COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1962, Flatt & Scruggs perform at New York's Carnegie Hall. The concert is recorded for later release as an album. Today in 1982, Marty Robbins died of a heart attack at the age of…

Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton earned a platinum single for “Islands In The Stream.” Today in 1991, Reba McEntire's "For My Broken Heart" topped the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1992, Mary Chapin Carpenter's…

Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley. Today in 1980, the single, "I Love A Rainy Night,"…

Today in 1967, Gary Herzberg was born in Montebello, California. Under the stage name Gary Allan; the scratchy-voiced singer debuted in 1996, with hits like “Smoke Rings In The Dark,” “Watching Airplanes,” and “Every Storm (Runs…

Today in 1944, Eddy Arnold held his first recording session at the WSM radio studios in Nashville. He recorded his first hit, “Each Minute Seems A Million Years,” and his first version of “The Cattle Call.”…

Today in 1977, the “Elvis Country” album by Elvis Presley was certified gold. Today in 1987, George Strait's “Ocean Front Property” album was certified platinum. Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man” album…

Today in 1963, Dottie West debuted on the charts with the single, "Let Me Off at the Corner." Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers' album, "The Gambler," was certified gold. Today in 1982, the album, "Heaven's Just A Sin…

Today in 1959, "The Battle Of New Orleans" won Song of the Year for composer Jimmy Driftwood and Best Country & Western Performance for Johnny Horton during the second annual GRAMMY Awards. Today in 1960, "Are…

Today in 1925, WSM first broadcast the radio show "Barn Dance," the program that eventually became the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1964, Connie Smith's debut single, "Once A Day," landed at #1 position on the Billboard…

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich earned his first gold album with, “Behind Closed Doors.” Today in 1980, William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys stopped trimming his beard. Today in 1993, Joe Diffie joined the Grand Ole…