COUNTRY HISTORY

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…

Today in 1932, Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Holly, Kentucky. She was the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1972 and landed in the Country Music…

Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist. Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart. Today in…

Today in 1961, at the GRAMMYs, Marty Robbins won Best Country & Western Performance for “El Paso.” Today in 1972, Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium hosted the first Fan Fair. Today in 1980, Christy Pride hit the…

Today in 1961, Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces" entered the country charts. Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold. Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single,…