December 5th:
1963
Born on this day, was Ty England, American country music singer and guitarist. Initially a member of Garth Brooks’ band, England began his solo career in 1995, recording a self-titled debut album on RCA Records. A second album, Two Ways to Fall, followed in 1996. England has also charted six singles on the country charts. His highest-charting single was his debut single, “Should’ve Asked Her Faster”, a #3 hit in late 1995.
1967
Born on this day in La Mirada, California, was Gary Allan, American country music artist who had the 2001 album Alright Guy which contained the singles “The One,” “Man of Me,” and “Man to Man,” the latter of which became his first Billboard #1 hit.
1969
Johnny Cash appeared at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The concert was recorded and released as an album in 2002 (making it his 86th overal album release).
1978
The Charlie Daniels Band recorded “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” at Nashville’s Woodland Sound Studios. The track was later released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections and the song was the band’s biggest pop hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also featured in the 1980 movie Urban Cowboy.
1978
Born on this day, was David Hodges, songwriter, producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist from Little Rock, Arkansas. Once a member of the band Evanescence, he has since worked with both Carrie Underwood (he co-wrote “What Can I Say”), and Reba McEntire, (“Because of You”).
2000
The soundtrack to O Brother, Where Art Thou? was released, which went on to win a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2002. Among the artists featured: Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, The Whites, Gillian Welch, John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, The Cox Family and Norman Blake. The film written, directed and produced by the Coen Brothers starred George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Goodman.
2010
A gala held in Washington, D.C. honored Merle Haggard with musical performances by Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley.
