COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich rose to number one on the Billboard country chart with “Behind Closed Doors.” Today in 1978, the “Here You Come Again” album by Dolly Parton was certified platinum. Today in 1984, the Judds’…

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 1947, Hank Williams recorded “Move It On Over” and “I Saw The Light” at Nashville’s Castle Studio during his first MGM recording session. Today in 1987, the “Hillbilly Deluxe” album by Dwight Yoakam was…

mond Rio was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The band opened their performance with their first #1 hit "Meet in the Middle.” Today in 2000, the “D'lectrified” album by Clint Black was certified gold.…

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 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…