COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1971, Gilley’s nightclub, which served as the inspiration for the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy,” opened in Pasadena Texas. Today in 1980, the “Classic Crystal” album by Crystal Gayle was certified gold. Today in 1980,…

Today in 1983, CMT made its cable debut with Faron Young’s video “It’s Four In The Morning.” Today in 1999, Sara Evans got her first #1 single with “No Place That Far.” Today in 1999, George…

Today in 1960, Elvis Presley was discharged from the Army. Today in 1963, a plane crash in Tennessee claimed the lives of Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and pilot Randy Hughes as they returned to Nashville…

Today in 1967, Merle Haggard’s “The Fugitive” rose to #1 on the Billboard chart for the first time. Today in 1975, Mac Davis won Favorite Male Musical Performer and Olivia Newton-John won the female honor in the…

Today in 1949, Hank Williams recorded several songs: “Mind Your Own Business,” “Honky Tonk Blues,” “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)” and “Lost Highway.” Today in 1957, The Everly Brothers recorded “I Wonder If I Care…

Today in 1968, Johnny Cash and June Carter announced their plans to marry during the 10th annual GRAMMY awards in Nashville, as they collected the trophy for Best Country & Western Duet, Trio or Group for “Jackson.”…

Today in 1966, at the first Academy of Country & Western Music awards, Roger Miller was named Man of the Year and Top Songwriter. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Bonnie Owens also won big. Today in…

Today in 1961, Marty Robbins didn’t have a care in the world – as he was atop Billboard country single with “Don’t Worry.” Today in 1982, Don Williams was at #1 on the Billboard country singles…

Today in 1987, George Strait’s “Strait From The Heart” turned into a gold album and he received a platinum award for his “Greatest Hits.” Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes won two trophies, Best New Artist and Best…

Today in 1935, Gene Autry starred in the sci-fi western “The Phantom Empire,” which included his song “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” His co-star was Smiley Burnette, and the plot was that Autry finds a lost…