COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1947, Hank Williams wrote the song “I Saw The Light.” Today in 1979, "The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach, debuted on CBS. Waylon Jennings narrated the show and…

Today in 1982, Kenny Rogers won three trophies in pop and country at the American Music Awards. Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Anne Murray, and The Oak Ridge Boys also won country awards. Today in 1988, Randy Travis…

Today in 1953, Hank William’s “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive” was #1 on the charts, several weeks after his death. Today in 1981, Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” reached the top of the Billboard…

Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis. Today in 1987, “Whoever’s in New England” by Reba McEntire became a gold album. Today in 1990, the album “Killin’ Time” by…

Today in 1969, Glen Campbell was awarded his first gold single for “Wichita Lineman.” Today in 1990, for the third straight year Randy Travis lead country winners at the American Music Awards with three awards. Other country…

Today in 1986, Dan Seals' nostalgic "Bop" goes to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 2001, inaugural celebrations for president George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., included performances by Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Lee…

Today in 1972, a section of Memphis' Highway 51 South was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. The road passes in front of Graceland. Today in 1973, Epic released Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors” Today in 1976, "Country Boy…

Today in 1953, Bill Monroe suffered 19 broken bones in a head-on collision on Highway 31 near White House, Tennessee. He still managed to get out of the car and pull another passenger, Bessie Lee Mauldin,…

Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded “Don’t Cry Daddy” at the American Studios in Memphis. Today in 1982, Ronnie Milsap recorded “Any Day Now” at the Groundstar Laboratory in Nashville. Today in 1988, Vern Gosdin’s “Chiseled in Stone”…

Today in 1992, Garth Brooks rose to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with "Unanswered Prayers" Today in 1993, Marty Stuart earned his first-ever gold album for “This One’s Gonna Hurt You.” Today in 1993, the…