COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1942, Glenn Walichs and songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva formed Liberty Records in Hollywood. It was later renamed Capitol Records and known for hits by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard. Today…

Today in 1975, the single, "Thank God I'm A Country Boy," by John Denver entered the top 40 chart. Today in 1980, the Bellamy Brothers topped the country charts with "Sugar Daddy." Today in 1995, Alan Jackson's second…

Today in 1959, Bill Anderson made his Grand Ole Opry debut at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Today in 1985, the album, “Why Not Me,” by the Judds was certified gold. Today in 1987, George Strait scored his 10th…

Today in 1948, the radio debut of Louisiana Hayride was broadcast on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. It would go on to feature such acts as Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Sr., Jim Reeves and George Jones.…

Today in 1956, Johnny Cash recorded “I Walk The Line” and “Get Rhythm” at the Sun Recording Studio in Memphis. Today in 1961, Buddy Jewell was born in Osceola, Arkansas. He won the first “Nashville Star” TV…

Today in 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened for business. Today in 1978, Crystal Gayle's "Ready For The Times To Get Better" hit #1 on the country charts. Today in 1979, drummer Mark…

Today in 1960, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge opened in Nashville. The lounge became a nightclub for Grand Ole Opry members during the Opry's Ryman Auditorium years. Today in 1968, Glen Campbell got a big break. CBS announced that…

Today in 1981, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Texas Women” hit #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1992, Reba McEntire hit the top of the Billboard charts with “Is There Life Out There.” Today in 2001, the “O…

Today in 1965, Roger Miller’s “King Of The Road” hit the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1971, Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn’s “After The Fire Is Gone” reached #1 in Billboard. Today…

Today in 1952, A Grand Ole Opry troupe featuring Hank Williams, The Carter Sisters, and Roy Acuff appeared on "The Kate Smith Show" show. Today in 1955, the single "Ballad of Davy Crockett" topped the U.S. charts.…