COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1970, Merle Haggard’s “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” reached #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1972, California Governor Ronald Reagan pardoned Merle Haggard for a 1975 attempted robbery that landed the singer in…

Today in 1965, the Statler Brothers recorded “Flowers On The Wall” at the Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, a session originally for Johnny Cash who never appeared. Today in 1967, Decca released Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits.” Today…

Today in 1961, Gene Autry’s expansion Los Angeles Angels dropped baseball player Charley Pride during spring training in Palm Springs after a two-week tryout. Today in 1975, George jones and Tammy Wynette’s divorce was finalized. Wynette took…

Today in 1969, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs split up after 25 years as a bluegrass duo. Today in 1989, Ronnie Milsap topped the country charts with "Don't You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me?" Today in…

Today in 1973, Tammy Wynette’s “Till I Get It Right” topped the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1977, “The Best Of The Statler Brothers” album by Statler Brothers was certified gold. Today in 1979, invited by Porter…

Today in 1971, Gilley’s nightclub, which served as the inspiration for the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy,” opened in Pasadena Texas. Today in 1980, the “Classic Crystal” album by Crystal Gayle was certified gold. Today in 1980,…

Today in 1983, CMT made its cable debut with Faron Young’s video “It’s Four In The Morning.” Today in 1999, Sara Evans got her first #1 single with “No Place That Far.” Today in 1999, George…

Today in 1960, Elvis Presley was discharged from the Army. Today in 1963, a plane crash in Tennessee claimed the lives of Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and pilot Randy Hughes as they returned to Nashville…

Today in 1967, Merle Haggard’s “The Fugitive” rose to #1 on the Billboard chart for the first time. Today in 1975, Mac Davis won Favorite Male Musical Performer and Olivia Newton-John won the female honor in the…

Today in 1963, Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Cowboy Copas gave what proved to be their final show. It was a benefit for the widow of Kansas City deejay “Cactus Jack” Call. The three country stars…