COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1924, "National Barn Dance" premiered on WLS radio in Chicago. Later, the famous program would be renamed "The National Barn Dance" and became the first country music jamboree on radio. ("The Grand Ole Opry"…

Today in 1939, Gene Autry recorded "Back In The Saddle Again.” Today in 1948, Earl Scruggs married Louise Certain, and she became the manager of Flatt & Scruggs. Today in 1981, Alabama reached the top of the Billboard…

Today in 1970, Johnny Cash performed at the White House at the invitation of President Richard M. Nixon. Nixon asked Cash to perform "Okie From Muskogee," but Johnny refused since it wasn't his song. Instead, he…

Today in 1932, Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Holly, Kentucky. She was the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1972 and landed in the Country Music Hall…

Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist. Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart. Today in 1965, Roger…

Today in 1961, at the GRAMMYs, Marty Robbins won Best Country & Western Performance for “El Paso.” Today in 1972, Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium hosted the first Fan Fair. Today in 1980, Christy Pride hit the top of the…

Today in 1953, Hank Williams was on top of the charts with “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” Today in 1978, the "Waylon & Willie" album by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson was certified platinum. Today in 1980, Alabama signed their…

Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with "Take Me Home Country Roads." Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released. Today in 1982, the single, "Always On…

Today in 1956, Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1959, Marty Robbins recorded “El Paso” and “Big Iron” in at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville.…

Today in 1957, Brenda Lee made her debut on the country chart with "One Step at a Time." She was 12-years-old at the time, just a year younger than LeAnn Rimes was when she debuted with…