COUNTRY HISTORY

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…

Today in 1970, the album, “Okie From Muskogee,” by Merle Haggard was certified gold. Today in 1977, a month after what appeared to be an attempt to steal the body of Elvis Presley from Forest…

Today in 1969, Loretta Lynn recorded her signature song, “Coal Miner's Daughter.” Today in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared October to be Country Music Month. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was certified gold. He…

Today in 1950, WSM-AM radio's country music showcase, "Grand Ole Opry," was telecast for the first time. Today in 1977, Elvis Presley’s “Welcome To My World” album was certified gold. Today in 1984, the album, “His Epic -…

Today in 1993, The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducted Don Schlitz, who authored "The Gambler" and "On The Other Hand"; Red Lane, known for "My Own Kind Of Hat" and "'Til I Get It Right";…

Today in 1956, Elvis’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi held "Elvis Presley Day." Today in 1978, Waylon Jennings’ album, “I've Always Been Crazy,” was certified gold. Today in 1986, Exile's single, “It'll Be Me,” was at #1 on “Radio…

Today in 1962, Loretta Lynn joined the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1965, the Statler Brothers made their chart debut with "Flowers On The Wall". In 2000, Eric Heatherly brought the classic back to life when he…