Takin' the Country Back - The Traditional and Classic Country Music Blog

Jerry Reed Has Passed Away

2008-09-03T18:37:00.001-05:00

One of the best guitarists, and one of my favorite personalities, Jerry Reed, has passed away from the effects of emphysema.

I don't think a better article can be written about him than the one by Peter Cooper of the Tennessean. Click here:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080902/TUNEIN/80902039&GID=Vha8CVsThRxqIyAXXfITo5EuFPFIpojqBdPSqEGzxx0%3D

Ed Benson Is Retiring

2008-08-24T13:10:00.002-05:00

Ed Benson is finally retiring according to an article I read. Personally, I think that he is one of the main reasons the country music genre is so messed up. I believe that he assumed power in the CMA in 1993, and to me, everything has gone downhill since then, especially with his tendency to lean toward the blurring of pop and country lines. He has also been one of the main reasons Fan Fair is gone and replaced by this new junk festival.

Now if Pete Fisher and Steve Buchanan would follow him into the pasture, maybe we could get somebody who is bullish on real country to fight for the cause again.

August 9 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-08T01:38:00.002-05:00

In 2005, steel guitarist Hal Rugg passed away.

In 2004, songwriter Sam Hogin died in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2001, Steve Runkle, singer-songwriter-musician died in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1998, Tommy McBay, former bass player for the Texas Playboys, passed away in Texarkana.

In 1986, "Storms of Life" by Randy Travis went to Number One on the album charts. It is absolutely one of the best albums of all time.

In 1986, The Judds "Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain" went to Number One on the singles chart.

In 1980, Mickey Gilley took "Stand By Me" to the top of the charts.

In 1976, Jesse Ashlock, former fiddler for the Texas Playboys, passed away in Austin, Texas.

In 1975, "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" by Freddie Fender went to the Number One spot on the charts.

In 1969, Charlie Pride sang "All I Have To Offer You Is Me", and it was good enough to be a chart-topper.

In 1953, singer-songwriter-musician Cathy Fink was born in Baltimore, Maryland.

In 1947, Bonnie Campbell joined soon-to-be husband Buck Owen's band. She later married Buck, then Merle Haggard, and was probably as much of the Merle Haggard sound as Don Rich was of the Buck Owens sound.

In 1934, singer-songwriter-manager-entertainer-great person Merle Haggard was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. We miss him.....

August 8 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-07T19:49:00.002-05:00

In 1987, Reba McIntyre held the top spot with "One Promise Too Late".

In 1981, Crystal Gayle went to the top of the charts with "Too Many Lovers".

In 1975, Hank Williams, Jr.'s life changed when he was critically injured in a fall from Ajax Mountain in Montana.

In 1970, Sonny James was Number One with "Don't Keep Me Hangin' On".

In 1964, The Osborne Brothers joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1950, Jamie O'Hara was born in Toledo, Ohio.

In 1944, Michael Johnson was born in Alamosa, Colorado.

In 1939, Phil Balsey of the Statler Brothers was born in Staunton, Virginia.

In 1935, Howard Jenkins, Conway Twitty's brother and band member, was born.

In 1934, The Sons of the Pioneers recorded for the first time.

In 1933, Joe Tex was born in Baytown, Texas. He was one of the success stories of Buddy Killen when he was a major player in Nashville.

In 1932, Mel Tillis was born in Pahokee, Florida.

In 1922, Irene Smith, Hank Williams' sister was born. She was one of his first managers, and became a collector of memorabilia with many museum pieces, and is considered one of the great country music historians. For a little more information on this intriguing lady, click here:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8073340

In 1922, actor Rory Calhoun was born. You may remember him as Ernest Tucker in "Pure Country" starring George Strait.

In 1921, Webb Pierce, probably the most successful artist in the fifties when there was a lot of real country, was born in West Monroe, Louisiana.

A Regular Joe Is Making A Live Album At Billy Bob's

2008-08-07T19:46:00.002-05:00

Joe Diffie is getting set to make a live album at the world's largest honky-tonk. For my money, this "Regular Joe" is one of the best honky-tonkers to come down the pike in the last twenty years.

If you went to Fan Fair at the old fair grounds in the nineties, you remember what Sony's shows were like when Joe was the resident honky-tonk artists. I sure miss those days.

Click here for more:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5918664_,00.html

Together Again-Marty and Travis

2008-08-07T19:44:00.002-05:00

Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt have planned some quality time together. For more information, click here:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5918661_,00.html

August 7 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-06T23:00:00.002-05:00

In 2001, Billy Byrd of the Texas Troubadours died in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1992, character actor John Anderson passed away. He was on many Western movies and tv episodes including several "Gunsmoke" episodes.

In 1989, T.C. Lansford of the Texas Playboys passed away.

In 1982, Hank Williams, Jr. was on top of the charts as he was "Honky-Tonkin'".

In 1981, on his birthday, B.J.Thomas joined the Grand Ole Opry. He isn't stone cold country, but he is one of my favorite singers. He put out a great version of "Rainy Night In Georgia", as well as "Most of All", and "Brown Eyed Woman". And he has a memorable voice. He was born in Hugo, Oklahoma in 1942. Just in case you didn't know it, he had a million selling single with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry".

In 1976, George Jones and Tammy Wynette went to the top of the charts with "Golden Ring".

In 1971, Homer Haynes of Homer and Jethro passed away in Hammond, Indiana.

In 1965, Jimmy Dean topped the charts with "The First Thing Ev'ry Morning(And The Last Thing Ev'ry Night)".

In 1950, Rodney Crowell was born in Houston, Texas.

In 1948, Hank Williams joined the Louisiana Hayride.

In 1934, Steve Ihnat, actor who guested in many "Gunsmoke" episodes, was born.

In 1925, Felice Bryant was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 1904, Dave Kapp of Kapp Records was born in Chicago, Illinois.

I Will Do My Best!!!

2008-08-06T22:55:00.003-05:00

Erin is headed back to law school shortly, and I have taken up a new career driving an eighteen wheeler.

Shortly we will be discontinuing the radio station, knowing you can listen to a lot of good stuff at our myspace pages.

I will try to blog daily as I have this year, and I will also let you know what I am doing when those big wheels are turning, as Merle says. For those of you who are interested, I will be driving a Peterbilt with a nice studio lounge, and a reefer behind it. Bubba is taking over my house. You all know Bubba as my nephew who is like a son to me.

I will stay in touch with all of you as much as I can.

I do ask for prayers for my family and me, and especially for our safety as we are all out of state doing our business.

I don't have to tell you but for many of you, you are like family to me, and I will keep you in my prayers also.

Take care,

John

August 6 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-03T21:33:00.002-05:00

In 1999, Colleen Carroll Brooks, recording artist and mother of Garth Brooks, passed away from cancer.

In 1989, steel guitarist Billy Bowman, who played for Bob Wills' Texas Playboys, passed away.

In 1988, George Strait was at the top of the charts with "Baby Blue".

In 1983, Earl Thomas Conley was at Number One with "Your Love's On The Line".

In 1977, Charlie Rich was "Rollin' With The Flow" to Number One on the charts.

In 1964, recording artists The Lynns, daughters of Loretta and Mooney Lynn, were born. They were christened Patsy and Peggy.

In 1959, singer-songwriter-producer-label executive Darrell Scott was born. "It's A Great Day To Be Alive" was just one of the many hits he has written.

In 1953, Mark Defresne of Confederate Railroad was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Rumor has it that he likes his women a little on the trashy side. The rumor is unconfirmed.

In 1935, vocalist-mandolin player Herschel Sizemore was born in Alabama.

In 1929, actess Lois Nettleton was born. Some of her best roles were in "Gunsmoke" and "In The Heat Of The Night" episodes.

In 1922, Old Joe Clark, aka Manuel D. Clark of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, was born in Erwin, Tennessee.

In 1917, acting great Robert Mitchum was born. Favorite roles were as the drunk sheriff in El Dorado when John Wayne's character says "I'm looking at a drunk with a (pause) tin badge pinned to it." I also loved his narration of "Tombstone".

In 1892, Rodeo champion and Western actor Hoot Gibson was born

August 5 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-03T08:58:00.002-05:00

In 1998, Eldon Shamblin, Western Swing guitarist, died. He was a guitarist in Bob Wills' Texas Playboys, and was heard adding his style to "Ida Red" and "Take Me Back To Tulsa". He was also in Merle Haggard's Strangers for ten years. For more on this guitar great, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eldon_Shamblin

In 1995, Alan Jackson went to the top of the charts with "I Don't Even Know Your Name".

In 1989, Dolly Parton scored a Number One with "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That".

In 1978, Kenny Rogers went to Number One with "Love Or Something Like It".

In 1969, Nascar driver Kenny Irwin was born.

In 1968, legendary guitar player Luther Perkins of the Tennessee Two and Tennessee Three died in a house fire ignited by his cigarette.

In 1968, Terry Clark was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

In 1967, Sonny James topped the charts with "I'll Never Find Another You".

In 1962, Marilyn Monroe, actress, passed away in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California under suspicious circumstances. Though ruled a homicide, nobody knows the true circumstances.

In 1961, Mark O'Connor, fiddle firtuoso, was born in Seattle, Washington.

In 1960, W.S. Holland became drummer for Johnny Cash's Tennessee Three.

In 1957, Elvis topped the Country Charts with "Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear". I like Elvis, but I don't think that is any more country than "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem".

In 1943, husky voiced country singer Sammi Smith was born in Orange County, California. She was best know for her rendition of Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through The Night".

In 1940, Bobby Braddock, songwriter extraordinaire, was born in Lakeland, Florida. His songwriting hits include George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today", and Johnny Duncan's "Thinking Of A Rendezvous", among many others. He also wrote "I'm Over You", that George sang about the view from the deceased man in "He Stopped Loving Her Today", which I think is awesome, and I think he did a song called "Oh Bones and Me" based on "Oh, Lonesome Me" which is about a man and his dog lost in a cave, that is super funny. For more on Bobby Braddock, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Braddock

IN 1934, VERN GOSDIN, 'THE VOICE', WAS BORN IN WOODLAND, ALABAMA. PROBABLY THE BEST PURE VOICE IN COUNTRY MUSIC, VERN HAS HAD A NUMBER OF HITS IN THE LAST THIRTY YEARS. MOST OF HIS GREATEST WORK WAS DONE ON COMPLEAT RECORDS IN THE LATE SEVENTIES AND THE EARLY EIGHTIES. HE WAS 53 YEARS OF AGE BEFORE HE EVER HAD A MAJOR LABEL CONTRACT, AND STARTED HAVING PHYSICAL DIFFICULTIES AT THE HEIGHT OF HIS CAREER. "THERE IS A SEASON", "TIME STOOD STILL", AND "CHISELED IN STONE" ALL HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED AS SOME OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS EVER PRODUCED. MY PERSONAL FAVORITE TWO SONGS OF VERNS ARE "DEAD FROM THE HEART ON DOWN" AND "FOR A MINUTE THERE", BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD A VERN GOSDIN SONG I DON'T LIKE. FOR MORE ON THIS GREAT SINGER, CLICK HERE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vern_Gosdin

In 1931, Hal Durham, music executive of WSM, was born in McMinnville, Tennesee.

August 4 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-02T21:00:00.003-05:00

In 2007, singer-songwriter-producer Lee Hazelwood died in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2004, The Notorious Cherry Bombs debuted on the Tonight Show. They were made up of Rodney Crowell, Tony Brown, Vince Gill, Hank Devito, and Richard Bennett. "It's Hard to Kiss The Lips At Night (That Chew Your A__ Out All Day Long)" was their first single and video.

In 1997, Roy Carter, bassist of the Chuck Wagon Gang, passed away.

In 1990, "Good Times" by Dan Seals was at Number One on the charts.

In 1987, country singer Kenny Price of Hee Haw fame died of a heart attack.

In 1984, "Mama He's Crazy" became the first Number One for the Judds.

In 1982, noted fiddler Tex Atchison died in Collinsville, Illinois. For more information on this great who enjoyed a lot of success, click here:

http://www.rocky-52.net/chanteurs/atchison_tex.htm

In 1981, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White were joined in matrimony. For you real country folks, that means they were married.

In 1978, old time fiddlin' great Fiddlin' Doc Roberts passed away in Madison County, Kentucky.

In 1973, in the middle of the first gas crisis, Jerry Reed went to the top of the charts as he asked, "Lord Mr. Ford" (What have you done?).

In 1962, Jack Taylor, star of the same Prairie Ramblers that included Tex Atchison and Patsy Montana, passed away.

In 1959, Skeeter Davis debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. I never realized how big a star she really was until I went to her estate sale, and met some of her friends and heard some of their stories. I did purchase some great memorabilia from her estate, including her autograph blanket from the "Country Homecoming" video and her Christmas stocking among a few other small things.

In 1956, Jimmy C. Newman joined the Grand Ole Opry. I went to work in New Orleans in 1987, and spent a lot of time in the bayous west of their that included Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, and places between, including Houma and Thibodaux. I have never seen an area so crazy about one artist, but they really do worship Jimmy C. Newman.

In 1956, George (The Possum) Jones joined the Grand Ole Opry. What is there to tell about this legend that most of you don't know?

In 1950, Vickie Hackerman of Dave and Sugar was born in Louisville, Kentucky. As I grow older, I like to watch videos of this entertaining trio, which had several different women as Sugar, but always showcased Dave Rowland. Dave was a real showman. They debuted on the charts with "The Queen Of The Silver Dollar", and then enjoyed ten top tens, including three Number Ones. Dave and Sugar also worked as backup for Charlie Pride.

In 1932, Scotty Stoneman of the Stoneman Family was born. He was simply awesome on the fiddle, and was known by everybody from Grandpa Jones to Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. He lived hard, and died young.

In 1927, Jimmie Rogers cut his first songs for Ralph Peer and RCA at the Bristol Sessions.

In 1924, bluegrass fiddler Benny Sims was born.

In 1919, James Blackwood of the original Blackwood Brothers Quartet was born in Choctaw County, Mississippi.

In 1899, legendary recording artist and performer Frank Luther was born in Larkin, Kansas. For a little information on this contemporary of Vernon Dalhart and Carson Robison, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Luther

In 1890, Carson Robison was born in Oswego, Kansas. He recorded with Frank Luther (mentioned above). He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. For more on him, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson_Robison

August 3 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-02T20:31:00.003-05:00

In 2004, Lacy Van Zant, considered to be "The Father Of Southern Rock", passed away in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the father of Ronnie Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Donnie Van Zant of .38 Special, and Johnny Van Zant who fronts the current day Lynyrd Skynyrd, and both Donnie and Johnny perform as Van Zant, a 'country' act.

In 1999, steel guitarist Little Roy Wiggins died in Sevierville, Tennessee.

In 1996, Rhett Akins was at Number One with "Don't Get Me Started".

In 1991, Trisha Yearwood scored her first Number One with "She's In Love With The Boy". I don't think she is such a country act, but I know that she has one of the greatest voices.

In 1991, Johnny Lee debuted on the Grand Ole Opry. For more information on this real American country singer, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Lee

In 1985, Alabama was still on a roll with "40 Hour Week (For A Livin')" as they continued their onslaught of the Number One position on the charts.

In 1974, Crash Craddock was at Number One with "Rub It In". I don't know if that is country either.....

In 1953, Randy Scruggs was born in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1924, Gordon Stoker of the Jordanaires was born in Gleason, Tennessee.

In 1923, Dottie Dillard of the Anita Kerr Singers was born in Springfield, Missouri.

August 2 In Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-01T20:34:00.002-05:00

In 2003, Redd Stewart passed away in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information on this country music giant, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redd_Stewart

In 2002, Joe Allison, country music executive, passed away in Nashville.

In 1986, George Strait was at Number One with "Nobody In His Right Mind Would've Left Her".

In 1980, "Dancin' Cowboys" the Bellamy Brothers were at Number One on the charts.

In 1975, Johnny Rodriguez was at Number One with "Just Get Up And Close The Door".

In 1953, Betty Jack Davis of the Davis Sisters passed away in an auto accident.

In 1944, Blake Emmons was born in Toronto, Canada.

In 1935, songwriter and performer Hank Cochran was born in Isola, Mississippi. We hope you are doing well, Hank.

In 1932, John Cohen of the New Lost City Ramblers, known for their folk songs, was born in New York City.

In 1876, Wild Bill Hickok was shot in the back of the head by Jack McCall in Deadwood, South Dakota. He is buried there with Calamity Jane at his side.

August 1 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-08-01T20:07:00.003-05:00

In 1992, Brooks and Dunn broke through to the top with "Boot Scootin' Boogie".

In 1987, Ronnie Milsap went to Number One with "Snap Your Fingers".

In 1987, Howdy Forrester of Roy Acuff's Smoky Mountain Boys passed away. He was a fiddle virtuoso, and spent 38 of his years performing at the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1981, Hank, Jr. was atop the charts with "Dixie On My Mind".

In 1980, character actor Strother Martin passed away. Among his many roles were included those in John Wayne Westerns, and many "Gunsmoke" episodes.

In 1966, George Ducas was born in Texas City, Texas. He is best remembered for his top ten hit, "Lipstick Promises".

In 1953, Hank Thompson was at the top of the charts with "Rub-A-Dub-Dub".

In 1931, American folk performer Ramblin' Jack Elliot was born in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1927, The Carter Family, A.P., Sara, and Maybelle, made their first recordings for Ralph Peer and RCA at the Bristol Sessions.

In 1909, Horace Leon Chappelear was born. He was known as "The Lone Star Cowboy", and at one time worked closely with Jimmie Davis.

In 1903, American folk figure and Western heroine Martha Jane Canary was born in Princeton, Missouri. She is remembered as Calamity Jane, and is buried next to Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood, South Dakota.

A Good Night In Lexington

2008-08-01T19:39:00.002-05:00

This is a little bit about a good concert show in Kentucky starring Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack:

http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1592021/alan-jackson-covers-all-the-bases-at-kentucky-concert.jhtml

Allison Krauss Works With Dr. Ralph Stanley

2008-08-01T19:37:00.001-05:00

I like good bluegrass, and here's a little tidbit about happenings at the Ryman:

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1592015/alison-krauss-sings-with-ralph-stanley-at-the-ryman.jhtml

July 31 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-07-30T19:25:00.004-05:00

In 1987, guitar guru Thumbs Carlisle passed away.

In 1964, Jim Reeves and pianist Dean Manuel were killed in a plane crash in Brentwood, Tennessee. It is believed by some that he had 'pilot's vertigo', and others have said that he was a victim of his ego. I have also heard and read that he and Randy Hughes, who piloted the flight that killed Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Cowboy Copas, were trained by the same flight instructor. I don't believe I want that information on my resume.

In 1963, professional wrestler Chad Brock was born in Ocala, Florida. He did make a tiny ripple in the waters of country music several years ago.

In 1996, Willie Lee (Jay) Webb passed away. He was Loretta Lynn's brother, and was also a country music performer.

In 1982, Ricky Skaggs went to the top of the charts with "I Don't Care".

In 1971, Charlie Pride scored a Number One with "I'm Just Me".

In 1954, a duet by Kitty Wells and Red Foley went to the top of the charts. "One By One" was Number One on the Juke Box Charts.

In 1952, one of the best session guitarist in Nashville, Steve Gibson, was born in Peoria, Illinois. I think you might read this little bit of an interview I found:

http://countrymusicalive.com/features/closeup/articles/041508.htm

In 1937, Bonny Brown, of the Browns(Bonnie, Maxine and Jim Ed), was born in Sparkman, Arkansas. In their heyday, they were superstars. In 2003, at the Last Ride On The Hayride, they were just absolutely awesome.

In 1916, The First Lady Of Racing, Louise Smith, was born in Barnsville, Georgia. For a little information about this Nascar personality, click here:

http://home.carolina.rr.com/docktalk/louise_smith.htm

Whatever Happened To Just Good Singing?

2008-07-30T19:19:00.002-05:00

I hope Brad Paisley doesn't think all that stuff makes me buy a ticket. I go to here real singers sing good songs. Brad Paisley has had a FEW, but most of his radio stuff does nothing for me. I like George Strait, but I am just as happy hearing him do his real good dyed in the wool country stuff as I am with any of the old Straitland junk that he put on a few years ago. I guess that is why I love Haggard and Jones so much. They always figured that good music and great voices were enough to sell tickets. Just my opinion, so don't throw any tomatoes unless they are good and they have plenty of Angus Hamburger meat attached. Sweet onions, good lettuce, cheddar cheese, bacon, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and a pickle would be appreciated, also, and if you are going to waste that much on me, throw in some waffle fries, and an extra large Pepsi, with a chocolate milk shake for dessert. Start the barrage with some roasted peanuts, please......

For a little more about Brad's collection of stuff on tour, click here:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5913367_,00.html

I Don't Want This CD

2008-07-30T19:17:00.001-05:00

There are many things on my wish list. This ain't one of them:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5913347_,00.html

July 30 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-07-29T19:27:00.002-05:00

In 2008, John realized that he had made a bad mistake on the previous day's blog.

In 2003, Sam Phillips of Sun Records passed away in Memphis. It is hard to imagine the music scene had there not been a Sam Phillips who took chances on people like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ike Turner, Bobby Blue Bland, B.B.King, Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Burgess among many others.

In 1989, 1987 World Champion Bull Rider Lane Frost was killed after being gored by Taking Care of Business, after completing a 91 point ride. The movie "8 Seconds" is a biographical account of Lane.

In 1988, Ricky Van Shelton was at Number One with "Don't We All Have The Right".

In 1983, George Jones went to Number One with "I Always Get Lucky With You". That is not a comment that one should make to someone they really adore. Just my opinion, and I am an expert at sticking my foot in my mouth.

In 1958, Neal McCoy was born in Jacksonville, Texas.

In 1946, Neil Bonnett, who won eighteen Nascar Winston Cup races, was born.

In 1944, Chris Darrow was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is a Southern California musical artist who is a stringed instrument wizard, critically aclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter, photographer, record producer and original member of Epic Records legendary Kaleidoscope, as well as a member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Linda Ronstadt's early backup group, the Corvettes. He has been a part of the Southern California music scene for more than 3 decades. His recording and touring credits include work with James Taylor, folk hero John Stewart, Sonny & Cher, Helen Reddy, Michael Nesmith, Gene Vincent, Leonard Cohen, Kim Fowley, Harry Chapin, Toulouse Engelhardt, John Fahey, and many more.

In 1889, old time fiddler Charlie Bowman was born in Gray Station, Tennessee.

More On Mark Chesnutt Bus Wreck

2008-07-29T19:25:00.001-05:00

Click here for a little more information on the wreck that occurred after a Billy Bob's performance:

http://www.gactv.com/gac/nw_headlines/article/0,3034,GAC_26063_5912628_,00.html

More On Those New Hank Williams Recordings

2008-07-29T19:23:00.002-05:00

Here is a little more on the upcoming "Mother's Best" recordings by Hank Williams, Sr:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080729/TUNEIN02/80729087/1005/ENTERTAINMENT

I ERRED!!!!

2008-07-29T19:20:00.003-05:00

I wrote that Barbara Mandrell recorded Cathy's Clown. It was Reba McIntyre.

I don't have a problem with making a mistake. I have done that on a consistent basis for almost 54 years. I do have two problems, though.

1. I have no idea why I would write that, and why it occurred.

2. I wonder why only one of you caught that mistake.

July 29 in Takinthecountryback.com History

2008-07-28T19:49:00.003-05:00

In 1999, Anita Carter of the Carter Sisters passed away in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. I remember when she was a regular on the Alabama Jubilee with Don Wendell at WKRG in Mobile, Alabama. Ah, the good old days.

In 1997, Mercury released John Anderson's "Takin' The Country Back". I wonder why I mentioned that one.

In 1989, Reba McIntyre went to Number One with "Cathy's Clown". I think the video starring her and Bruce Boxleitner, and all those old Western stars was one of the best.

In 1988, Pete Drake, famed steel guitarist, died in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1972, Barbara Mandrell joined the Grand Ole Opry.

In 1966, Martina McBride was born in Sharon, Kansas. I only mention this because I know that even though on most of her songs she is only a shouter and screamer, and a fluff singer, that she can really sing country music when she wants.

In 1961, Patsy Cline returned to the stage for the first time after her brush with death in a horrible car accident.

In 1954, entertainer Pete Cassell passed away at age 36. Though he never sold many records, he was an absolute smash hit everywhere he performed. He is said to have had perfect pitch.

In 1944, Louis Jordan went to Number One on the charts as he asked the music question, "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (Me Baby). I think we were in English class together.

In 1933, Buck Barrow of Bonnie and Clyde fame, died three days after being wounded by police. Buck was Clyde Barrow's brother. Merle Haggard performed the music for the movie based on their lives together that starred Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. By the way, if you ever visit the home of the old Louisiana Hayride, the place where Bonnie and Clyde died is not very far away, in the woods and oilfields of Louisiana.

In 1916, Western director Bud Boetticher was born. He directed many of Randolph Scott's movies.

Two Of My Favorites Have Passed Away

2008-07-28T19:29:00.002-05:00

Everybody remembers the first time they heard a good country song, their first concert, or maybe even their first meeting with a star.

Back when I was very young, I had the opportunity to sing on "The Lynn Toney Show" at WEAR in Pensacola, Florida, accompanied by famed Nashville producer Larry Butler on the piano. Lynn Toney was nothing but a legend here in Pensacola. He passed away last week.

One of the greatest performers from out town was a gentleman named Conner Cagle. He had played with a lot of different touring acts, and I got to know him after he had retired from the road. He also passed away this week. I might add that he played piano for The Four Tops, and I can just imagine him playing the intro to "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch", right now. He also played with the Spinners. Billy Joe Royal once told me that he was one of his favorite piano players from their times together, and Gary Stewart also knew him rather well, as well as my old favorite dj and piano player, Robert Michael Greene.

May both of them rest in peace, and God bless their families in this time of mourning.