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…

Today in 1968, Merle Haggard’s “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” reached #1 in Billboard. Today in 1976, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris performed together for the first time for a taping of…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

Today in 1959, 12-year-old Dolly Parton released her first single, "Puppy Love.” Today in 1977, the Glen Campbell hit “Southern Nights” went gold. Today in 1987, the “Greatest Hits” album by Reba McEntire was released.…

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…

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.…

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…