- Today in 1950, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” topped the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1957, Patsy Cline got her first big break when she performed on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” She sang her classic, “Walking After Midnight,” and was signed to a recording contract by Decca Records a few weeks later. “Walking After Midnight” went on to become her first hit.
- Today in 1970, ABC-TV presented “The Johnny Cash Show” in prime time. Previously, the show had been a summer replacement.
- Today in 1983, the “Strong Stuff” album by Hank Williams Jr. was released.
- Today in 1985, “Waylon & Willie” album was certified double-platinum along with “Wanted: The Outlaw,” featuring Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.
- Today in 1987, Dwight Yoakam’s album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1987, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins were among the inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell’s “She’s Crazy For Leaving” landed #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 1994, Clay Walker hit #1 on the country charts with the single, “Live Until I Die.”
- Today in 1996, Wynonna married the father of her children, Arch Kelley, in a Nashville church. The couple has since divorced.
- Today in 1997, “Colonel” Tom Parker – Elvis Presley’s manager who was credited with turning the singer into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – died the day after suffering a stroke. He was 87.
- Today in 2000, ten weeks after having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, drummer Brian Prout was back performing live with Diamond Rio at Sam’s Town in Robinsville, Mississippi.
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s single, “Breathe,” topped the “Billboard” Country Singles chart for the sixth consecutive week.
- Today in 2000, Garth Brooks’ album sales totaled an astounding 99-million.
- Today in 2006, “Jesus, Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood landed #1 in Billboard and remained for six weeks.
- Today in 2013, during an inaugural concert for President Barack Obama at the Washington Convention Center, Brad Paisley performed “American Saturday Night.” Along with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and Jamie Foxx, who sang “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”
- Today in 2017, Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by her sister, Loretta Lynn.
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