COUNTRY HISTORY

This day in 1972, Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She gave her last concert at the Grand Ole Opry House on October 23, 1997. She then retired from performing music.…

On this day in 1968: Jeannie C. Riley recorded "Harper Valley PTA." The song was written by Tom T. Hall and became, in 1968, a major international hit single for country singer Jeannie C. Riley.…

This day in 1995: Charlie Rich died in his sleep in a Hammond, Louisiana motel. The cause of death was listed as a blood clot in a lung. He was 62. In the later part…

This day in 1948, Opry legend Roy Acuff announced his intent to run for governor of Tennessee. He did eventually run for office against the incumbent and lost. He also campaigned for the job twice…

This day in 1977, Alabama debuted on the charts with their first single, “I Wanna Be With You Tonight.” The group (while still known as 'Wild Country') sent out demo tapes to record companies but…

This day in 1999, Faith Hill’s album, “Faith,” was certified triple platinum. "Faith" was the third studio album by country artist Faith Hill, released in 1998. Due to the success of the single "This Kiss"…

This day in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her debut on the charts with her first single, "I'm a Honky Tonk Girl." The song was among the first to not only be recorded by Lynn, but…

This day in 1986, after 28 years with Columbia Records, country legend Johnny Cash was dropped from the label. Here's the kicker – he learned about his contract's cancellation in the newspapers. Columbia first signed…

This day in 2000: Brad Paisley was performing at the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition when he got the surprise of a lifetime. Gov. Cecil H. Underwood showed up to hear Brad's music and…

This day in in 1983, Alabama hit #1 with “The Closer You Get.” "The Closer You Get" was written in 1980 by J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray, members of Exile. However, the song was not…