- Today in 1971, Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” written by Kris Kristofferson, made it to #1 in Billboard.
- Today in 1979, the “Willie & Family Live” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
- Today in 1988, Roseanne Cash’s remake of Johnny Cash’s song “Tennessee Flat Top Box” earned her a #1 Billboard spot. The song had originally been written and recorded by her father in 1961, but Rosanne didn’t know that until she cut it. Daddy’s response? He took out full-page ads in the trades congratulating her on the accomplishment.
- Today in 1996, Wynonna released her third solo album, “Revelations.”
- Today in 1997, Ty Herndon’s album, “What Mattered Most,” went gold.
- Today in 1999, John Michael Montgomery and his wife, Crystal, welcomed their son, Walker Carl Montgomery, who weighed in at 8-punds, 10-ounces.
- Today in 2001, Rodney Crowell’s album, “The Houston Kid,” was released.
- Today in 2002, Garth Brooks declined an offer to join the Colorado Rockies’ for spring training. He cited commitments to his three daughters in Oklahoma and that he couldn’t make a six-week commitment to the team.
- Today in 2002, Waylon Jennings died, following a long battle with diabetes. Three months before his death, he had received a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was 64.
- Today in 2003, Faith Hill performed a free concert for 13,00 military folks and their families at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It aired (in part) during a live broadcast by ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
- Today in 2003, Earl Scruggs was inducted into Hollywood Walk of Fame and set quite a precedent in the process. Earl is the very first bluegrass artist to be honored and he’s also the first full-time banjo player to be inducted. Earl, of course, is already a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame – best known as one-half of the Flatt & Scruggs duo, which claimed non-country fame for recording the theme to “The Beverly Hillbillies” TV show.
- Today in 2005,“Live Like You Were Dying” which was written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman and performed by Tim McGraw got two GRAMMYs: Best Country Song, and Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
- Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood’s singles, “Wasted” and “So Small,” earned her two gold certifications.
- Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum’s single, “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum won five awards at the GRAMMYs: Record and Song of the Year, Best Country Duo or Group, Best Country Song, and best Country Album.
- Today in 2012, Barack Obama awarded the National Medal of Arts to Mel Tillis.
- Today in 2013, Eric Church received nominations in six categories to lead all finalists in the 48th annual Academy of Country Music awards. “Chief” was up for Album of the Year, while “Springsteen” was in the running for Single and Song.
Share 
