1948
Born on this day in Biloxi, Mississippi, was Chris Ledoux, singer-songwriter, bronze sculptor and rodeo champion. During his career LeDoux recorded 36 albums (many self-released) which have sold more than six million copies in the US. Ledoux was nominated for a Grammy Award and the Academy of Country Music Music Pioneer Award. He died on March 9, 2005
1954Elvis Presley made his one and only appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. Although the audience reacted politely to his revolutionary brand of rockabilly music, he was supposedly told by Opry manager Jim Denny to “go back to driving a truck in Memphis.”
1971
Lynn Anderson was at #1 on the country music album chart with You’re My Man, Anderson’s fourth studio album. The record was a #1 hit on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for seven weeks, Anderson’s third (and to date, last) #1 on the chart. Produced by Anderson’s husband Glenn Sutton, the title song was Anderson’s second #1 record.
1972
Dolly Parton released her tenth solo studio album My Favorite Songwriter, Porter Wagoner with all tracks being written by Porter Wagoner.
1981
Alabama released “Love in the First Degree” a song written by Jim Hurt and Tim DuBois. The track was the fifth in a string of 21 consecutive #1 singles in as many releases, a string that spanned from 1980 through 1987. It also became Alabama’s biggest crossover hit, peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1982.
1998
Gene Autry, who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy died three days after his 91st birthday at his home in Studio City, California.
2012
Darius Rucker was invited to became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The way he found out was a bit unorthodox. After playing a set at the Opry, Darius answered a few questions from the audience. The person asking the final question, though, turned out to be Brad Paisley, who asked two questions: “Are you still the worst poker player in the world?” And then, “Would you like to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry?”
