COUNTRY HISTORY

On this day in 1964, Country Music Hall of Fame member, Jim Reeves, died when his single-engine Beechcraft plane crashed near Nashville, Tennessee. Reeves and his business partner and manager Dean Manuel was flying on…

On this day in 1955: Johnny Cash records his first version of "Folsom Prison Blues," "Luther Played The Boogie" and "So Doggone Lonesome" at the Sun Recording Studio in Memphis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG0fS4DoGUc

On this day in 1972, Barbara Mandrell became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Mandrell is known for a long series of country hits in the 1970s and 1980s as well as her own…

On this day in 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis made his TV debut on "The Steve Allen Show," kicking his piano stool across the stage during "Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw7SBF-35Es

On this day in 1996, LeAnn Rimes' debut album, “Blue,” hit #1 on the country album charts. It went on to spend 26 weeks at the top – that’s a total of six months. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GozdIQx1Wow

On this day in 1948, Opry legend Roy Acuff announced his intent to run for governor of Tennessee. He did eventually run for office against the incumbent and lost. He also campaigned for the job…

On this day in 1977, Alabama debuted on the charts with their first single, “I Wanna Be With You Tonight.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQFt7gzQqjg

On this day in 2001, three generations of country performers covering forty years of music history wrapped up a weekend in the Ohio Valley in celebration of the Jamboree in the Hills’ 25th anniversary. Over…

Brad Paisley performed at the White House in celebration of country music. "Country Music at the White House " was streamed live on the White House web-site as well as a special on Great American Country.

Johnny Cash was at #1 on the country charts with "Folsom Prison Blues" Cash had performed the song at Folsom Prison itself on January 13, 1968 and this version was eventually released on the At Folsom…