COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1981, the Oak Ridge Boys’ single, “Elvira,” was certified gold. Today in 1989, Ricky Skaggs topped the country charts with "Lovin' Only Me." Today in 1992, Pam Tillis’ “Put Yourself In My Place” album was certified…

Today in 1969, "Hee Haw" with Roy Clark & Buck Owens premiered on CBS TV. Despite its popularity, the show was soon canceled, but thrived in syndication for over 20 more years. Today in 1974, "Annie's Song"…

Today in 1961, Patsy Cline sustained serious head injuries and a fractured hip in a car accident in Madison, Tennessee. Today in 1975 Linda Ronstadt's remake of The Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved" tops the…

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn debuted on the charts with "Honky Tonk Girl." Today in 1970, Johnny Cash graced the cover of “TV Guide.” Today in 1972, the original Country Music Foundation Library and Media Center was dedicated…

Today in 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" entered the national country chart. By the next week it will have made its debut on the national pop chart. It eventually sold six million…

Today in 1984, Lorrie Morgan joined the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1989, the “River Of Time” album by the Judds was certified gold. Today in 1989, Tammy Wynette’s album, “Tammy's Greatest Hits,” was certified platinum. Today in…

Today in 1974, Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" presided at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1996, Bryan White topped the country charts with “I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore.” Today…

Today in 1966, Roy Orbison's first wife, Claudette, was killed in a motorcycle crash near Nashville. As a result, he stopped writing songs for years. His shutdown was complicated by the fact that two of their three…

Today in 1964, Buck Owens’ “Together Again” took him to #1 again on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1970, Conway Twitty rose to #1 on the Billboard Country chart with “Hello Darlin.” Today in 1980, the…

Today in 1980, The John Travolta movie “Urban Cowboy” premiered. It includes music by Kenny Rogers, Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, Anne Murray, The Eagles, The Charlie Daniels Band, Jimmy Buffet, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and J.D.…