Today in 1954, Johnny Cash married Vivian Liberto in San Antonio, Texas. The couple, who share their daughter, Rosanne, moved to Memphis, where he formed a trio that was signed to Sun Records. The couple divorced in 1967 amid Johnny’s trouble with drug addiction. With the help of June Carter, Johnny beat his addiction and eventually married June in 1968.
Today in 1981, “Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Pressure Is On” album was released.
Today in 1984, the “Poncho & Lefty” album by Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
Today in 1989, Merle Haggard’s “His Epic – The First Eleven – To Be Continued” album was certified gold.
Today in 1991, the album, “It’s All About To Change,” by Travis Tritt was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Reba McEntire’s “My Kind Of Country” album was certified gold.
Today in 1991, the “Pocket Full Of Gold” album by Vince Gill was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Willie Nelson sold his Colorado ranch for $803,000 to help pay off the back taxes he owed the IRS.
Today in 1992, Doug Stone’s “From The Heart” album was released.
Today in 1996, Randy Travis’ “Always & Forever” album was certified for sales of 5-million.
Today in 1997, the Mayor of New York City declared it to be “Garth Brooks Day” in the Big Apple, as Garth played his historic concert in Central Park. A record 980,000 people showed up to see Garth perform with special guests Billy Joel and Don McLean. HBO’s live telecast of the free concert in New York set a ratings record for the cable network. “Garth Live From Central Park” drew HBO’s largest audience for an original program that year and topped the four major broadcast networks in HBO homes.
Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s debut album, “Room With a View,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 15-million.
Today in 2002, Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2004, Reba McEntire escorted “Somebody” to #1 in Billboard
Today in 2007, Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery were announced as the year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees during a ceremony at the Hall of Fame in Nashville by the Country Music Association.
Today in 2014, Songwriters busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Wiik Larsen wrote “H.O.L.Y.” in Los Angeles. In 2016, the song becomes a country hit for Florida Georgia Line.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan’s album, “Kill The Lights,” was released.
Today in 2017, Taylor Swift appeared in a Denver courtroom at the start of a trial that pits her against a radio host she accused of grabbing her buttocks backstage at a 2013 concert.
Today in 2017, Florida Georgia Line’s 2016 album, “Dig Your Roots,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Toby Keith and Kid Rock performed at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, to close the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s week of induction ceremonies. The night’s music included “Red Solo Cup,” “All Summer Long” and “I Love This Bar.”
