- Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers formed The First Edition, just one day after he and members Thelma Camacho, Mike Settle and Terry Williams left the New Christy Minstrels. The group went on to host a syndicated TV variety show in 1972.
- Today in 1981, Earl Thomas Conley’s single, “Fire and Smoke,” topped the charts.
- Today in 1983, Merle Haggard’s album, “Big City,” and the album, “Pancho and Lefty,” by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson were both certified gold.
- Today in 1990, Reba McEntire’s album, “Reba McEntire Live,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, the “Alabama Christmas” album was certified double platinum.
- Today in 2000, Billy Gilman made his “Tonight Show” debut.
- Today in 2000, Daryle Singletary’s album, “Now and Again,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2001, the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings and singer/songwriter (and Grand Ole Opry member) Bill Anderson were announced as being among the latest artists to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 2002, the film soundtrack of the animated film, “Lilo and Stitch,” which featured Wynonna, was certified gold.
- Today in 2002, Joe Nichols’ debut single, “The Impossible,” claimed the #1 position on “Billboard’s” National Top 75 Country Singles Sales Chart. He snagged the spot, which had been held by LeAnn Rimes for the previous 23 weeks.
- Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood performed the national anthem prior to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. The American League beat the National League, 3-2.
- Today in 2009, Dierks Bentley’s “Sideways” was straight at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2015, Luke Bryan sold out Nashville’s Dudley Field in the first country show at the Vanderbilt University football stadium. He bookended his set with “Kick The Dust Up” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” The bill includes Randy Houser, Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch and Florida Georgia Line, who join Bryan on “Mountain Music.”
- Today in 2017, Garth Brooks ranks is Forbes the Top Country Cash King, earning $60 million the previous year.
- Today in 2017, The House of Representatives votes unanimously to rename the mail center in downtown Bakersfield as the Merle Haggard Post Office Building.
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