- Today in 1953, Hank Williams was on top of the charts with “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
- Today in 1978, the “Waylon & Willie” album by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
- Today in 1980, Alabama signed their first record contract.
- Today in 1981, “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma” by David Frizzell and Shelly West hit the top of the charts.
- Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton earned a gold record for his debut album, “Wild-Eyed Dream.”
- Today in 1992, Lee Greenwood married 1989’s Miss Tennessee, Kimberly Payne.
- Today in 1992, Wynonna scored her first #1 single as a solo artist with “She Is His Only Need.”
- Today in 1994, Tim McGraw’s first big hit, “Indian Outlaw,” was certified gold, despite controversy over the song’s lyrics. For example, one Cherokee chief called it “insulting to Indians.”
- Today in 1996, Patty Loveless’ album, “When Fallen Angels Fly,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1997, Tracy Lawrence’s appearance at the Wal-Mart in North Richland Hills, Texas was billed by some as the “largest outdoor in-store appearance in the history of mankind.” The event drew an estimated 6,000 screaming fans, who showed up to hear him perform and see him autograph his album, “The Coast Is Clear.” Later, Tracy took the stage and performed five songs, including “Stars Over Texas,” “Time Marches On” and “Better Man Better Off.” The audience got so rowdy that they actually stormed the stage, bowling over security officers to get Tracy’s autograph.
- Today in 2000, Clay Davidson’s debut album, “Unconditional,” was released.
- Today in 2000, “Manilow Country” premiered on TNN. The two-hour celebration of pop star Barry Manilow’s 25-year career included artists like Deanna Carter, Lila McCann, Neal McCoy, Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan, Kevin Sharp and Trisha Yearwood covering some of Barry’s biggest hits, from “It’s a Miracle” to “Copacabana.” Barry called his duet of “Could It Be Magic” with Deana Carter his most romantic moment on stage, ever.
- Today in 2000, Collin Raye was the keynote speaker at the 9th annual “Make a Difference Day Awards.”
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill appeared on VH1’s “Divas 2000: A Tribute To Diana Ross,” with Mariah Carey and Donna Summer.
- Today in 2001, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and his wife, Lorie, welcomed daughter, Maisie Elizabeth McDonald, in Nashville. The girl is noted in the hit “My Front Porch Looking In,” as a “carrot top who can barely walk.”
- Today in 2006, Toby Keith’s new label, Show Dog Nashville, released its first album, Keith’s “White Trash With Money.”
- Today in 2013, Taylor Swift’s Diet Coke ad, featuring her song “22,” debuted during the FOX telecast of “American Idol.”
- Today in 2016, Darius Rucker made a surprise appearance on the South Carolina Gamecocks’ college team, catching a touchdown at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia during the annual Garnet & Black Game. The black team won the contest, 14-13.
- Today in 2017, Lee Brice headlined a black-tie benefit for cancer patients at the East Ivy Mansion in Nashville, joined by American Young, Paul McDonald and Louis Brice.
- Today in 2017, Alabama guitarist Jeff Cook revealed in “The Tennessean” that he’s suffering from Parkinson’s disease, forcing him to cut back significantly on concert appearances
- Today in 2017, the Grand Ole Opry got surprise visits from Blake Shelton, who sang “Honey Bee” and “Ol’ Red,” and from The Oak Ridge Boys, who performed “Elvira” with Home Free. The night’s scheduled guests included Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark and Keith Urban, marking five years since he was asked to join.
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