COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1958, twenty-year-old Merle Haggard was convicted of second-degree burglary, after a botched break-in attempt at a Bakersfield, California nightclub. He served two years and nine months in prison at San Quentin, and he…

Today in 1959, the song, “Heartaches By The Number,” was recorded by Ray Price. Today in 1969, the first episode of “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on CBS featured Bobbie Gentry, John Hartford, The Smothers Brothers, and…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley appeared for the first time on TV, singing “Shake, Rattle and Roll” on The Dorsey Brothers’ “Stage Show.” Today in 1964, Buck Owns recorded “Together Again” and “My Heart Skips A Beat.”…

Today in 1956, Elvis’ first single, "Heartbreak Hotel" was released. Today in 1979, Johnny Horton recorded “The Battle of New Orleans.” Today in 1973, Tom Hall reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “(Old Dogs-Children And)…

Today in 1953, Hank William’s “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive” was #1 on the charts, several weeks after his death. Today in 1981, Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” reached the top of the Billboard…

Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis. Today in 1987, “Whoever’s in New England” by Reba McEntire became a gold album. Today in 1990, the album “Killin’ Time” by…

Today in 1969, Glen Campbell was awarded his first gold single for “Wichita Lineman.” Today in 1990, for the third straight year Randy Travis lead country winners at the American Music Awards with three awards. Other country…

Today in 1950, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” topped the Billboard country chart. Today in 1957, Patsy Cline got her first big break when she performed on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” She sang her classic, "Walking…

Today in 1971, Jerry Lee Lewis makes his Grand Ole Opry debut – and broke two promises: that he wouldn’t sing rock & roll, and wouldn’t swear. The set list included "Another Place, Another Time,"…

Today in 1972, a section of Memphis' Highway 51 South was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. The road passes in front of Graceland. Today in 1973, Epic released Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors” Today in 1976, "Country Boy…