Dec 21, 1950

Hank Williams records "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Dear John" during an evening session at the Castle Studio in downtown Nashville

Dec 25, 1950

Reggie Young receives his first guitar for Christmas in Memphis. He goes on to become a session musician, playing on such hits as Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind," Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" and George Strait's "Ace In The Hole"

Dec 30, 1950

Lefty Frizzell makes his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "If You've Got The Money I've Got The Time" and "I Love You A Thousand Ways"

Jan 10, 1951

Sony executive Allen Butler is born in Clarksville, Tennessee. Under his leadership in the 1990s, Wade Hayes, Rick Trevino, The Kinleys and The Dixie Chicks all have their first records released

Jan 11, 1951

Ernest Tubb records "Don't Stay Too Long" in an afternoon session at the Castle Studio in Nashville's Tulane Hotel

Jan 16, 1951

Guitarist Tommy Crain is born in Nashville. He becomes a member of The Charlie Daniels Band, playing on "The Devil Went Down To Georgia," "In America" and "Drinkin' My Baby Goodbye"

Jan 26, 1951

Hank Snow records "Down The Trail Of Achin' Hearts" and "Bluebird Island" with Anita Carter during the evening at Nashville's Brown Radio Productions

Jan 30, 1951

Carl Smith records "If Teardrops Were Pennies," "Mr. Moon" and "Let's Live A Little" during an afternoon session at the Castle Studio in Nashville

Mar 5, 1951

Ike Turner's band, featuring vocalist Jackie Brenston, records "Rocket 88" in Memphis. Hailed by some as the first rock & roll record, it's also the first hit produced by Country Music Hall of Famer Sam Phillips

Mar 7, 1951

Webb Pierce conducts his first recording session for Decca Records, at the Castle Studio in Nashville. The session includes "Drifting Texas Sand," which he re-records nine years later