News - Redneck Junction Radio

What happened this week in Classic Country Music?

Color-changing Text ... 1920: Born near Knoxville, Tennessee, Henry D. “Homer” Haynes became famous as half of the country comedy duo Homer and Jethro. They recorded over 50 albums and won a Grammy for “The Battle of Kookamonga,” proving that even parodies can win awards. Haynes, who owned the first Fender Stratocaster, passed away in 1971, probably from laughing too hard. ... 1944: Bobbie Gentry, born in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, became one of the first female country artists to write and produce her own songs. She hit it big with “Ode to Billie Joe,” a song so mysterious it made everyone wonder what was thrown off that bridge. Her album “Fancy” earned her a Grammy nomination, proving that Southern Gothic tales can be quite fancy indeed. Currently rocking her first season as Coach McEntire on The Voice, the Queen of Country has always had a soft spot for “Fancy.” This gem, originally penned and performed by Bobbie Gentry in 1969, made a modest splash on the Billboard Top 40 but left a lasting impression on a young McEntire. ... 1952: Hank Thompson topped the US Country singles chart with “Wild Side Of Life,” a song that spent 15 weeks at #1 and inspired Kitty Wells to respond with “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.” Apparently, honky tonk angels have a lot to say! ... 1990: Garth Brooks hit #1 on the US Country charts with “The Dance,” a song so touching it made everyone want to waltz through life. Written by his friend Tony Arata, it’s considered Brooks’ signature song, proving that sometimes, the best dances are the ones you don’t see coming. ... 2000: Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” topped the Country chart and won every award imaginable. The song became her signature hit, making everyone want to dance, even if they had two left feet. ... 2007: Country singer and songwriter Lawton Williams passed away at 85. Known for hits like “Geisha Girl” and “Color Of The Blues,” he proved that even in country music, you can find a little bit of everything, including geishas and blues. ... 2017: D. L. Menard, the “Cajun Hank Williams,” passed away at 85. Known for his Grammy-nominated album “Le Trio Cadien,” he left a legacy that made everyone want to dance a Cajun two-step. ... 2018: Kenny Chesney released his eighteenth studio album “Songs for the Saints,” inspired by the rebuilding process after Hurricane Irma. The album topped the Country charts, and proceeds were donated to disaster relief, proving that even in the face of destruction, country music can bring hope and healing. ...