Oct 20, 1977

Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines die in a plane crash in Gillsburg, Mississippi. Their brand of Southern rock influences many future country artists, leading to a 1994 tribute album, "Skynyrd Frynds"

Dec 3, 1977

Jimmy Heap dies in a boating accident four months after entering retirement. The western swing figure earned a 1954 hit with his recording of "Release Me" and was a co-writer of Hank Thompson's classic "The Wild Side Of Life"

Jan 6, 1978

CBS sportscaster Alex Hawkins is arrested on Interstate 75 in Atlanta for an improper lane change and marijuana possession after weaving erratically. He's subsequently fired by the network. In 1992, he is listed as a co-writer of the Collin Raye country hit "That's My Story"

Mar 21, 1978

Rick Evers, the husband of "Time Don't Run Out On Me" songwriter Carole King, dies of a drug overdose in Los Angeles

Sep 15, 1978

George Jones fires a pistol at songwriter Earl "Peanutt" Montgomery in Florence, Alabama. He's charged with assault with intent to commit murder

Sep 18, 1978

George Jones is freed on a $2,500 bond after being charged with assault with intent to commit murder for firing a pistol at "What's Your Mama's Name" songwriter Earl "Peanutt" Montgomery in Florence, Alabama

Sep 19, 1978

George Jones' tour bus is stolen in Nashville

Oct 4, 1978

Tammy Wynette is allegedly kidnapped from the Green Hills Mall parking lot in Nashville. Her abductors are never identified. Her daughter will claim after Wynette's death that the story was concocted to hide a beating she received from her husband, songwriter/producer George Richey

Oct 22, 1978

"Midnight Rider" songwriter Gregg Allman is arrested for disorderly intoxication while sitting on a motorcycle in the parking lot of a bar in Bradenton, Florida. He spends three hours in jail before his release on a $54 bond

Dec 1, 1978

Sgt. Barry Sadler shoots and kills songwriter Lee Emerson in a dispute that involves 25-year-old Darlene Sharp. He is found guilty of murder, though he serves only 22 days. Emerson wrote hits for Carl Smith, Marty Robbins and Porter Wagoner