THIS DAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: “It’s a strange deal. I’m supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family and the way normal folks live. But mostly I’m living in motel rooms and traveling on my special bus.”
  • Today in 1982, Vince Gill and his first wife, Janis, welcomed their daughter, Jenny.
  • Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell topped the charts with the single, “After All This Time.”
  • Today in 1995, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the singles charts with “Gonna Get A Life.”
  • Today in 1997, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill welcomed their first baby, Gracie Katherine McGraw. At age nine, she had her “big break” as part of the children’s chorus at the close of her dad’s hit single, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks released his box set, “The Limited Series.” LeAnn Rimes also released her “Sittin’ On Top of the World” album, John Michael Montgomery’s “Leave A Mark” project and Mark Wills album, “Wish You Were Here,” also arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, Faith Hill took four trophies in the 34th annual Academy of Country Music awards. She won Single Record and Video of the Year, for “This Kiss”; claimed Top Female Vocalist; and shared Vocal Event with Tim McGraw, for “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
  • Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant made their first national television appearance together as newlyweds today on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The couple was plugging the Electrolux USA Championship women’s golf tournament, which they were jointly hosting.
  • Today in 2000, the annual issue of “In Style” magazine’s “Makeover Edition,” credited Faith Hill as one of the “most improved” and LeAnn Rimes’ fashion sense as “coming of age.” Faith was also featured in the magazine’s “Hall of Fame” section that focused on “celebrities for whom change is the only constant.”
  • Today in 2001, Blake Shelton performed his breakthrough single, “Austin,” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2009, Dolly Parton received a Tony nomination in New York for Best Original Score for “9 To 5: The Musical.” She lost out to Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt for their work in “Next To Normal.”
  • Today in 2015, Chris Stapleton’s debut solo album, “Traveller,” was released.

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