COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: "It's a strange deal. I'm supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family and…

Today in 1959, the folk group Kingston Trio won the first country music GRAMMY for "Tom Dooley." Today in 1987, Randy Travis’ second album, “Always and Forever,” was released. Today in 1991, Travis Tritt made his Grand…

Today in 1967, Elvis Presley married his longtime girlfriend, 21-year-old Priscilla Ann Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. They had their daughter, Lisa Marie just nine months later. After six years of marriage, the…

Today in 1974, "The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard" album was certified gold. Today in 1982, the “Always On My Mind” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold. Today in 1993, Alan Jackson's single, "Tonight I Climbed…

Today in 1976, "You've Never Been This Far Before" album by Conway Twitty was certified gold. Today in 1982, Alabama’s "Mountain Music" album was certified gold and platinum. Today in 1991, Alan Jackson and Michael Irwin shared song…

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich rose to number one on the Billboard country chart with “Behind Closed Doors.” Today in 1978, the “Here You Come Again” album by Dolly Parton was certified platinum. Today in 1984, the Judds’…

Today in 1968, Merle Haggard’s “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” reached #1 in Billboard. Today in 1976, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris performed together for the first time for a taping of the TV…

Today in 1976, Emmylou Harris’ remake of Buck Owens’ “Together Again” became her first number one country single in Billboard. Today in 1982, Kelly Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She became the winner of the…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley played Las Vegas for the first time – and bombed! He opened for comedian Shecky Greene, and the middle-aged crowd hated him. He didn’t return to Vegas until 1969. Today in…

Today in 1961, the first annual Country Music Festival opened in Jacksonville, Florida. The roster included artists like Patsy Cline, Webb Pierce, Flatt and Scruggs, Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis. Today in 1988, the album, "If You…