Ray Turner’s Day in Country Music History
October 4th: On this day
1929
Born on this day in Mora, Missouri, was Leroy Frank Van Dyke, the American country music singer. He has recorded more than 500 songs, his best known hits, are “The Auctioneer” (which sold over 2.5 million copies), from 1956 and “Walk On By” from 1961, (which was named by Billboard in 1994 as the biggest country single of all time, based on sales, plays and weeks in the charts).
1970
Born on this day in Healdsburg, California, was country music artist Heidi Newfield. She was lead singer, rhythm guitarist and harmonica player for Trick Pony, from 1996 until 2006, when she left in pursuit of a solo career. She made her solo chart debut in 2008 with the single, “Johnny & June” which peaked at #11 on the Hot Country Songs charts.
1978
One of Nashville’s most mysterious crimes was reported which involved the abduction of singer, Tammy Wynette. Media reports said that Wynette had been abducted by a masked man at a shopping center. No suspects were ever found or arrested. While Wynette insisted the story was true, her daughter raised doubts, claiming the incident was fabricated.
1997
The Farm Aid 97′ benefit concert took place at the Tweeter Center, Tinley Park, Illinois. Held to raise money for family farmers in the US, the concerts were organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young. Artists who appeared included: Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Fogerty, Beck, Dave Matthews Band and The Allman Brothers Band.
1999
Tim McGraw released “My Best Friend” the third single from his album A Place In The Sun which went on to reach the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
2009
The Farm Aid 2008, benefit concert took place at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, Missouri. Held to raise money for family farmers in the US, the concerts were organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young. Artists who appeared included: Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds with Jamey Johnson, Jason Mraz, Phosphorescent, and Wilco.
CMT