Aug 23, 1969

Wendy Steiner marries Ken Waldman. She uses her new name, Wendy Waldman, as she becomes a noteworthy producer and songwriter, penning The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Fishin' In The Dark"

Aug 23, 1969

Bass player Ira Dean is born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He joins Trick Pony, a band that nabs two hits from its 2001 debut album, winning an American Music Award before the trio breaks up in 2008. He also co-writes Montgomery Gentry's 2009 single "One In Every Crowd"

Sep 7, 1969

"Angel In Your Arms" songwriter Clayton Ivey welcomes a son, Herbert Clayton Ivey Jr., in Sheffield, Alabama

Sep 11, 1969

Songwriter Leon Payne dies in San Antonio, Texas. His credits include Hank Williams' "Lost Highway," Jim Reeves' "Blue Side Of Lonesome" and his own recording of "I Love You Because"

Sep 27, 1969

Songwriter Joe West is born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He authors Jimmy Wayne's 2008 hit "Do You Believe Me Now" and Toby Keith's 2009 single "American Ride"

Oct 13, 1969

Rhett Akins is born in Valdosta, Georgia. After three hits as an artist in the 1990s, he transitions into songwriting, composing Luke Bryan's "Huntin', Fishin' And Lovin' Every Day," Jason Aldean's "When She Says Baby," Thomas Rhett's "Life Changes" and Blake Shelton's "I Lived It," among others

Oct 19, 1969

Kris Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein write "Once More With Feeling" with the help of a little wine in Nashville. Jerry Lee Lewis records the song the next day

Nov 23, 1969

Singer/songwriter Spade Cooley dies of a heart attack after a benefit concert for the Alameda County Sheriff's Association. His three-song set included "San Antonio Rose." After serving eight years in prison for killing his wife, he was set for parole on February 22, 1970

Nov 30, 1969

Penn State's Mike Reid is named a first team All-American and honored with the Outland Trophy as the best college lineman by the Football Writers Association. Reid will write such country hits as "Inside," "Love Without Mercy" and "Walk On Faith"

Dec 5, 1969

Singer/songwriter Ray Scott is born in Semora, North Carolina. He releases his debut album in 2005, but not before writing Clay Walker's hit "A Few Questions"