COUNTRY HISTORY

On this day in 1993, Alison Krauss became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She was inducted by Garth Brooks, and was the first bluegrass act to join in 31 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEKwC4hVLAE

On this day in 1964, Jim Reeves went into the studio for what turned out to be his last recording session. His cover of Don Gibson's "I Can't Stop Loving You" was the final song…

On this day in 1972, Alabama gave their first paid performance at Canyonland Park, Alabama. At the time, they were known as Wild Country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6kCHaAL_lA&list=PLJ6gtl1sX46oGhsK4RK5FMVmFM4lSwIEH

On this day in 2001, Chet Atkins succumbed to cancer after a valiant fight. An influential guitarist and producer who helped create "The Nashville Sound," he entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973…

On this day in 1980: George Jones topped the charts with the single, "He Stopped Loving Her Today." Here's a fun fact for ya – after George recorded the song, he bet his producer $100…

On this day in 1976: The Oak Ridge Boys first appeared on the country charts with "Family Reunion", which peaked at number 83. Originally a gospel group formed in the 1950s, The Oak Ridge Boys…

On this day in 2006, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman were married at Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel in Sydney, Australia. Special moments at the service included Keith singing his hit, "Making Memories Of Us," to…

On this day in 1998, Johnny Cash returned to a Nashville stage and performed for the first time since he was stricken with Shy-Drager Syndrome the preceding October. Shy-Drager syndrome is a progressive disorder of…

On this day in 1956, Ray Price began the first of 20 weeks at #1 in Billboard magazine with “Crazy Arms.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jP5G5PaMrc

On this day in 2005, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill opens in Oklahoma City. The singer was on hand for an opening-day ribbon-cutting ceremony. Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill…