COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers formed The First Edition, just one day after he and members Thelma Camacho, Mike Settle and Terry Williams left the New Christy Minstrels. The group went on to host a syndicated…

Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers left the New Christy Minstrels and later formed the First Edition. Today in 1967, Bobbie Gentry recorded the hit single "Ode to Billie Joe" at a Hollywood studio. Today in 1970, Johnny Cash…

Today in 1973, Kris Kristofferson's "Why Me" reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.'s "Born To Boogie" album was released. Today in 1988, John Berry and his wife, Robin, were married.…

Today in 1972, when a concert date was canceled, Barbara Mandrell officially joined the Grand Ole Opry, three weeks earlier than scheduled. Today in 1992, Garth Brooks and then-wife, Sandy Brooks, welcomed their first child, daughter Taylor…

Today in 1954, Elvis Presley had his first commercial recording session and recorded his first single: "That's All Right (Mama)" backed with Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky". Presley had met Phillips seven months earlier when…

Today in 1965, Roy Rogers' faithful steed, Trigger, died at the age of 33. In heartfelt tribute, Roy had Trigger mounted and put on display at the Roy Rogers Museum in California. Today in 1980, Willie Nelson's “Electric Horseman”…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley recorded “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” at the RCA Records’ New York studios. When the two songs were released as a double-sided single later that year, they hit #1…

Today in 1972, Alabama gave their first paid performance at Canyonland Park, Alabama. At the time, they were known as Wild Country. Today in 1981, the "Angel Of The Morning" single by Juice Newton was certified gold.…

Today in 1975, "Long Haired Country Boy" by Charlie Daniels Band peaked on the pop singles chart. Today in 1979, the Charlie Daniels Band’s “Million Mile Reflection” album was certified gold. Today in 1991, Alan Jackson's single, "Don't…

Today in 1949, a classic version of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," was recorded by Gene Autry, who didn't like when he first heard it. As it turned out though, America couldn't get enough of his rendition…