Country Music History March 16

Happy Wednesday, country music fans!

Founder of the group Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Benson was born March 16, 1951 in Philadelphia.  Asleep at the Wheel was well known for western swing and throughout its career earned several Grammy Awards.  Hits include "Hot Rod Lincoln", "Cherokee Maiden" and "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66", just to name a few.

I could listen to Hank Williams voice all day and not get tired of it.  In 1951, Williams recorded two of his biggest hits "Hey, Good Lookin'" and "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)".

Looking at the Billboard charts, the number 1 country single in 2002 was "The Cowboy In Me" by Tim McGraw, and in 1996, Garth Brooks and "The Beaches of Cheyenne".

On a somber note, in 1991 a plane crash in San Diego killed eight members of Reba McEntire's band and crew.