Their Previous Single Was Called “You Can’t Go Home.” Then The Statler Brothers Asked, “Do You Remember These”
In late 1971, The Statler Brothers had a song on country radio called “You Can’t Go Home.” Written by Don…
Lew DeWitt Was in the Hospital When He Gave the Statler Brothers the Name of His Replacement
In November 1981, after finishing a tour in California, Lew DeWitt was admitted to the hospital. The original tenor of…
On His Last Night at the Opry, Marty Robbins Closed With the Song the Radio Used to Cut Him Off
On Saturday, August 28, 1982, Marty Robbins hosted the 11:30 segment of the Grand Ole Opry, just as he had…
The Alan Jackson Hit That Was First Played at His Housekeeper’s Funeral
When Alan Jackson’s “Sissy’s Song” climbed into the country Top 10 in 2009, the recording coming out of the radio…
The Night Garth Brooks Walked Away From 100 Million Albums to Raise Three Little Girls
On October 26, 2000, Capitol Records had a celebration planned in Nashville. Garth Brooks had sold 100 million albums. Before…
Warren Zevon Sang His Last Song From His Couch, Then Lived Just Long Enough to See It Released
On April 12, 2003, Warren Zevon did not go to the studio. He could not anymore. So his longtime friend…
Alan Jackson Took Off His Hat and Sang George Jones’ Greatest Song Over George Jones’ Own Casket
On Thursday, May 2, 2013, the last voice heard live at George Jones’ funeral belonged to Alan Jackson. He stood…
Merle Haggard Played Bass for Buck Owens for Only a Few Weeks, and Gave the Buckaroos Their Name
One of the most famous bands in country music history was named by a man who barely stayed long enough…
Too Sick to Play Guitar, Jerry Reed Spent His Last Summer Laughing With Old Friends
By the summer of 2008, Jerry Reed could no longer play the guitar. Emphysema had worn his lungs down, and…
A Stroke Ended Randy Travis’s Singing Career. Now 12 Lost Songs Are Bringing His Real Voice Back
It has been 13 years since a stroke took Randy Travis’s singing voice. On Friday, November 13, Warner Records Nashville…