April 11th:
1953
Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” was at #1 in the Billboard country chart. The story goes that Williams was prompted to write the song when thinking about his first wife, Audrey Williams, while driving around with his second, Billie Jean Jones who she is supposed to have written down the lyrics for him whilst sat in the passenger seat. The song was record during his last ever recording sessions, on September 23, 1952 and had been released the following year, shortly after he died.
1957
Born on this day in Troutman, North Carolina, was country singer, songwriter Jim Lauderdale. Since 1986 he has released nineteen studio albums and artists who have recorded his material include George Strait, Vince Gill and Patty Loveless.
1964
Born on this day, in Greenville, Mississippi, was Steve Azar, country music singer, songwriter who scored the 2002 US Country #2 “I Don’t Have to Be Me (‘Til Monday)”, which was the lead-off single from his second studio album, Waitin’ on Joe.
1978
Born on this day in Roblin, Manitoba, Canada, was country music singer, songwriter Tara Lyn Hart. Hart’s self-titled debut album released in 1999 featured the #6 Canadian country singles chart hit “Stuff That Matters.”
1987
K.T. Oslin was at #1 on the Country chart with her debut album 80’s Ladies. “Wall of Tears,” the title track, “Do Ya'” and “I’ll Always Come Back” were all released as singles from the album.
2005
Trace Adkins was at #1 on the country chart with Songs About Me, his seventh album and his highest-selling album to date. Singles from this album include the title track, “Arlington”, and “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”, which respectively reached #2, #16, and #2 on the Billboard country charts.
2014
Singer and prolific songwriter Jesse Winchester died at his home in Charlottesville, Va., at age 69 following a battle with cancer. His music blended folk, country and blues. Jesse’s songs were covered by a variety of artists from several fields over the years. One of his most famous songs, “A Showman’s Life,” has been recorded by George Strait, Gary Allan and other artists. Jesse also wrote the last major hit for the Everly Brothers, “Bowling Green.” Michael Martin Murphey enjoyed a Top 5 country hit in 1986 with Jesse’s song, “I’m Gonna Miss You, Girl.”
