Gold Country NEWS

1921
Born on this day in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. was Mervin Shiner. Several of his songs, such as "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me", which made the top ten on the Country & Western chart and "Peter Cottontail," achieved success and opened doors for him, allowing him to perform with renowned artists like Hank Williams and Minnie Pearl. Shiner died in Tampa, Florida, on October 23, 2023, at the age of 102.

1954
"Slowly" by Webb Pierce became the first #1 song on Billboard's country charts to feature the pedal steel guitar. (His biggest hit was "In the Jailhouse Now," which charted for 37 weeks in 1955).

1956
Born on this day, James Salestrom American singer-songwriter. Salestrom was the lead singer of the band Timberline from 1971 to 1977. Salestrom performed in Dolly Parton's band from 1979 to 1991. As a solo artist, he performed in shows around the world. He died from cancer at his home in Arvada, Colorado, on November 22, 2023, at the age of 67.

1981
Born on this day in Oceanside, California, was Chris Thile, musician, with the acoustic folk/progressive bluegrass quintet Punch Brothers. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for "The Eleventh Reel" in 2006.

1984
Born on this day was American singer and songwriter Audra Mae, (she is the great-great-niece of Judy Garland). As well as releasing her own records she co-wrote "Little Red Wagon" recorded by Miranda Lambert.

1991
Country music winners at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards included; Kathy Mattea for "Where've You Been" who won Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Best Male Country Vocal Performance, went to Vince Gill for "When I Call Your Name", Best Country Performance by a Group was The Kentucky Headhunters for Pickin' on Nashville and Best Country Vocal Collaboration went to Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler for "Poor Boy Blues."

1993
Billy Ray Cyrus was at #1 on the US Country music album chart with his debut album, Some Gave All which included his breakthrough hit "Achy Breaky Heart".

1996
Alan Jackson made a guest appearance on Home Improvement, singing "Mercury Blues" on the fictitious handyman show Tool Time. Part of the show's attraction was its token "Tool Time girl", whose primary roles were to look good, be curvaceous, roll out various props and help introduce the two hosts.

2005
LeAnn Rimes performed "Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense" and Big & Rich performed "Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)" at halftime during the NBA all-star basketball game at Denver's Colorado Convention Center.