COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1980, The John Travolta movie “Urban Cowboy” premiered. It includes music by Kenny Rogers, Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, Anne Murray, The Eagles, The Charlie Daniels Band, Jimmy Buffet, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and J.D.…

Today in 1953, Elvis Presley graduated from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis. Today in 1986, Randy Travis' “Storms Of Life” album was released. Today in 1992, Hal Ketchum's Past “The Point Of Rescue” album was certified gold.…

Today in 1964, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville a day after her high school graduation and met her future husband, Carl Dean, at a laundromat. Today in 1974, Ronnie Milsap collected the first #1 country single of…

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 1980, the single, "Bar Room Buddies," Merle Haggard and actor/director Clint Eastwood debuted on the charts. The song would become Clint’s first and only #1 and Merle’s 25th of 38 #1s. Today in 1991, Diamond Rio…

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 1918, Eddy Arnold was born in Henderson, Tennessee. He was called the Tennessee Plowboy in his solid recordings and shifted into string-laden recordings in the 1960s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall…

Today in 1951, Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart" reached #1. Today in 1995, Ty Herndon scored his first #1 hit, “What Mattered Most.” Today in 1998 Tracy Byrd released his album, “I'm From the Country.” Today in 2000, Curb…

Today in 1989, Chely Wright moved to Nashville. Today in 1991, George Strait’s “If I Know Me” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country chart. Today in 1993, the album “Big Time” by Little Texas was released.…