Apr 5, 1931

Songwriter-producer "Cowboy" Jack Clement is born in Whitehaven, Tennessee. He writes hits for Bobby Bare and Jim Reeves; produces hits by Charley Pride, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; and lands in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013

Aug 5, 1931

Radio executive Hal Durham born in McMinnville, Tennessee. He becomes the announcer for the Grand Ole Opry in 1964, and eventually the Opry manager and president of the Opry's general business group

Aug 6, 1931

Steel guitarist Billy Robinson born in Nashville. He appears on hits by Carl Smith, Webb Pierce and Ernest Tubb

Sep 5, 1931

The male trio The Vagabonds makes its Grand Ole Opry debut, becoming one of the show's most popular acts during the decade

Oct 30, 1931

Hollis Marsh marries Pelina Jones in Smithville, Tennessee. The two become the parents of Dottie West

Oct 31, 1931

Lester Flatt marries Gladys Stacy at the courthouse in Cookeville, Tennessee

Dec 27, 1931

Winfield Scott Moore III born in Gadsden, Tennessee. Known as Scotty Moore, he plays guitar for Elvis Presley, playing on such essential recordings as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog" and "Mystery Train," among others

Jan 12, 1932

Grand Ole Opry member Uncle Joe Mangrum dies, one day after suffering a heart attack at his Nashville home

Jan 16, 1932

Blind fiddler Uncle Joe Mangrum makes his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry

Apr 9, 1932

Carl Perkins is born in Tiptonville, Tennessee. He becomes a rockabilly pioneer through his single "Blue Suede Shoes." He also writes Johnny Cash's "Daddy Sang Bass," Patsy Cline's "So Wrong" and The Judds' "Let Me Tell You About Love"