• Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
• Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released.
• Today in 1982, the single, “Always On My Mind,” by Willie Nelson entered the Top 40 chart.
• Today in 1982, Merle Haggard’s “Big City” hit the top of the charts.
• Today in 1989, after winning countless awards, racking up over 20 #1 hits and selling 50 million records worldwide, Alabama was named “80’s Artist of the Decade” by the Academy of Country Music. Kathy Mattea won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
• Today in 1993, Reba McEntire & Vince Gill share the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
• Today in 1995, George Strait recorded “Check Yes Or No,” and “I Know She Still Loves Me.”
• Today in 1996, Lorrie Morgan’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
• Today in 2002, after enjoying more than 4 decades of success in the music business, the Statler Brothers announced plans to say goodbye to touring. The band played their three last shows the following October with the grand finale on October 26^th in Salem, Virginia.
• Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood was the only double-winner at the CMT Music Awards. Keith Urban claimed Video of the Year for “Better Life.”
• Today in 2007, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter burned to the ground in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while workers are restoring it for new owner Barry Gibb. Watching helplessly: Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Tommy Cash, T.G. Sheppard and several Oak Ridge Boys.
• Today in 2009, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” debuted in theaters. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington and Rascal Flatts all appeared on screen.
• Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemann sang “Lover, Lover” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
• Today in 2012, Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He was inducted the following April 21^st.

Today in 2013, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and songwriter/producer Jack Clement were announced as the 2013 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.