Country Calendar-Jan.28

 The Music and Memories of January 28

Kevin's Country Calendar

 The Headlines:

1985-  Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers go in to the studio to record with a cast of superstars.  They are the only two country singers with solo parts on "We Are The World," a song to combat starvation in Africa.  In all, 43 artists are led by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.  Others include Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Kim Carnes, Ray Charles and Billy Joel.   The song reaches a modest #76 on the Billboard Country charts, but is certified for sales of over 4 millions shipments and becomes one of the biggest pop records of the 80s.

 1956-  Elvis Presley makes his first national TV appearance on The Dorsey Brothers' "Stage Show" on CBS.  He sings "Shake, Rattle And Roll."  In September of the previous year, Elvis scores his first #1 record on the Billboard Country chart with "I Forgot To Remember To Forget."

 The #1 Hits:

1995- Gone Country- Alan Jackson

1989- Deeper Than The Holler- Randy Travis

1984- The Sound Of Goodbye- Crystal Gayle

1978- Out Of My Head And Back In My Bed- Loretta Lynn

Deaths:

Al Dexter, 1984.  Al wrote the very first song to appear at #1 on the Billboard Country charts in 1944, "Pistol Packin' Mama."  First, the song hits the top, for five weeks, for Big Crosby and the Andrew Sisters in January, for the newly formed Billboard Country chart.  Then, Al takes his own version to number one in February as the second single in history to reach the top of the charts.  Al also hits number one with other self-penned songs like "Rosalita," "I'm Losing My Mind Over You," "Guitar Polka," and "Wine, Women And Song."

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