COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1950, Sam Phillips opened the Sun Recording Studio, originally known as the Memphis Recording Service, at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis. It became a site for sessions by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins…

Today in 1975, "Austin City Limits" premiered on PBS with Willie Nelson as the first featured guest. The set list included "Good Hearted Woman," "Whiskey River," "Okie From Muskogee" and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Today…

Today in 1962, "The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show" last aired on ABC-TV. Today in 1969, Merle Haggard's live "Okie From Muskogee" album was released. Today in 1983, George Jones' album, “I Am What I Am,”…

Today in 1952, Hank Williams gave his final performance, for 130 people at a holiday party for members of the Musicians' Union in Montgomery. Today in 1956, Charley Pride marries Rozene Cohran in Hernando, Mississippi. Today…

Today in 1947, NBC introduces a children's TV show titled "Puppet Playhouse." The program evolves into "Howdy Doody," name-checked in the lyrics of The Statler Brothers' 1972 country hit "Do You Remember These" Today in 1948,…

Today in 1925, The Grand Ole Opry officially becomes a weekly program on Nashville's WSM Radio one month after its inception, t Today in 1958, Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter and The Sons Of The Pioneers open at…

Today in 1948, Hank Williams recorded “Lovesick Blues” in Cincinnati. Today in 1960, guitarist Chuck Mead was born in Missouri. He came one of the two lead vocalists in BR549. Today in 1973, Merle Haggard’s song “If We…

Today in 1974, Waylon Jennings' single, "Rainy Day Woman," entered the country charts Today in 1979, Willie Nelson made his movie debut with the film, "The Electric Horseman," which opened in theaters nationwide. His songs,…

Today in 1968, the album, "Harper Valley P.T.A.," by Jeannie C. Riley was certified gold. Today in 1986, Randy Travis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1989, Charlie Daniels' single, "The Devil…

Today in 1947, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart. Today in 1980, Dolly Parton’s first movie, "9 to 5," premiered. It was a huge hit and the title song went…