Carl Smith and his band, The Tunesmiths
Carl Smith, country singer, was born 96 years ago today.
Known as "Mister Country," Smith was the husband of June Carter (later June Carter Cash) and Goldie Hill, and the father of Carlene Carter. He was one of country's most successful male artists during the 1950s, with 30 Top 10 Billboard hits — including 21 in a row.
Smith's success continued well into the 1970s, when he had a charting single every year except one.
Smith died January 16, 2010 at age 82 in Franklin, Tennessee.