COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1981, Willie Nelson recorded "Always On My Mind" and "The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning" at his Pedernales Studio outside of Austin, Texas. Today in 1981, the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame…

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week…

Today in 1929, Gene Autry began his first recording session. Today in 1967, the "Ode to Billy Joe" album by Bobbie Gentry was certified gold. Today in 1976, Bobby Bare's single, "Dropkick Me Jesus (Through the Goalposts of…

Today in 1983, George Strait's “Right Or Wrong” album was released. Today in 1990, Alan Jackson made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks became the 65th member of the Grand Ole Opry. The same day,…

Today in 1925, WSM Radio in Nashville started broadcasting. One of its first programs was "WSM Barn Dance" which was renamed "Grand Ole Opry" two years later. It became the longest running radio show in history.…

Today in 1975, Willie Nelson picked up his first #1 single as an artist on the Billboard country chart with "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." Today in 1995, Alison Krauss went home four with trophies from…

Today in 1945, Elvis Presley made his first public appearance at the age of ten in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show. He sang "Old Shep" and won a second prize of $5. Today…

Today in 1970, the album, “Okie From Muskogee,” by Merle Haggard was certified gold. Today in 1977, a month after what appeared to be an attempt to steal the body of Elvis Presley from Forest…

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…