COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1972, when a concert date was cancelled, Barbara Mandrell officially joined the Grand Ole Opry, three weeks earlier than scheduled. Today in 1992, Garth Brooks and then-wife, Sandy Brooks, welcomed their first child, daughter Taylor…

Today in 1954, Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s debut single, “That’s All Right,” on his radio show. It was the first time an Elvis record had ever been played on the radio. Today…

Today in 1978, Tammy Wynette was no longer d-i-v-o-r-c-e-d from George Jones as she married George Richey. Today in 1990, Mark Chesnutt released his first single, "Too Cold At Home." Today in 1993, the “Whoever's In…

Today in 1954, Elvis Presley had his first commercial recording session and recorded his first single: "That's All Right (Mama)" backed with Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky". Presley had met Phillips seven months earlier when…

Today in 1973, Willie Nelson inaugurated his annual "Fourth of July Picnic" in Dripping Springs, Texas. Today in 1980, the Charlie Daniels Band missed performing at Willie Nelson’s 4th of July concert and picnic when someone forgot to…

In 2009, Brad Paisley released his seventh studio album American Saturday Night which peaked at #1 on the Country chart. The first single "Then," taken from the album became his fourteenth #1 on the Hot Country Songs…

Today in 1968, Tammy Wynette scored her fourth #1 hit with the single, "D-I-V-O-R-C-E." Today in 1971, Elvis Presley Blvd. was named in his honor in Memphis, Tennessee. Today in 1980, George Jones topped the charts with the…

Today in 1975, "Long Haired Country Boy" by Charlie Daniels Band peaked on the pop singles chart. Today in 1979, the Charlie Daniels Band’s “Million Mile Reflection” album was certified gold. Today in 1991, Alan Jackson's single, "Don't…

Today in 1949, a classic version of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," was recorded by Gene Autry, who didn't like when he first heard it. As it turned out though, America couldn't get enough of his rendition…

Today in 1964, Connie Smith signed with RCA Records. Today in 1974, "Back Home Again" album by John Denver was certified gold. Today in 1989, Garth Brooks made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Today in 1991, the "What Do…