COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1933, Jimmie Rodgers, who was suffering from tuberculosis, died of a massive hemorrhage at New York's Taft Hotel. Nicknamed the Singing Brakeman, he had become country music's first superstar, and, in 1961, the first…

Today in 1973, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's “Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vols. 1 & 2” album was certified gold. The project also featured Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis and Doc…

Today in 1975, "I'm Not Lisa" brought Jessi Colter her only #1 country single in Billboard. Today in 1984, Willie Nelson performed the first of his six sold-out concerts at Radio City Music Hall in New York.…

Today in 1953, Jim Reeves made his debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1975, BJ Thomas received a gold record for the single "(Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song." Today…

Today in 1989, Alabama scored a #1 hit with the single, "If I Had You." Today in 1994, "The Video Collection" by Billy Ray Cyrus was certified platinum. Today in 1994, Toby Keith's "Wish I Didn't Know Now"…

Today in 1962, George Jones reached #1 on the Billboard country chart with “She Thinks I Still Care.” Today in 1965, Roger Miller received a gold single for “King of the Road.” Today in 1977, “Smokey & The…

Today in 1983, John Anderson's mega-hit "Swingin"' entered the country charts. Today in 1997, Brooks & Dunn's single, “Why Would I say Goodbye,” hit #1. Today in 1999, Chely Wright's album, “Single, White Female,” arrived in stores. Today…

Today in 1983, John Anderson's mega-hit "Swingin"' entered the country charts. Today in 1997, Brooks & Dunn's single, “Why Would I say Goodbye,” hit #1. Today in 1999, Chely Wright's album, “Single, White Female,” arrived in stores. Today…

Today in 1981, George Strait made his debut on the country chart with his first single, “Unwound.” Garth Brooks has said many times, “When I heard 'Unwound,' that was when I decided what I wanted…

Today in 1955, Elvis Presley's performance at Jacksonville, Florida, whipped the audience into such a frenzy that it resulted in a riot. In fact, things were so out of control, most of his clothing was torn…