- Today in 1956, Elvis Presley recorded “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” at the RCA Records’ New York studios. When the two songs were released as a double-sided single later that year, they hit #1 and stayed there for 11 weeks. That session also marked the first time that Elvis used the gospel trio the Jordanaires as his backup group.
- Today in 1964, Jim Reeves went into the studio for what turned out to be his last recording session. He was killed in a plane crash less than a month later (on July 31st, 1964).
- Today in 1979, the “Classics” album by Kenny Rogers & Dottie West was certified gold.
- Today in 1984, the “City Of New Orleans” album by Willie Nelson was released.
- Today in 1991, Dolly Parton’s “Eagle When She Flies” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Trisha Yearwood’s self-titled debut album was released.
- Today in 1999, Andy Griggs made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2000, George Jones’ album, “Cold Hard Truth,” was certified for sales of 28,000 copies its first week out. Those numbers were good enough for the project to debut at #5 on “Billboard’s” country album chart and #53 on the pop albums chart. Both of those positions marked George’s highest debuts ever at the time.
- Today in 2002, Travis Tritt’s sold-out concert in Chattanooga, Tennessee was preserved for posterity and recorded for a concert DVD, which was released later that year.
- Today in 2005, “Fast Cars And Freedom” has Rascal Flatts speeding to the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler’s single, “Best Days of Your Life,” which was co-written by Taylor Swift, was certified gold.
- Today in 2012, James Taylor welcomed an unannounced guest, Taylor Swift, during his concert at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. He provides musical support as she performs “Ours” and “Love Story.”
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