COUNTRY HISTORY

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…

Today in 1924, "National Barn Dance" premiered on WLS radio in Chicago. Later, the famous program would be renamed "The National Barn Dance" and became the first country music jamboree on radio. ("The Grand Ole Opry"…

Today in 1939, Gene Autry recorded "Back In The Saddle Again.” Today in 1948, Earl Scruggs married Louise Certain, and she became the manager of Flatt & Scruggs. Today in 1981, Alabama reached the top of the Billboard…

Today in 1961, at the GRAMMYs, Marty Robbins won Best Country & Western Performance for “El Paso.” Today in 1972, Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium hosted the first Fan Fair. Today in 1980, Christy Pride hit the top of the…

Today in 1953, Hank Williams was on top of the charts with “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” Today in 1978, the "Waylon & Willie" album by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson was certified platinum. Today in 1980, Alabama signed their…

Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with "Take Me Home Country Roads." Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released. Today in 1982, the single, "Always On…

Today in 1961, Patsy Cline's "I Fall to Pieces" entered the country charts. Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold. Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single, “Famous…

Today in 1942, Glenn Walichs and songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva formed Liberty Records in Hollywood. It was later renamed Capitol Records and known for hits by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard. Today…

Today in 1975, the single, "Thank God I'm A Country Boy," by John Denver entered the top 40 chart. Today in 1980, the Bellamy Brothers topped the country charts with "Sugar Daddy." Today in 1995, Alan Jackson's second…

Today in 1959, Bill Anderson made his Grand Ole Opry debut at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Today in 1985, the album, “Why Not Me,” by the Judds was certified gold. Today in 1987, George Strait scored his 10th…