COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley. Today in 1980, the single, "I Love A Rainy Night,"…

Today in 1967, Gary Herzberg was born in Montebello, California. Under the stage name Gary Allan; the scratchy-voiced singer debuted in 1996, with hits like “Smoke Rings In The Dark,” “Watching Airplanes,” and “Every Storm (Runs…

Today in 1957, "Jailhouse Rock" gave Elvis Presley a #1 country single in Billboard magazine. Today in 1989, Randy Travis went to #1 on the Billboard country chart with "It's Just A Matter Of Time." Today in…

Today in 1977, the “Elvis Country” album by Elvis Presley was certified gold. Today in 1987, George Strait's “Ocean Front Property” album was certified platinum. Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man” album…

Today in 1963, Dottie West debuted on the charts with the single, "Let Me Off at the Corner." Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers' album, "The Gambler," was certified gold. Today in 1982, the album, "Heaven's Just A Sin…

Today in 1959, "The Battle Of New Orleans" won Song of the Year for composer Jimmy Driftwood and Best Country & Western Performance for Johnny Horton during the second annual GRAMMY Awards. Today in 1960, "Are…

Today in 1925, WSM first broadcast the radio show "Barn Dance," the program that eventually became the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1964, Connie Smith's debut single, "Once A Day," landed at #1 position on the Billboard…

Today in 1968, Glen Campbell began work on his classic song, “Galveston,” at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The song was completed on January 9th, 1969. Today in 1997, one day after its release, Garth Brooks' "Sevens"…

Today in 1967, Jack Greene became the first country star to appear in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Today in 1968, Tammy Wynette was sittin’ pretty at #1 in Billboard with "Stand By Your…

Today in 1984, Suzy Bogguss moved to Nashville from Illinois. Today in 1986, Lorrie Morgan married Keith Whitley. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks and Patty Loveless road floats down Broadway in New York during the…