COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week…

Today in1929, Gene Autry began his first recording session. Today in1967, the "Ode to Billy Joe" album by Bobbie Gentry was certified gold. Today in1976, Bobby Bare's single, "Dropkick Me Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life)," entered the…

Today in 1983, Kathy Mattea first appeared on the country charts with a song called “Street Talk.” It made the top forty, but it took her another five years to score her first #1, “Goin’…

Today in 1978, Merle Haggard married fellow country singer, Leona Williams. Today in 1984, the movie, "Songwriter," starring Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson premiered in Nashville. Today in 1986, the Judds’ album, “Rockin' with the Rhythm,” was certified…

Today in 1983, George Strait's “Right Or Wrong” album was released. Today in 1990, Alan Jackson made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks became the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry. The same day,…

Today in 1945, Elvis Presley made his first public appearance at the age of ten in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show. He sang "Old Shep" and won a second prize of $5. Today…

Today in 1970, the album, “Okie From Muskogee,” by Merle Haggard was certified gold. Today in 1977, a month after what appeared to be an attempt to steal the body of Elvis Presley from Forest…

Today in 1969, Loretta Lynn recorded her signature song, “Coal Miner's Daughter.” Today in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared October to be Country Music Month. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was certified gold. He…

Today in 1956, Elvis’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi held "Elvis Presley Day." Today in 1978, Waylon Jennings’ album, “I've Always Been Crazy,” was certified gold. Today in 1986, Exile's single, “It'll Be Me,” was at #1 on “Radio…

Today in 1962, Loretta Lynn joined the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1965, the Statler Brothers made their chart debut with "Flowers On The Wall". In 2000, Eric Heatherly brought the classic back to life when he…