- Today in 1924, “National Barn Dance” premiered on WLS radio in Chicago. Later, the famous program would be renamed “The National Barn Dance” and became the first country music jamboree on radio. (“The Grand Ole Opry” on WSM Radio began in 1925.) “National Barn Dance” continued for many years on the radio station that was owned by retailer, Sears Roebuck & Co. WLS, in fact, stood for “World’s Largest Store”. Though the “Barn Dance” gave way to rock music and eventually, talk radio. On the other hand, “The Grand Ole Opry” continues each weekend.
- Today in 1969, Glen Campbell reached the top of the Billboard country singles chart wit the Jimmy Webb song “Galveston.”
- Today in 1975, Emmylou Harris debuted on the charts with “Too Far Gone.”
- Today in 1978, Willie Nelson released his album “Stardust.”
- Today in 1980, for the first time ever, women held the top five positions on the “Billboard” country chart. The artists were Crystal Gayle, Dottie West, Debby Boone, Emmylou Harris and Tammy Wynette (with George Jones).
- Today in 1988, the “Strait Country” album by George Strait was certified gold.
- Today in 1990, Lorrie Morgan’s “Leave The Light On” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1990, the “Lost In The Fifties” album by Ronnie Milsap was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Travis Tritt scored his first #1 hit, “Drift Off to Dream.”
- Today in 1993, the “Slow Dancing With The Moon” album by Dolly Parton was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, the Eagles played Starwood Amphitheatre in Nashville to a celebrity-filled audience including Clay Walker, Tim McGraw, Doug Supernaw, Brooks & Dunn, Steve Winwood, Reba McEntire, Lorrie Morgan, and Diamond Rio’s Brian Prout.
- Today in 2000, Clay Davidson appeared on CNN’s “On The Shelf” segment.
- Today in 2000, the British paper, “The Weekly News,” reported that Shania was responsible for helping a 14-year-old boy come out of a coma. In October 1999, the child was struck by a car and left in a coma. The boy’s mother said that doctors told her to expect the worst for her son. Then, a few weeks into the boy’s treatment, his family brought him a personal stereo and a copy of Shania’s “Come On Over” album. Reportedly, every time the hospital staff switched off the CD for any reason, there were immediate changes in his vital signs. Slowly, he started to come out of his coma and in late December, his mother heard the precious words, “I want my mum!” A few weeks later, the boy’s family was given the best news of all – that he could come home permanently. At last check, the family said that everything is improving and that “Come On Over” is still his favorite album.
- Today in 2003, Brad Paisley’s “Celebrity” video premiered during CMT’s “Most Wanted Live,” with celebrity cameos by Jason Alexander, Jim Belushi, Little Jimmy Dickens, Trista Rehn, and William Shatner.
- Today in 2005, Carrie Underwood sang “MacArthur Park” as one of the seven remaining contestants on “American Idol.”
- Today in 2007, Keith Urban’s video “I Told You So” debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2010, “The Foundation” album by Zac Brown Band went double-platinum.
- Today in 2015, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert were the big winners at the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards.
- Today in 2016, the Brothers Osborne performed “Stay A Little Longer” as they made their Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville.
- Today in 2017, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman introduced a line of kitchen items, Love & Daisies, on the Home Shopping Network.
- Today in 2017, Kid Rock visited president Donald Trump in the Oval Office along with Ted Nugent and Republican politician Sarah Palin.
Share 
