COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1947, "Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry entered the Top 40 chart. Today in 1980, Dolly Parton’s first movie, "9 to 5," premiered. It was a huge hit and the title song went…

Today in 1966, Tracy Byrd was born in Vidor, Texas. He emerged in 1993 to record a series of hits, including “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper Of The…

Today in 1961, Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John” became the first country song to go gold. Today in 1973, Lorrie Morgan gave her first performance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing "Paper Roses" at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.…

Today in 1980, Waylon Jennings' "Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)" peaked at #21 on the pop charts. Today in 1988, the album, "Reba," was certified gold. Today in 1991, Brooks & Dunn's single, “My…

Today in 1957, in the "I do" that strangled "the Killer's" career, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown. Part of the resulting furor was due to the fact that he was still…

Today in 1980, the "Theme” from "The Dukes Of Hazzard" single by Waylon Jennings was certified gold. Today in 1987, Reba McEntire's “Greatest Hits” went gold. Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell became the first country artist to…

Today in 1962, Flatt & Scruggs perform at New York's Carnegie Hall. The concert is recorded for later release as an album. Today in 1982, Marty Robbins died of a heart attack at the age of…

Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton earned a platinum single for “Islands In The Stream.” Today in 1991, Reba McEntire's "For My Broken Heart" topped the Billboard country singles chart. Today in 1992, Mary Chapin Carpenter's…

Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley. Today in 1980, the single, "I Love A Rainy Night,"…

Today in 1967, Gary Herzberg was born in Montebello, California. Under the stage name Gary Allan; the scratchy-voiced singer debuted in 1996, with hits like “Smoke Rings In The Dark,” “Watching Airplanes,” and “Every Storm (Runs…