COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton & Dolly Parton's duet, "Rockin' Years," hit #1. Today in 1992, Tracy Lawrence was #1 on the charts with "Today's Lonely Fool." Today in 1994, Pam Tillis released her album, “Sweetheart's Dance.”…

Today in 1986, the “Greatest Hits” album by Ronnie Milsap was certified double platinum. Today in 1986, The Judds' “Why Not Me” album was certified platinum. It was their first. Today in 1994, the single,…

Today in 1976, Emmylou Harris’ remake of Buck Owens’ “Together Again” became her first number one country single in Billboard. Today in 1982, Kelly Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She became the winner of the…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley played Las Vegas for the first time – and bombed! He opened for comedian Shecky Greene, and the middle-aged crowd hated him. He didn’t return to Vegas until 1969. Today in…

Today in 1961, the first annual Country Music Festival opened in Jacksonville, Florida. The roster included artists like Patsy Cline, Webb Pierce, Flatt and Scruggs, Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis. Today in 1988, the album, "If You…

Today in 1924, "National Barn Dance" premiered on WLS radio in Chicago. Later, the famous program would be renamed "The National Barn Dance" and became the first country music jamboree on radio. ("The Grand Ole Opry"…

Today in 1939, Gene Autry recorded "Back In The Saddle Again.” Today in 1948, Earl Scruggs married Louise Certain, and she became the manager of Flatt & Scruggs. Today in 1981, Alabama reached the top of the Billboard…

Today in 1961, at the GRAMMYs, Marty Robbins won Best Country & Western Performance for “El Paso.” Today in 1972, Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium hosted the first Fan Fair. Today in 1980, Christy Pride hit the top of the…

Today in 1953, Hank Williams was on top of the charts with “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” Today in 1978, the "Waylon & Willie" album by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson was certified platinum. Today in 1980, Alabama signed their…

Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with "Take Me Home Country Roads." Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released. Today in 1982, the single, "Always On…