COUNTRY HISTORY

Today in 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis was arrested. He was celebrating his birthday by popping off a few rounds on his .357 Magnum. Two of those rounds hit bass player Butch Owens square in the…

Today in 1928, the first recording session in Nashville took place at the YMCA. One of the first acts to be recorded was Warmack's Gully Jumpers. Today in 1956, RCA Records credited Elvis Presley with…

Today in 1962, Loretta Lynn joined the Grand Ole Opry. Today in 1965, the Statler Brothers made their chart debut with "Flowers On The Wall". In 2000, Eric Heatherly brought the classic back to life…

Today in 1962, Hall of Famers Flatt and Scruggs recorded "The Ballad of Jed Clampett.” It went on to become the theme song of the TV series, “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Today in 1977, just one…

Today in 1972, the single, “Baby Don't Get Hooked On Me,” by Mac Davis was at #1 on the pop singles chart. Today in 1974, the Mac Davis album, “Stop & Smell The Roses,” was…

Today in 1939, Gene Autry's "Back In The Saddle Again" was released. Today in 1976, Willie Nelson released “The Troublemaker” album. Today in 1979, "Just Good Ol' Boys" (not the theme for “Dukes of Hazzard,”…

Today in 1990, The Internal Revenue Service placed liens totaling $16.7-million on Willie Nelson's property to guarantee that he paid $6.5-million in back taxes. Today in 1993, Garth Brooks' self-titled debut album was certified for…

Today in 1947, Carnegie Hall hosted its first country music show with Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff as headliners. Today in 1981, George Jones' “I Am What I Am” album was certified gold. Today in…

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Today in 1977, Reba McEntire made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed “Invitation to the Blues.” Today in 1996, Alabama released…

On this day in 1991, Willie Nelson married makeup artist Ann-Marie D'Angelo. The couple, who met on the set of Nelson's 1986 movie, “Red Headed Stranger,” has two sons.