COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1953, Bill Monroe suffered 19 broken bones in a head-on collision on Highway 31 near White House, Tennessee. He still managed to get out of the car and pull another passenger, Bessie Lee Mauldin,…

Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded “Don’t Cry Daddy” at the American Studios in Memphis. Today in 1982, Ronnie Milsap recorded “Any Day Now” at the Groundstar Laboratory in Nashville. Today in 1988, Vern Gosdin’s “Chiseled in Stone”…

Today in 1976, Glen Campbell and "Rhinestone Cowboy” scored four GRAMMY nominations, including Record of the Year. Today in 1986, Reba McEntire joined the Grand Ole Opry during a CBS special celebrating the Opry's 60th Hank Snow boycotted…

Today in 1968, Johnny Cash recorded the live album, "Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison" in California – he remade "Folsom Prison Blues" in the process. Also on hand – June Carter, The Carter Family, Carl Perkins…

Today in 1949, Loretta Webb married Oliver “Mooney” Lynn in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. Mooney gave Loretta her first guitar, became her first manager, and inspired some of her feisty music. They were married until his death…

Today in 1960, Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1961, Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska” reached #1 in Billboard. Today in 1982, a five-mile stretch of Gallatin Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee was renamed the Johnny…

Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers has seven GRAMMY nominations, including “The Gambler” for Record of the Year. Roger’s producer, Larry Butler, was nominated for Producer of the Year. Today in 1983, Reba McEntire’s “Can’t Even Get The Blues” achieved…

Today in 1961, Faron Young recorded “Hello Walls” at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio. Today in 1967, Charley Pride became the first black-American solo singer to perform on Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1978, Johnny Paycheck’s “Take…

Today in 1950, Sam Phillips opened the Sun Recording Studio, originally known as the Memphis Recording Service, at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis. It became a site for sessions by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins…

Today in 1975, "Austin City Limits" premiered on PBS with Willie Nelson as the first featured guest. The set list included "Good Hearted Woman," "Whiskey River," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Today…