COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” worked its way to #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1984, the album, “City Of New Orleans,” by Willie Nelson was certified gold. Today in 1990, George Jones’…

Today in 1966, Tracy Byrd was born in Vidor, Texas. He emerged in 1993 to record a series of hits, including “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper Of The…

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich hit #1 on the charts with “The Most Beautiful Girl.” Today in 1979, Alan Jackson married his wife Denise. They have three daughters: Mattie, Ali and Dani. Today in 1995, Vince Gill’s…

Today in 1961, Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John” became the first country song to go gold. Today in 1973, Lorrie Morgan gave her first performance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "Paper Roses" at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.…

Today in 1980, Waylon Jennings' "Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)" peaked at #21 on the pop charts. Today in 1988, the album, "Reba," was certified gold. Today in 1991, Brooks & Dunn's single, “My…

Today in 1951, Johnny Rodriguez was born in Sabinal, Texas. He became country’s first mainstream star of Hispanic descent, emerging out of Tom T. Hall’s band in 1972. He recorded numerous songs in Spanglish, with a…

Today in 1980, the "Theme” from "The Dukes Of Hazzard" single by Waylon Jennings was certified gold. Today in 1987, Reba McEntire's “Greatest Hits” went gold. Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell became the first country artist to…

Today in 1962, Flatt & Scruggs perform at New York's Carnegie Hall. The concert is recorded for later release as an album. Today in 1982, Marty Robbins died of a heart attack at the age of…

Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton earned a platinum single for “Islands In The Stream.” Today in 1991, Reba McEntire's "For My Broken Heart" topped the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1992, Mary Chapin Carpenter's…

Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley. Today in 1980, the single, "I Love A Rainy Night,"…