- Today in 1947, Roy Rogers married Dale Evans in Murray County, Oklahoma. Rogers was late for the ceremony after having to put out a fire started by a cigarette butt in another room. They remained together until Rogers’ death in 1998.
- Today in 1985, Rick Nelson died in a plane crash outside of DeKalb, Texas.
- Today in 1990, Lisa Hartman first met Clint Black backstage at his New Year’s Eve concert in Houston, Texas.
- Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood and Kenny Rogers took part in CBS-TV’s landmark special, “America’s Millennium: A Celebration” in Washington D.C. Of course, some folks say that the “real” millennium didn’t take place until the first of the following year.
- Today in 2002, Big Kenny, already $140-thousand in debt, lost most of his last $200 while playing black jack in a Las Vegas casino. He gave the dealer a $20 tip, which left himself with just one buck. This event inspired him to write a future Tim McGraw hit, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
- Today in 2003, Toby Keith headlined the big year-end show for folks in Nashville at the Gaylord Entertainment Center for the first time. The show included performances from Scotty Emerick, Willie Nelson and Blake Shelton. Things went so well that Toby returned – this time with Terri Clark and Dierks Bentley in tow.
- Today in 2008, Kellie Pickler was a correspondent in 18-degree weather in Times Square on ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” Lionel Richie, The Jonas Brothers, and Taylor Swift performed.
- Today in 2011, The Band Perry performed “If I Die Young” on the ABC year-end special, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” along with, Fergie, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Hot Chelle Rae. It was the last iconic New Year’s Eve of Clark’s life.
Share 
