COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1954, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on "The Louisiana Hayride," singing "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" two times each. Drummer D.J. Fontana plays with Presley for the first time, though he's…

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn makes her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl" at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She receives an invitation to tour with Johnny Horton, but…

Today in 1946, Grandpa Jones wed Ramona Riggins. Today in 1957, Elvis Presley's single, "Jailhouse Rock," was released. Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette had her first solo #1 country hit with “I Don't Wanna Play House.” Today in 1969, the…

Today in 1981, Willie Nelson recorded "Always On My Mind" and "The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning" at his Pedernales Studio outside of Austin, Texas. Today in 1981, the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame…

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week…

Today in1929, Gene Autry began his first recording session. Today in1967, the "Ode to Billy Joe" album by Bobbie Gentry was certified gold. Today in1976, Bobby Bare's single, "Dropkick Me Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life)," entered the…

Today in 1983, Kathy Mattea first appeared on the country charts with a song called “Street Talk.” It made the top forty, but it took her another five years to score her first #1, “Goin’…

Today in 1978, Merle Haggard married fellow country singer, Leona Williams. Today in 1984, the movie, "Songwriter," starring Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson premiered in Nashville. Today in 1986, the Judds’ album, “Rockin' with the Rhythm,” was certified…

Today in 1975, Willie Nelson picked up his first #1 single as an artist on the Billboard country chart with "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain." Today in 1995, Alison Krauss went home four with trophies from…

Today in 1945, Elvis Presley made his first public appearance at the age of ten in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show. He sang "Old Shep" and won a second prize of $5. Today…