Bakersfield sound a reference to Bakersfield, California. Owens died in his sleep of an apparent heart attack on March 25th 2006.
1969
Charley Pride was at #1 on the Country charts with ‘All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)’. In doing so he accomplished a feat not done in 25 years: an African American entertainer having a #1 hit on the Billboard country chart. The last song by a black performer to reach the summit was “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby” by Louis Jordan, in July 1944. Pride became the third black singer to have a #1 country hit (the Nat King Cole-led King Cole Trio had a #1 hit earlier in 1944).
1991
Liberty Records released “Rodeo” by Garth Brooks. Written by Larry Bastian the single which was taken from his album Ropin’ the Wind peaked at #3 on the US country chart.
2000
Lonestar were at #1 on the country music charts with “What About Now”, the fourth single from their 1999 album, Lonely Grill.
