Bill Anderson learned the guitar and wrote his first song the year he turned eleven. As a high schooler, he worked part-time at his father’s insurance agency, located downstairs from radio station WGLS, and spent plenty of time watching country singers play there. His father had visions of his son following him into the business, but the boy’s mind was on music, writing, and sports. On August 27, 1957, a twenty-year-old Anderson grabbed his guitar and walked to the roof of the three-story Hotel

Singer and songwriter Bill Anderson began his country music career in the 1950s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001. | Tennessean

Hit after hit, artist after artist ... Bill Anderson has no shortage of career milestones. And tonight, we can't wait to celebrate another milestone –– his 80th birthday! | Grand Ole Opry