- Today in 1961, Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” entered the country charts.
- Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold.
- Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single, “Famous Last Words Of A Fool.”
- Today in 1990, Tanya Tucker’s “Tennessee Woman” album was released.
- Today in 1991, the album, “Something In Red,” by Lorrie Morgan was released.
- Today in 1991, Patty Loveless earned her first gold album certification for “Honky Tonk Angel.”
- Today in 1992, Pam Tillis’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1997, songwriter Mae Boren Axton died at the age of 82. She co-wrote the Elvis Presley classic, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
- Today in 1998, Tammy Wynette’s funeral was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Stars including Wynonna, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, Lorrie Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys all performed musical tributes. Before that very public service, there was a private service earlier in the day attended by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and George Jones.
- Today in 1999, Faith Hill kicked off the first leg of her “This Kiss” tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was her first tour as a solo headliner.
- Today in 2001, former BlackHawk member Van Stephenson died at his Nashville home at the age of 47 following a valiant fight against skin cancer.
- Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “My List,” topped the “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
- Today in 2002, Tommy Shane Steiner’s debut album, “Then Came The Night,” and Chris LeDoux’s “After The Storm” project arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, folks at “InStyle” magazine told us that their April 2001 edition, which featured Faith Hill on the cover, was their #1 seller that year. As a matter of fact, her issue trounced cover girls Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson.
- Today in 2005, Anna Nicole Smith appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. She flashed what appeared to some fans to be her breasts, though Opry officials insisted she was wearing a nude bra. She also met Joe Nichols, who ironically sang at her 2007 funeral.
- Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts and Loretta Lynn were celebrated at the Recording Academy Honors at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville. Also recognized were non-country acts Jars Of Clay and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
- Today in 2012, Keith Urban’s “For You,” from the movie “Act of Valor” was released to radio.
- Today in 2013, Brad Paisley’s album, “Wheelhouse,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and David Foster play the 22nd annual Celebrity Fight Night benefit in Phoenix, hosted by Reba McEntire. The event marks the last public appearance by boxer Muhammad Ali, who dies two months later.
- Today in 2016, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith sang “Silver Wings” during the funeral for Merle Haggard at his ranch in Palo Cedro, California. Kris Kristofferson performed”Sing Me Back Home,” and Haggard’s sons – Marty, Noel and Ben Haggard – deliver “Today I Started Loving You Again.” A year later on the same day? Merle’s widow, Theresa Haggard, was on hand as his childhood home, opened for public viewing in Bakersfield. It had been built from a converted boxcar.
- Today in 2018, Walker Hayes scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “You Broke Up With Me.”
- Today in 2018, Sugarland sang “Stuck Like Glue” with contestant Layla Spring and “Stay” with Gabby Barrett on ABC’s telecast of “American Idol” for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
Share 
