Country Calendar-Jan.17

The Music and Memories of January 17

Kevin's Country Calendar

The Headlines:

2010- Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett win Best Original Song, for "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart)," during the Golden Globe Awards.  In the film, Jeff Bridges stars as a "down and out" Country Music legend named Bad Blake.  In some reports, the lead character of the movie was inspired by the Highwaymen; Waylon, Willie, Johnny, and Kris.

2006- Sugarland posts a message on their website announcing Kristen Hall is leaving the trio to concentrate on songwriting.

1992- Garth Brooks' first TV special, titled "This is Garth Brooks," airs on NBC.

The #1 Hits:

1987- What Am I Gonna Do About You- Reba McEntire

1981- I Love A Rainy Night- Eddie Rabbitt

Birthdays:

Steve Earle, 1955.  Steve scores his first top 10 record in 1986 with "Guitar Town."  The next year he has his final mainstream top 10 Country hit with "Goodbyes All We've Got Left."  Steve goes on to build a huge cult following of faithful fans and records music for the Alternative Country Music audience.

Deaths:

Cliffie Stone, 1998.  Cliffie Stone wore a variety of hats. To the public, he was a radio and TV personality, recording artist ("Silver Stars, Purple Sage, Eyes of Blue"), emcee, and bass player. Behind the scenes, he was a record producer, talent scout, song publisher, and personal manager.  Cliffie helped Merle Travis sign a deal with Capitol records and co-wrote Merle's hit "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette."  Then, he helps launch the career of Tennessee Ernie Ford and serves as his TV producer and manager.  Cliffie was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989. 

Kevin Richards' Classic Country Hall of Fame Show is heard every Sunday, 6-9am eastern on Country 107.7/WGNA-FM.

Sources: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, The Country Music Foundation, Billboard Magazine, CMT, The Country Music Association, and The Academy of Country Music