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On This Day in Country Music: December 13

Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.

What happened on December 13 in country music history?

On December 13, 1971, Charley Pride was at No. 1 on the country chart with "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'." In 2010, the Band Perry had their first No. 1 country hit with "If I Die Young." John Anderson and Taylor Swift share this birthday.

THE BIG MOMENT1971

Charley Pride was at No. 1 on the country chart with "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'."

Charley Pride was at No. 1 on the country chart with "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'." The song stayed on top through the end of 1971 and became one of his best-loved tunes.

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Country Stars Born on December 13

1930

Buck White

Buck White of the family group The Whites was born on this day. The Whites joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1984 and sang "Keep on the Sunny Side" on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

1949

Randy Owen

Randy Owen was born in Fort Payne, Alabama. As lead singer of Alabama, he helped make the group one of the most successful bands in country music history.

1954

John Anderson

John Anderson was born in Orlando, Florida. He charted more than 40 country singles, with five No. 1 hits including "Swingin'" and "Straight Tequila Night," and joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024.

Source: countrymusichalloffame.org

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1989

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania. At 14 her family moved near Nashville, and she became the youngest songwriter ever signed by Sony/ATV. Her first single, "Tim McGraw," came out in 2006.

No. 1 Songs on This Date

2010

The Band Perry had their first No. 1 country hit with "If I Die Young."

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Love, Family and Life Events

1951

Hank Williams had spinal fusion surgery at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. He had struggled with back pain for years.

Quick Answers

Which country singers were born on December 13?

Randy Owen (1949), John Anderson (1954) and Taylor Swift (1989) were all born on this date.

What was the No. 1 country song on this date?

It depends on the year. In 1971, Charley Pride was at No. 1 on the country chart with "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'." In 2010, The Band Perry had their first No. 1 country hit with "If I Die Young."

This Week in Country Music History

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