COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1933, Jimmie Rodgers, who was suffering from tuberculosis, died of a massive hemorrhage at New York's Taft Hotel. Nicknamed the Singing Brakeman, he had become country music's first superstar, and, in 1961, the…

Today in 1973, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's “Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vols. 1 & 2” album was certified gold. The project also featured Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis and…

Today in 1975, "I'm Not Lisa" brought Jessi Colter her only #1 country single in Billboard. Today in 1984, Willie Nelson performed the first of his six sold-out concerts at Radio City Music Hall in…

Today in 1976, "All The Love In The World" album by Mac Davis was certified gold. Today in 1977, Waylon Jennings topped the charts with the single, "Luchenbach, Texas." Today in 1983, John Conlee topped…

Today in 1989, Alabama scored a #1 hit with the single, "If I Had You." Today in 1994, "The Video Collection" by Billy Ray Cyrus was certified platinum. Today in 1994, Toby Keith's "Wish I…

Today in 1962, George Jones reached #1 on the Billboard country chart with “She Thinks I Still Care.” Today in 1965, Roger Miller received a gold single for “King of the Road.” Today in 1977,…

Today in 1983, John Anderson's mega-hit "Swingin"' entered the country charts. Today in 1997, Brooks & Dunn's single, “Why Would I say Goodbye,” hit #1. Today in 1999, Chely Wright's album, “Single, White Female,” arrived…

Today in 1980, the single, "Bar Room Buddies," Merle Haggard and actor/director Clint Eastwood debuted on the charts. The song would become Clint’s first and only #1 and Merle’s 25th of 38 #1s. Today in…

Today in 1984, the Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson single, "To All The Girls I've Loved Before" went gold. Today in 1990, "The Very Best of Conway Twitty" album was certified platinum. Today in 1991,…

Today in 1955, Elvis Presley's performance at Jacksonville, Florida, whipped the audience into such a frenzy that it resulted in a riot. In fact, things were so out of control, most of his clothing was…