COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1947, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart. Today in 1980, Dolly Parton’s first movie, "9 to 5," premiered. It was a huge hit and the title song went…

Today in 1978, Johnny Paycheck’s album, “Take This Job & Shove It,” was certified gold. Today in 1981, Buck Owens had a fictitious speeding ticket rescinded by singing "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail" in an…

Today in 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” worked its way to #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1984, the album, “City Of New Orleans,” by Willie Nelson was certified gold. Today in 1990, George Jones’…

Today in 1966, Tracy Byrd was born in Vidor, Texas. He emerged in 1993 to record a series of hits, including “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper Of The…

Today in 1980, Waylon Jennings' "Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)" peaked at #21 on the pop charts. Today in 1988, the album, "Reba," was certified gold. Today in 1991, Brooks & Dunn's single, “My…

Today in 1957, in the "I do" that strangled "the Killer's" career, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown. Part of the resulting furor was due to the fact that he was still…

Today in 1965, "Flowers On The Wall" by Statler Brothers entered the Top 40 chart for the first time. In 2000, an updated version of the song was re-released by guitar slinger, Eric Heatherly. Today…

Today in 1951, Johnny Rodriguez was born in Sabinal, Texas. He became country’s first mainstream star of Hispanic descent, emerging out of Tom T. Hall’s band in 1972. He recorded numerous songs in Spanglish, with a…

Today in 1980, the "Theme” from "The Dukes Of Hazzard" single by Waylon Jennings was certified gold. Today in 1987, Reba McEntire's “Greatest Hits” went gold. Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell became the first country artist to…

Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley. Today in 1980, the single, "I Love A Rainy Night,"…