COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1950, WSM-AM radio's country music showcase, "Grand Ole Opry," was telecast for the first time. Today in 1977, Elvis Presley’s “Welcome To My World” album was certified gold. Today in 1984, the album, “His Epic -…

Today in 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis was arrested. He was celebrating his birthday by popping off a few rounds on his .357 Magnum. Two of those rounds hit bass player Butch Owens square in the chest.…

Today in 1928, the first recording session in Nashville took place at the YMCA. One of the first acts to be recorded was Warmack's Gully Jumpers. Today in 1956, RCA Records credited Elvis Presley with selling more…

Today in 1993, The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducted Don Schlitz, who authored "The Gambler" and "On The Other Hand"; Red Lane, known for "My Own Kind Of Hat" and "'Til I Get It Right";…

Today in 1956, Elvis’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi held "Elvis Presley Day." Today in 1978, Waylon Jennings’ album, “I've Always Been Crazy,” was certified gold. Today in 1986, Exile's single, “It'll Be Me,” was at #1 on “Radio…

Today in 1972, the single, “Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me,” by Mac Davis was at #1 on the pop singles chart. Today in 1974, the Mac Davis album, “Stop & Smell The Roses,” was certified gold.…

Today in 1939, Gene Autry's "Back In The Saddle Again" was released. Today in 1976, Willie Nelson released “The Troublemaker” album. Today in 1979, "Just Good Ol' Boys" (not the theme for “Dukes of Hazzard,” which belongs to…

Today in 1990, The Internal Revenue Service placed liens totaling $16.7-million on Willie Nelson's property to guarantee that he paid $6.5-million in back taxes. Today in 1993, Garth Brooks' self-titled debut album was certified for sales of…

Today in 1973, a day after Gram Parsons died, his body was stolen during transfer at the Los Angeles International Airport, then taken to Joshua Tree, where it was burned, in accordance with his request. Road…

Today in 1970, Crystal Gayle hit the country charts for the first time with "I've Cried The Blue Right Out of My Eyes." Her sister, Loretta Lynn, wrote the song. Today in 1981, Lee Greenwood made his…