COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1965, Ernest Tubb was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today in 1991, "The Patsy Cline Collection" album was released. Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt’s second album, "Longnecks and Short Stories," went gold. Today…

Today in 1957, the Elvis Presley film "Jailhouse Rock" premiered. Today in 1968, Nashville's top Country Music Awards go to Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A." for best song and to "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" for…

Today in 1954, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on "The Louisiana Hayride," singing "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" two times each. Drummer D.J. Fontana plays with Presley for the first time, though he's…

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn makes her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl" at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She receives an invitation to tour with Johnny Horton, but…

Today in 1946, Grandpa Jones wed Ramona Riggins. Today in 1957, Elvis Presley's single, "Jailhouse Rock," was released. Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette had her first solo #1 country hit with “I Don't Wanna Play House.” Today in 1969, the…

Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go…

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week…

Today in1929, Gene Autry began his first recording session. Today in1967, the "Ode to Billy Joe" album by Bobbie Gentry was certified gold. Today in1976, Bobby Bare's single, "Dropkick Me Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life)," entered the…

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…