- Today in 1947, NBC introduces a children’s TV show titled “Puppet Playhouse.” The program evolves into “Howdy Doody,” name-checked in the lyrics of The Statler Brothers’ 1972 country hit “Do You Remember These”
- Today in 1948, Guitarist Larry Byrom is born in Huntsville, Alabama. A prolific session musician, he plays on Faith Hill’s “Breathe,” Tim McGraw’s “Angry All The Time,” Shania Twain’s “Any Man Of Mine” and George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live In Texas,” among others
- Today in 1962, Ricochet’s Jeff Bryant is born in Pecos, Texas. The drummer contributes to several hits as the band wins the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group honor in 1996 and 1998, but he leaves in 1999, suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome
- Today in 1965, Porter Wagoner is separated from his wife, Ruth. They don’t get officially divorced for another 21 yearsToday in 1993, Billy Ray Cyrus married Leticia Finley at home in Williamson County, Tennessee. “One cannot stand at the crossroads forever,” said Cyrus, who dresses for the ceremony in blue jeans and a cut-up sweatshirt.
- Today in 1977, Dolly Parton earns her first gold album from the RIAA, for “Here You Come Again”
- Today in 1989, Elmo & Patsy earn a gold record from the RIAA for their Christmas novelty hit, “Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer,” and a second gold record for the album of the same name
- Today in 1994, Ricky Van Shelton’s “Greatest Hits Plus” is certified platinum by the RIAA
- Today in 1995, George Strait’s dog, Buster, disappears from his Texas ranch. Strait takes out ads in local newspapers searching for the pooch, but he never comes back
- Today in 2010, LeAnn Rimes announces her engagement to Eddie Cibrian via Twitter
- Today in 2010, “Star Wars” actress Carrie Fisher dies in Los Angeles. For 11 months during the 1980s, she was married to singer/songwriter Paul Simon, whose songs “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” were both country hits, covered by Emmylou Harris and Buck Owens.
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