Mar 23, 1879

John Carson, at age 11, brings a fiddle to a political rally in Copperhill, Tennessee. As a diversion from speeches, the boy is asked to play "The Little Old Log Cabin In The Lane." He is nicknamed Fiddlin' John Carson, and becomes a country pioneer

Oct 21, 1879

Ida Florence Carr is born in Maynardville, Tennessee. At age 23, she gives birth to future country star Roy Acuff

Oct 8, 1882

Harry McClintock is born in Knoxville, Tennessee. He comes to fame as a radio personality in San Francisco, then goes on to record the classic "Big Rock Candy Mountain," which is revived on the soundtrack of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

Aug 16, 1889

Guitarist Paul Warmack is born in Whites Creek, Tennessee. He forms The Gully Jumpers, a stringband that appears on the Grand Ole Opry from 1927 to the '70s, and becomes the first Victor act to record in Nashville

Nov 30, 1889

Vito Pellettieri born in Nashville. Beginning in 1934, he assists George D. Hay in organizing the Grand Ole Opry in his longtime role as stage manager. Pellettieri also co-writes Roy Acuff's 1948 hit "Unloved And Unclaimed"

Jul 9, 1890

Songwriter Hy Heath born in Oakville, Tennessee. His credits include Tennessee Ernie Ford's "Mule Train," Ray Price's "Run Boy," Louis Jordan's "Deacon Jones" and Hank Williams' "Take These Chains From My Heart"

Sep 4, 1890

Belmont College opens in Nashville. The school develops a music business curriculum in the 1970s, providing an important building block for such performers as Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack, among others

May 12, 1892

The Ryman Auditorium opens for public services as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in downtown Nashville. It eventually hosts the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974

May 1, 1894

Sam McGee is born in Williamson County, Tennessee. He forms a duo with brother Kirk, blending country, folk and blues in a six-decade Grand Ole Opry career. They also inspire Garrison Keillor to start his "Prairie Home Companion" radio show

Mar 30, 1895

Banjo player Amos Binkley is born in Cheatham County, Tennessee. As a member of The Binkley Brothers, he takes part in the first Nashville recording session, held at the YMCA Hall in September 1928