COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1946, Grandpa Jones wed Ramona Riggins. Today in 1957, Elvis Presley's single, "Jailhouse Rock," was released. Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette had her first solo #1 country hit with “I Don't Wanna Play House.” Today in 1969, the…

Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go…

Today in 1981, the 15th annual CMA Awards were held. In a history-making move, Barbara Mandrell won Female Vocalist honors as well as Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row (she was…

Today in 1981, Willie Nelson recorded "Always On My Mind" and "The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning" at his Pedernales Studio outside of Austin, Texas. Today in 1981, the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame…

Today in 1983, Kathy Mattea first appeared on the country charts with a song called “Street Talk.” It made the top forty, but it took her another five years to score her first #1, “Goin’…

Today in 1978, Merle Haggard married fellow country singer, Leona Williams. Today in 1984, the movie, "Songwriter," starring Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson premiered in Nashville. Today in 1986, the Judds’ album, “Rockin' with the Rhythm,” was certified…

Today in 1983, George Strait's “Right Or Wrong” album was released. Today in 1990, Alan Jackson made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks became the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry. The same day,…

Today in 1925, WSM Radio in Nashville started broadcasting. One of its first programs was "WSM Barn Dance" which was renamed "Grand Ole Opry" two years later. It became the longest running radio show in history.…

Today in 1975, Willie Nelson picked up his first #1 single as an artist on the Billboard country chart with "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." Today in 1995, Alison Krauss went home four with trophies from…

Today in 1969, Loretta Lynn recorded her signature song, “Coal Miner's Daughter.” Today in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared October to be Country Music Month. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was certified gold. He…