1928
Born on this day in Spencer, Wisconsin, was Dave Dudley, country music singer best-known for his truck-driving country anthems of the 1960s and 1970s including the 1963, hit “Six Days on the Road”. He died on December 22, 2003.
1952
Kitty Wells recorded “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels”. Wells was disenchanted with her career prospects and was considering retirement, but agreed to the session at Owen Bradley’s studio because of the $125 union scale recording payment. “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” was an answer song to Hank Thompson’s “The Wild Side of Life”, and its lyrical treatment of seductive, wayward women. It became the first #1 Billboard country hit for a solo female artist.
1968
Born on this day in Modesto, California, was Shane Minor country music artist. He has written hits for other artists, including the #1 singles “Beautiful Mess” by Diamond Rio, “Brand New Girlfriend” by Steve Holy, and “Live a Little” by Kenny Chesney.
1977Born on this day in Granite Falls, North Carolina, was Eric Church, Country singer, songwriter. His debut album Sinners Like Me produced four singles on the Billboard country chart, including the Top 20 hits “How ‘Bout You”, “Two Pink Lines”, and “Guys Like Me”.
1994
Winners at the 29th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards hosted by Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire included: Pioneer Award – Charley Pride, Top Female Vocalist of the Year – Wynonna, Top Male Vocalist of the Year – Vince Gill, Top Vocal Group – Little Texas, Top New Female Vocalist of the Year – Faith Hill, Top New Male Vocalist of the Year – John Michael Montgomery and Album of the Year went to Alan Jackson for A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love).
