(1890-1956) – Born and originally named Robin Burn in Greenwood, Arkansas, Burns was reared in Van Buren. At age 15, the crafty entertainer made a musical instrument called a “bazooka,” originally made from two plumbing pipes and a funnel, and started a comical career that took him to New York nightclubs during the 1920s. After vaudeville declined in the early 1930s, Burns landed a spot on Bing Crosby’s radio show on NBC. Soon the comedic musician had his own national radio show and was also landing roles in movies. As in WWI, Burns worked in USO shows during WWII. He retired from show business in 1947 and spent his remaining years on a 500-acre farm in California. www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net

 (1933-1993) – Known as the “High Priest of Country Music,” this Country Music Hall of Famer was raised in Helena. He was born as Harold Jenkins and later chose his stage name from Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas. He also considered “Bald Knob” as a stage name. Twitty’s No. 1 hits include “Hello, Darling,” “It’s Only Make Believe” and “Tight Fitting Jeans.” Like Elvis Presley, Twitty appeared in six “teen” movies and wrote the scores for three of them: “College Confidential,” “Platinum High School,” and “Sex Kittens Go to College” (all in 1960). His first big record to hit the charts was “It’s Only Make Believe” in 1958 and he received the CMA Duo of the Year award with Lorette Lynn for four consecutive years. www.conway.musiccitynetworks.com

 (1933-1997) – Reared at Huttig (Union County), Cramer developed a unique “lonesome” piano style that launched him onto the Grand Ole Opry and several hit recordings during the 1960s. “Last Date” and “Alley Cat” were top piano solos for Cramer. He later expanded his range to include light jazz and pop music. In 1974, after recording over 40 albums, he received Nashville’s Metronome Award, granted annually to musicians who have contributed to the Nashville sound. www.cmt.com/artists/az/cramer_floyd/artist

 (b. 1931) – This comedian starred as Luther in the ABC hit television series “Coach” and also starred in the 1960s television series “My Mother the Car.” Jerry, who is the brother of actor Dick Van Dyke, at one time owned a home between Benton and Malvern. He restored an old movie theatre in downtown Benton which is now used by the local acting company “The Royal Players.” www.castproductions.com/jerryvandyke

 (b. 1943) – This Marvell native was a drummer and vocalist in the Canadian group, The Band. Helm is best known for the hit song, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” He has also played supporting roles in films such as “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), “The Right Stuff” (1983), and “End of the Line.” Helm was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2008 for his work with The Band, and winner of a 2008 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album “Dirt Farmer.” www.LevonHelm.com

 (1908-1975) – Born at Brinkley, he studied music with his father and made his first professional appearance at Hot Springs Green Gables Club at age 15. During the 1930s, Jordan worked with well-known bands from Philadelphia to New York and toured with Ella Fitzgerald. He penned such favorites as “Choo Choo Boogie,” “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby,” “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens,” and “Saturday Night Fish Fry.” Jordan also appeared in several movies that featured his music and toured Europe and Asia during the 1960s. He died in Los Angeles and is buried in St. Louis. www.louisjordan.com

 (b. 1957) – A Fayetteville native, he started his career by leaving a lucrative job singing jingles to take a $150-a-week songwriting gig. RCA made the 25-year-old Belmont graduate the then-youngest executive at a major label. That confidence saw Wright co-produce Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time,” the 1989 record that spawned five number ones. Wright now has to his credit more than 26 million units in sales and over 40 number one singles that he’s written, published or produced. As songwriter, he’s had 12 BMI Awards – seven of them Million-Airs – including Mark Chesnutt’s “Goin’ Through The Big D,” Oak Ridge Boys’ “Lucky Moon,” and “Today My World Slipped Away,” cut by both George Strait and Vern Gosdin. His latest accomplishment is an Album of the Year Grammy for Lee Ann Womack’s dazzling “I Hope You Dance,” which has already earned him the 2000 CMA Single of the Year honors. www.allmusic.com

 (1934-2004) – A native of Drasco, Endsley is a prolific country music songwriter. His hits have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Marty Robins, Andy Williams, Paul McCartney and Ricky Skaggs. His most famous song, “Singing the Blues” was a major hit for both Guy Mitchell and Mary Robins, and is credited with making Robins a star. His other hits include “I Just Ain’t Fool Enough,” I Like Your Kind of Love,” and “Why I’m Walking.” www.answers.com/topic/melvinendsley

 Raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and originally starting out as a duo with Jim Ed and Maxine, the brother and sister act had a Top Ten song called “Looking Back to See” written by Maxine in one afternoon while she was at home. WhenBonnie joined the duo, this country singing trio had such top ranked hits as “Scarlet Ribbons,” “The Old Lamplighter,” and their signature song, “The Three Bells.” In 1963, they received a Grammy nomination for Best Performance by a Vocal Group (album), but lost out to the Beatles. When Maxine and Bonnie retired from the group, Jim Ed went on to perform his that include “I Heard From a Memory,” “Regular on My Mind,” and “Pop-a-Top.” Just a few years ago, Maxine wrote a book about the trio’s experiences in the music world entitled Looking Back to See. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Ed_Brown or www.jimedbrown.com