COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1983, Alabama’s album, “The Closer You Get,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously. Today in 1986, Dolly Parton opened her Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee. Today in 1993, the “Some Gave All” album…

Today in 1974, "The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard" album was certified gold. Today in 1982, the “Always On My Mind” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold. Today in 1993, Alan Jackson's…

Today in 1976, "You've Never Been This Far Before" album by Conway Twitty was certified gold. Today in 1982, Alabama’s "Mountain Music" album was certified gold and platinum. Today in 1991, Alan Jackson and Michael…

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich rose to number one on the Billboard country chart with “Behind Closed Doors.” Today in 1978, the “Here You Come Again” album by Dolly Parton was certified platinum. Today in…

Today in 1968, Merle Haggard’s “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” reached #1 in Billboard. Today in 1976, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris performed together for the first time for a taping of…

Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton & Dolly Parton's duet, "Rockin' Years," hit #1. Today in 1992, Tracy Lawrence was #1 on the charts with "Today's Lonely Fool." Today in 1994, Pam Tillis released her…

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley played Las Vegas for the first time – and bombed! He opened for comedian Shecky Greene, and the middle-aged crowd hated him. He didn’t return to Vegas until 1969. Today…

Today in 1961, the first annual Country Music Festival opened in Jacksonville, Florida. The roster included artists like Patsy Cline, Webb Pierce, Flatt and Scruggs, Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis. Today in 1988, the album,…

Today in 1947, Hank Williams recorded “Move It On Over” and “I Saw The Light” at Nashville’s Castle Studio during his first MGM recording session. Today in 1987, the “Hillbilly Deluxe” album by Dwight Yoakam…

Today in 1959, 12-year-old Dolly Parton released her first single, "Puppy Love.” Today in 1977, the Glen Campbell hit “Southern Nights” went gold. Today in 1987, the “Greatest Hits” album by Reba McEntire was released.…