COUNTRY HISTORY

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 1934, Decca released The Sons Of The Pioneers’ “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” Today in 1962, Linda Davis was born in Dodson, Texas. Her 1993 pairing with Reba McEntire on “Does He Love You” earned a Grammy. Davis’…

Today in 1968, Glen Campbell began work on his classic song, “Galveston,” at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The song was completed on January 9th, 1969. Today in 1997, one day after its release, Garth Brooks' "Sevens"…

Today in 1972, the "Garden Party" single by Ricky Nelson was certified gold. Today in 1973, Charlie Rich’s single, “Behind Closed Doors,” topped the country singles chart – it was also his first top 20 pop chart…

Today in 1955, in a deal engineered by Colonel Tom Parker, RCA Records bought Elvis Presley's contract and master tapes from Sam Phillips' Sun Records for $35,000. The papers were signed at the Sun Recording Studio…

Today in 1961, “Big Bad John” took Jimmy Dean to #1 on the Billboard country chart. Today in 1974, Dierks Bentley was born in Phoenix, Arizona. His career debuted in 2003. Today in 1986, ex-smoker Chet Atkins was…

Today in 1955, Carl Perkins recorded his most enduring song, “Blue Suede Shoes,” at Sun Studios in Memphis. Today in 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter topped the country charts with “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” Today…

Today in 1970, Jerry Lee Lewis and his second wife, Myra - who was also his cousin - were divorced. Their 1958 wedding, which took place when she was just 13 years old, caused such…

Today in 1994, Kathy Mattea's album, “A Collection Of Hits,” was certified platinum. Today in 1994, Sammy Kershaw's “Feeling Good Train” album was certified gold. The same day his “Haunted Heart” project was certified platinum. Today in…

Today in 1977, the single, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue," by Crystal Gayle was certified gold. Today in 1977, Crystal Gayle's "We Must Believe In Magic" album was certified gold. Today in 1989,…