COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1963, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their first on-screen appearance on the CBS sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies,” in order to sing their new song, “Pearl Pearl Pearl.” They had already been performing…

Today in 1938, Roy Acuff debuted his Grande Ole Opry at the Dixie Tabernacle in Nashville. Today in 1972, Loretta Lynn’s “One’s On The Way” hits number one in Billboard. Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “I Swear”…

Today in 1976, Elvis Presley recorded the song “Moody Blue.” Today in 1995, “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)” by Pam Tillis hit the #1 spot on the “Billboard” chart. Today in 1999, Freddy Fender got a star…

Today in 1958, Johnny Cash hit the top of the charts with “Ballad of a Teenage Queen.” Today in 1959, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens all died in a plane crash near…

Today in 1974, Dolly Parton's "Jolene" went to #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1981, George Strait records his first hit, "Unwound," at Music City Music Hall in Nashville. Today in 1985, Charlie Daniels hosted Volunteer…

Today in 1958, twenty-year-old Merle Haggard was convicted of second-degree burglary, after a botched break-in attempt at a Bakersfield, California nightclub. He served two years and nine months in prison at San Quentin, and he…

Today in 1959, the song, “Heartaches By The Number,” was recorded by Ray Price. Today in 1969, the first episode of “The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on CBS featured Bobbie Gentry, John Hartford, The Smothers Brothers, and…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley appeared for the first time on TV, singing “Shake, Rattle and Roll” on The Dorsey Brothers’ “Stage Show.” Today in 1964, Buck Owns recorded “Together Again” and “My Heart Skips A Beat.”…

Today in 1956, Elvis’ first single, "Heartbreak Hotel" was released. Today in 1979, Johnny Horton recorded “The Battle of New Orleans.” Today in 1973, Tom Hall reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “(Old Dogs-Children And)…

Today in 1947, Hank Williams wrote the song “I Saw The Light.” Today in 1979, "The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach, debuted on CBS. Waylon Jennings narrated the show and…