COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley. Today in 1980, the single, "I Love A Rainy Night,"…

Today in 1948, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart. Today in 1964, Bobby Bare married his wife, Jeannie. Today in 1966, Charley Pride entered the charts for the first time with "Just…

Today in 1957, "Jailhouse Rock" gave Elvis Presley a #1 country single in Billboard magazine. Today in 1989, Randy Travis went to #1 on the Billboard country chart with "It's Just A Matter Of Time." Today in…

Today in 1977, the “Elvis Country” album by Elvis Presley was certified gold. Today in 1987, George Strait's “Ocean Front Property” album was certified platinum. Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man” album…

Today in 1963, Dottie West debuted on the charts with the single, "Let Me Off at the Corner." Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers' album, "The Gambler," was certified gold. Today in 1982, the album, "Heaven's Just A Sin…

Today in 1959, "The Battle Of New Orleans" won Song of the Year for composer Jimmy Driftwood and Best Country & Western Performance for Johnny Horton during the second annual GRAMMY Awards. Today in 1960, "Are…

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 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 1967, Jack Greene became the first country star to appear in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Today in 1968, Tammy Wynette was sittin’ pretty at #1 in Billboard with "Stand By Your…

Today in 1984, Suzy Bogguss moved to Nashville from Illinois. Today in 1986, Lorrie Morgan married Keith Whitley. Today in 1990, Garth Brooks and Patty Loveless road floats down Broadway in New York during the…