COUNTRY HISTORY

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…

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…