COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1960, Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1961, Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska” reached #1 in Billboard. Today in 1982, a five-mile stretch of Gallatin Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee was renamed the Johnny…

Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers has seven GRAMMY nominations, including “The Gambler” for Record of the Year. Roger’s producer, Larry Butler, was nominated for Producer of the Year. Today in 1983, Reba McEntire’s “Can’t Even Get The Blues” achieved…

Today in 1980, actor George Burns hit the country charts with “I Wish I Was 18 Again.” Today in 1982, the “Christmas” album by Kenny Rogers was certified gold and platinum. Today in 1982, Juice…

Today in 1923, WBAP in Dallas became the first station west of the Mississippi River to broadcast country music, airing "The Radio Barn Dance." Today in 1953, Hank Williams' funeral drew more than 20,000 people in Montgomery,…

Today in 1950, Sam Phillips opened the Sun Recording Studio, originally known as the Memphis Recording Service, at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis. It became a site for sessions by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins…

Today in 1975, "Austin City Limits" premiered on PBS with Willie Nelson as the first featured guest. The set list included "Good Hearted Woman," "Whiskey River," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Today…

Today in 1962, "The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show" last aired on ABC-TV. Today in 1969, Merle Haggard's live "Okie From Muskogee" album was released. Today in 1983, George Jones' album, “I Am What I Am,”…

Today in 1952, Hank Williams gave his final performance, for 130 people at a holiday party for members of the Musicians' Union in Montgomery. Today in 1956, Charley Pride marries Rozene Cohran in Hernando, Mississippi. Today…

Today in 1947, NBC introduces a children's TV show titled "Puppet Playhouse." The program evolves into "Howdy Doody," name-checked in the lyrics of The Statler Brothers' 1972 country hit "Do You Remember These" Today in 1948,…

Today in 1925, The Grand Ole Opry officially becomes a weekly program on Nashville's WSM Radio one month after its inception, t Today in 1958, Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter and The Sons Of The Pioneers open at…