COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1975, "Austin City Limits" premiered on PBS with Willie Nelson as the first featured guest. The set list included "Good Hearted Woman," "Whiskey River," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Today…

Today in 1947, Roy Rogers married Dale Evans in Murray County, Oklahoma. Rogers was late for the ceremony after having to put out a fire started by a cigarette butt in another room. They remained together…

Today in 1944, Bob Willis & The Texas Playboys appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, which caused a stir when Monte Mountjoy’s drum set was moved onto the stage last minute. Drums were previously not allowed.…

Today in 1962, "The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show" last aired on ABC-TV. Today in 1969, Merle Haggard's live "Okie From Muskogee" album was released. Today in 1983, George Jones' album, “I Am What I Am,”…

Today in 1925, The Grand Ole Opry officially becomes a weekly program on Nashville's WSM Radio one month after its inception, t Today in 1958, Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter and The Sons Of The Pioneers open at…

Today in 1964, Glen Campbell made his first concert appearance with The Beach Boys, standing in for an ill Brian Wilson last minute at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston. Today in 1966, Jack Greene’s “There Goes…

Today in 1950, Lefty Frizzell hit #1 on the Billboard country chart with his debut single, “If You’ve Got The Money I’ve Got The Time.” Today in 1968, Tammy Wynette’s album, “Stand By Your Man,” was released.…

Today in 1948, Hank Williams recorded “Lovesick Blues” in Cincinnati. Today in 1960, guitarist Chuck Mead was born in Missouri. He came one of the two lead vocalists in BR549. Today in 1973, Merle Haggard’s song “If We…

Today in 1947, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart. Today in 1980, Dolly Parton’s first movie, "9 to 5," premiered. It was a huge hit and the title song went…

Today in 1978, Johnny Paycheck’s album, “Take This Job & Shove It,” was certified gold. Today in 1981, Buck Owens had a fictitious speeding ticket rescinded by singing "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail" in an…