- Today in 1975, John Denver’s single, “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” topped the country charts.
- Today in 1989, Keith Whitley was found dead of alcohol poisoning in his Nashville home. Sadly, his career had just hit an all time high. He was survived by his wife, Lorrie Morgan.
- Today in 1989, Dwight Yoakam scored his first platinum certification for the album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc.”
- Today in 1989, after dropping out of Northeast Louisiana University, Tim McGraw moves to Nashville. On his first day in town, he heard “Indian Outlaw,” which was destined to become his first hit. He also met songwriter Craig Wiseman, who ultimately wrote several future hits for Tim.
- Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus’ wife, Leticia (aka Tish), gave birth to the couple’s second child – Braison Chance – in Nashville.
- Today in 1997, the “Academy Of Country Music-101 Greatest Country Hits” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 2000, Steve Wariner’s album, “Faith in You,” was released. The project featured “Katie Wants a Fast One,” Steve’s duet with Garth The Judds’ album, “Judds Reunion: Live” and Craig Morgan’s “Something To Write Home About” also hit stores.
- Today in 2001, after nine long years, Toby Keith hollered a resounding, “How do you like me now!?,” as he accepted his very first Academy of Country Music award in the Album of the Year category. He also won in the Top Male Category. Other winners included Dixie Chicks as Entertainers of the Year, Faith Hill as Top Female Vocalist with Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert winning in the Vocal Event, Single and Song of the Year categories. Brooks & Dunn snagged Top Duo honors while Rascal Flatts scored their first ACM in the Top New Vocal Duo or Group category. Other special moments included Glen Campbell presenting Kenny Rogers with the Career Achievement Award and a stunned Barbara Mandrell accepting the Pioneer Award. Prior to the invitation to join her sister, Louise, on stage — Barbara had no idea that she was going to receive the honor.
- Today in 2002, Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, had about 300-thousand reasons to be happy. The happy couple raised $300,000 with the help of their famous friends at the 10th annual Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf event, The event, which took place at the Legends Club of Tennessee, wrapped up that week and has raised nearly $3-million since 1993 for Tennessee Junior Golf and youth programs across Tennessee.
- Today in 2005, barefoot Kenny Chesney married actress Renee Zellweger in the Virgin Islands. Zellweger filed for an annulment four months later claiming “fraud.” While the gossip columns went nuts, Chesney later explained that the term was simply a legal technicality.
- Today in 2010, Blake Shelton proposed to Miranda Lambert in the woods near her home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. They married in 2011…and surprised the world when they announced they were divorced in 2015.
- Today in 2012, Lyle Lovett and Sheryl Crow performed “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” for President Barack Obama at the White House as Burt Bacharach and Hal David were honored with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The same night, Lee Ann Womack offered up “I Hope You Dance” for numerous politicians and their spouses at the Washington Hilton in an event honoring first lady Michelle Obama.
- Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” was certified quadruple-platinum by the RIAA. On the same day, Josh Turner’s single, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” went platinum and Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In A Small Town” went gold.
- Today in 2014, Hunter Hayes played 10 concerts in 10 cities in a 24-hour period, beginning with a “Good Morning, America” performance in New York City, which included his performance of “Invisible.”
- Today in 2015, Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” kicked off a 13-week run at the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
- Today in 2016, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2016, Keith Urban threw out the ceremonial first pitch and announced the starting lineups in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. The New York Mets defeated the Dodgers, 4-2.
- Today in 2016, The Library of Congress announce the establishment of the Marty Stuart Collection, which was made up of hundreds of hours of audio-visual material amassed by Stuart. Included is footage from the Grand Ole Opry, “The Johnny Cash Show” and “The Marty Stuart Show,” plus home movies of Lester Flatt’s band.
- Today in 2017, Josh Abbott had a first date in Texas with Taylor Parnell…who became his wife 14-months later.
- Today in 2017, “Women’s Wear Daily” reported that the Federal Trade Commission had written letters to a number of celebrities – including Luke Bryan and Lucy Hale – warning them that they need to indicate a financial relationship when they advertise products online.
- Today in 2017, Sturgill Simpson snagged three nominations to lead the list of finalists in the Americana Honors & Awards – Artist of the Year; Song of the Year, for “All Around You”; and Album, for “A Sailor’s Guide To Earth.”
- Today in 2017, Maren Morris performed “I Could Use A Love Song” as a musical guest on NBC’s “The Voice,” featuring celebrity coaches Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
- Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line held a benefit for Hurricane Irma victims at the San Carlos Theater in Key West. They shared the stage with Morgan Wallen and RaeLynn.
- Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton made a surprise appearance during Justin Timberlake’s concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The pair duet on “Tennessee Whiskey.”
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