COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1984, Alabama became the first country group to go triple-platinum, with the "Feels So Right" and "Mountain Music" albums each certified for shipment of three million copies. The albums "Roll On" and "The Closer…

Today in 1965, Ernest Tubb was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today in 1991, "The Patsy Cline Collection" album was released. Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt’s second album, "Longnecks and Short Stories," went gold. Today…

Today in 1957, the Elvis Presley film "Jailhouse Rock" premiered. Today in 1968, Nashville's top Country Music Awards go to Jeannie C. Riley's "Harper Valley P.T.A." for best song and to "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison" for…

Today in 1951, Hank Williams signed a movie contract with MGM. Today in 1955, a little known singer, Elvis Presley, played at a sock hop at Brooklyn High School (a Cleveland suburb) in his first appearance outside…

Today in 1952, Hank and Billie Jean Williams repeated their wedding vows onstage in New Orleans. Today in 1963, Buck Owens attained the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart with "Love's Gonna Live Here." Today…

Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton received a gold single for “Islands In The Stream.” Today in 1984, Mickey Gilley was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today in 1997, Deana Carter…

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn makes her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "I'm A Honky Tonk Girl" at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She receives an invitation to tour with Johnny Horton, but…

Today in 1946, Grandpa Jones wed Ramona Riggins. Today in 1957, Elvis Presley's single, "Jailhouse Rock," was released. Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette had her first solo #1 country hit with “I Don't Wanna Play House.” Today in 1969, the…

Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go…

Today in 1981, the 15th annual CMA Awards were held. In a history-making move, Barbara Mandrell won Female Vocalist honors as well as Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row (she was…