- 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 1970, Loretta Lynn’s classic single, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” was released.
- Today in 1970, George Jones and Tammy Wynette welcomed their only child, Tamala Georgette Jones, in Lakeland, Florida.
- Today in 1977, Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt’s album, “Step By Step,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1984, the album, “Don’t Cheat In Our Home Town,” by Ricky Skaggs was certified gold.
- Today in 1988, The Judds’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1990, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Shooting Straight In The Dark,” was released.
- Today in 1992, the “Billy Ray Cyrus” video was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1993, the album, “Slow Dancing With The Moon,” Dolly Parton was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, Vince Gill broke his own record by winning two more Country Music Association awards at the 26th annual CMA Awards. It brought his award total to 13.
- Today in 1995, Merle Haggard was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1996, Neal McCoy raised $150,000 for a charity he and wife Melinda established in 1995. The money went to the East Texas Angel Network (ETAN), who provides financial assistance for medical treatments and related costs to families with children suffering from serious diseases.
- Today in 1997, Garth Brooks’ fans snapped up more than 139,000 tickets in less than four hours, selling out eight shows at Chicago’s Rosemont Horizon.
- Today in 1998, Alan Jackson’s “High Mileage” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks album, “Fly,” was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Shania Twain were dubbed among the “25 Sexiest Artists” by VH1.
- Today in 2001, Delayed twice in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, Reba McEntire’s WB sitcom, “Reba,” debuted.
- Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2004, George Strait’s “50 Number Ones” album, William Shatner’s “Has Been” (featuring one song with Brad Paisley), John Denver’s “Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits,” Deryl Dodd’s “Stronger Proof” and “Mary Had A Little Amp” (a multi-artist album including the Dixie Chicks and Rosanne Cash) all arrived in stores.
- Today in 2010, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride played “Tulsa Time” during a Country Music Hall of Fame benefit at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Also appearing: Charley Pride, Billy Currington, Miranda Lambert and Alison Krauss.
- Today in 2012, Florida Georgia Line single, “Cruise,” went gold.
- Today in 2016, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill received stars on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.
- Today in 2017, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett dropped their affiliation with NRA Country, days after 58 fans were gunned down in Las Vegas.
- Today in 2017, Little Big Town performed at the historic Royal Albert Hall in London.
- Today in 2017, “Dear Hate,” by Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill, hit the airwaves in reaction to a mass shooting at Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.
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