COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1985, Gary Morris hit #1 on the charts for the first time with "Baby Bye Bye" from his album, “Faded Blue.” Today in 1987, the “Trio” album featuring Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou…

Today in 1949, Hank Williams recorded several songs: “Mind Your Own Business,” “Honky Tonk Blues,” “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)” and “Lost Highway.” Today in 1957, The Everly Brothers recorded “I Wonder If I Care…

Today in 1966, at the first Academy of Country & Western Music awards, Roger Miller was named Man of the Year and Top Songwriter. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Bonnie Owens also won big. Today in…

Today in 1961, Marty Robbins didn’t have a care in the world – as he was atop Billboard country single with “Don’t Worry.” Today in 1982, Don Williams was at #1 on the Billboard country singles…

Today in 1969, Johnny Cash recorded his album “Johnny Cash At San Quentin,” including the song “A Boy Named Sue.” June Carter, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers performed with him. Today in…

Today in 1935, Gene Autry starred in the sci-fi western “The Phantom Empire,” which included his song “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” His co-star was Smiley Burnette, and the plot was that Autry finds a lost…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley opened for Little Jimmy Dickens. After the show, the future Byrd Gram Parsons, who was in the front row, went back stage to get Elvis’ autograph. Today in 1968, Johnny Cash proposed…

Today in 1948, Little Jimmy Dickens performed “John Henry” and “I Dreamed Of An Old Love Affair” during his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1953, “Kaw-Liga” earned the late Hank Williams a #1…

Today in 1991, at the GRAMMYs, “Where’ve You Been” earned Best Country Song for writers Don Henry and Jon Vezner, and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for singer Kathy Mattea. Today in 1996, on “Home…

Today in 1965, “Tennessee Waltz” was declared the official state song of Tennessee. Today in 1969, rock legend Bob Dylan went to Nashville to record with Johnny Cash, but only two songs cut at those sessions…