November 18 – This Day in Country Music History

Johnny Mercer, who wrote “I’m an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande),” was born in Savannah, Georgia.

Source: Songwriters Hall of Fame

Jacky Ward was born in Groveton, Texas. His recording of “A Lover’s Question” reached No. 3 on the country chart in 1978.

Laura Lynch was born in Dell City, Texas. She sang and played upright bass in the original lineup of the Dixie Chicks.

Jessi Alexander was born in Jackson, Tennessee. Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, and Reba McEntire have recorded her songs.

Doug Sahm of the Texas Tornados died in Taos, New Mexico.

Source: RolandNote

Steel guitarist John Hughey died in Nashville, Tennessee, at 73. His pedal steel was a signature part of Conway Twitty’s and Vince Gill’s recordings.

Billy Strings released Me/And/Dad, a collection of bluegrass and country songs recorded with his stepfather, Terry Barber.

Waylon Jennings’ I’ve Always Been Crazy held at No. 1 on Billboard’s country albums chart for a second week.

Alan Jackson’s The Greatest Hits Collection held at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart for a second week.

Loretta Lynn recorded “Woman of the World (Leave My World Alone).” The single came out the following February and reached No. 1.

Sonny James returned to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “It’s the Little Things.”

Charley Pride reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country singles chart with “She’s Too Good to Be True.”

Source: Wikipedia

Barbara Mandrell held at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Sleeping Single in a Double Bed.”

Eddy Raven reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country singles chart with “Bayou Boys.”

Source: Wikipedia

George Strait held at No. 1 with “Check Yes or No.”

Travis Tritt reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country singles chart with “Best of Intentions.”

Walk the Line, the film about Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, opened in U.S. theaters.

Source: 20th Century Studios

George Strait released the box set Strait Out of the Box: Part 2.

Source: George Strait