COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1974, Dolly Parton's "Jolene" went to #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1981, George Strait records his first hit, "Unwound," at Music City Music Hall in Nashville. Today in 1985, Charlie Daniels hosted Volunteer…

Today in 1978, "Here You Come Again" was certified as Dolly Parton's first gold single. Today in 1980, the album, "A Christmas Together," by John Denver & The Muppets was certified gold and platinum. Today…

Today in 1968, Merle Haggard recorded “The Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde” at the Capitol recording Studio on Hollywood. The song was inspired by the Warren Beatty film. Today in 1970, Tom T. Hall jumped to the…

Today in 1958, twenty-year-old Merle Haggard was convicted of second-degree burglary, after a botched break-in attempt at a Bakersfield, California nightclub. He served two years and nine months in prison at San Quentin, and he…

Today in 1959, the song, “Heartaches By The Number,” was recorded by Ray Price. Today in 1969, the first episode of “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on CBS featured Bobbie Gentry, John Hartford, The Smothers Brothers, and…

Today in 1947, Hank Williams wrote the song “I Saw The Light.” Today in 1979, "The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach, debuted on CBS. Waylon Jennings narrated the show and…

Today in 1982, Kenny Rogers won three trophies in pop and country at the American Music Awards. Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Anne Murray, and The Oak Ridge Boys also won country awards. Today in 1988, Randy Travis…

Today in 1953, Hank William’s “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive” was #1 on the charts, several weeks after his death. Today in 1981, Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” reached the top of the Billboard…

Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis. Today in 1987, “Whoever’s in New England” by Reba McEntire became a gold album. Today in 1990, the album “Killin’ Time” by…

Today in 1969, Glen Campbell was awarded his first gold single for “Wichita Lineman.” Today in 1990, for the third straight year Randy Travis lead country winners at the American Music Awards with three awards. Other country…