COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1970, Johnny Cash performed at the White House at the invitation of President Richard M. Nixon. Nixon asked Cash to perform "Okie From Muskogee," but Johnny refused since it wasn't his song. Instead, he…

Today in 1969, Johnny Cash taped "Hello...I'm Johnny Cash,” the first of his ABC-TV weekly shows at the Ryman Auditorium, kicking off with "Folsom Prison Blues." The show, which featured guests Glen Campbell, Jeannie C. Riley…

Today in 1963, five weeks after Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash, her song “Sweet Dreams (Of You)” was released. Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap recorded “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World.” Today…

Today in 1932, Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Holly, Kentucky. She was the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1972 and landed in the Country Music Hall…

Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist. Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart. Today in 1965, Roger…

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…

Today in 1961, Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces" entered the country charts. Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold. Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single, “Famous…

Today in 1942, Glenn Walichs and songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva formed Liberty Records in Hollywood. It was later renamed Capitol Records and known for hits by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard. Today…

Today in 1948, the radio debut of Louisiana Hayride was broadcast on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. It would go on to feature such acts as Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Sr., Jim Reeves and George Jones.…

Today in 1956, Johnny Cash recorded “I Walk The Line” and “Get Rhythm” at the Sun Recording Studio in Memphis. Today in 1961, Buddy Jewell was born in Osceola, Arkansas. He won the first “Nashville Star” TV…