COUNTRY HISTORY

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…

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…