COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1989, Naomi Judd had a lot to celebrate. She married her husband, Larry Strickland. That wasn’t the only good news – the Judds’ single, “Young Love (Strong Love),” topped the country charts. Today…

Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: "It's a strange deal. I'm supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family…

Today in 1959, the folk group Kingston Trio won the first country music GRAMMY for "Tom Dooley." Today in 1987, Randy Travis’ second album, “Always and Forever,” was released. Today in 1991, Travis Tritt made…

Today in 1983, Alabama’s album, “The Closer You Get,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously. Today in 1986, Dolly Parton opened her Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee. Today in 1993, the “Some Gave All” album…

Today in 1974, "The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard" album was certified gold. Today in 1982, the “Always On My Mind” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold. Today in 1993, Alan Jackson's…

Today in 1976, "You've Never Been This Far Before" album by Conway Twitty was certified gold. Today in 1982, Alabama’s "Mountain Music" album was certified gold and platinum. Today in 1991, Alan Jackson and Michael…

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…