Apr 22, 1961

Patsy Cline makes out her will, leaving to husband Charlie Dick only their furniture, the family car and their record collection

Oct 13, 1970

Janis Joplin's ashes are scattered into the Pacific Ocean in a ceremony on the coast of California. The next year, her version of "Me And Bobby McGee" is released, eventually honored among country's 500 greatest singles in the Country Music Foundation book "Heartaches By The Number"

Oct 26, 1970

Friends of Janis Joplin throw a drug-addled wake for the singer at the Lion's Share in San Anselmo, California, where Janis' fiance tries to sleep with her sister. Joplin had recorded "Me And Bobby McGee" one month prior

Oct 22, 1975

The courts rule that Billie Jean Williams' marriage to Hank Williams was valid and that she is entitled to 50% of his royalties from copyright renewal. Williams' first wife, Audrey, had contested Billie Jean's rights

Mar 3, 1977

Elvis Presley signs a new will, naming his father, Vernon Presley, as his executor. The document names neither fiancee Ginger Alden nor ex-wife Priscilla Presley, granting his entire estate to daughter Lisa Marie Presley on her 25th birthday

Mar 8, 1978

Priscilla Presley is named the formal guardian for 10-year-old Lisa Marie, the late Elvis Presley's only child

Jun 30, 1981

Mary Reeves Davis opens the Jim Reeves Museum in Nashville--not in his former home, but in a house he liked

Jul 1, 1981

The estate of Lester Flatt sues Coors for using the late performer's likeness to sell beer. The suit is settled out of court three years later

Mar 15, 1982

Colonel Tom Parker files suit against Elvis Presley's estate, seeking a share of a reported $25,000,000

Dec 16, 1982

Marty Robbins' last will and testament is read in a Williamson County Court. He leaves his entire estate to his wife, Marizona