October 8th:
1882
Born on this day in Knoxville, Tennessee, was Haywire Mac, (Harry McClintock), an American singer and poet, best known for his song “Big Rock Candy Mountain”, which was featured in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? The song reached #1 on Billboard’s “Hillbilly Hits” chart in 1939. Having worked as a cowboy himself, McClintock was one of the few “country” singers who had an authentic background from which to draw. McClintock died on April 24, 1957.
1944
Born on this day in Eugene, Oregon, was Susan Raye, country music singer. She enjoyed great popularity during the early and mid 1970’s and chalked up seven top 10 and nineteen top 40 country hits. Raye was a protegee of country music singer Buck Owens. Owens and Raye recorded a number of hit albums and singles together.
1969
Sonny James was at #1 on the Country charts with his version of “Since I Met You Baby”, James’ third cover song released during 1969, (the other two being “Only the Lonely” and “Running Bear”). Supposedly recorded live (the song’s introduction and fade out features a cheering audience), the audience was added to the studio recording.
1984
Although her pop career was on the decline, Anne Murray won the Country Music Association’s Album of the Year Award for A Little Good News. She was the first woman to ever be given that distinction.
1995
Tim McGraw was at #1 on the Country charts with “I Like It, I Love It”, released as the first single from the album All I Want. The song was McGraw’s ninth single overall, and his third #1 hit.
2011
Rascal Flatts were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by American country music singer Little Jimmy Dickens, (famous for his humorous novelty songs, his small size, 4’11”, and his rhinestone-studded outfits).
