- Today in 1965, “Flowers On The Wall” by Statler Brothers entered the Top 40 chart for the first time. In 2000, an updated version of the song was re-released by guitar slinger, Eric Heatherly.
- Today in 1973, the “John Denver’s Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1982, Diamond Rio’s Marty Roe married his wife, Robin.
- Today in 1990, the Statler Brothers were given the American Spirit Award. It’s the highest award presented to civilians by the Air Force recruiting service.
- Today in 1992, Clint Black topped the country charts with the single, “Burn One Down.”
- Today in 1995, “Billboard” named the year’s top five country artists: John Michael Montgomery, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw.
- Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country albums chart. Shania Twain’s album, “The Woman In Me,” followed in second and John Michael Montgomery’s self-titled album was third.
- Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country singles chart. The song, “Any Man of Mine,” by Shania Twain followed.
- Today in 1996, Mindy McCready’s debut CD, “Ten Thousand Angels,” was certified platinum. At the party celebrating the certification of the album, Mindy was presented with a platinum belly button ring!
- Today in 1997, Emmylou Harris, Jewel and Sinead O’Connor performed the Beatles’ classic, “In My Life,” together at the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo.
- Today in 2001, Garth Brooks was named as the next recipient of the American Music Awards’ Award of Merit. Following in the footsteps of some of music’s biggest names, Garth received a tribute during the 29th annual American Music Awards telecast, which took place on January 9th. Previous winners of the “Award of Merit” include Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Tammy Wynette. The news followed some other pretty incredible news. Also on this day, Garth Brooks’ “Scarecrow” album was certified gold, platinum, double and triple platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” tour won in the “Most Creative Tour Package” category for “Pollstar’s” 2002 Concert Industry Awards.
- Today in 2001, Gary Allan and Montgomery Gentry joined the ranks of platinum-selling artists. Gary’s “Smoke Rings in the Dark” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Tattoos & Scars” albums were both certified platinum. Plus, Billy Gilman’s “One Voice” project achieved double platinum status.
- Today in 2002, Diamond Rio shot its video for “I Believe” in Nashville.
- Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood joined CeCe Winans, Ciara, and The Click Five to perform for president George W. Bush at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The concert became a TNT special called, “Christmas In Washington.”
- Today in 2009, Garth Brooks performed the first concert in a five-year deal with Wynn Las Vegas.
- Today in 2011, Sugarland performed “Stuck Like Glue” during the Nobel Peace Prize concert at the Spektrum Arena in Oslo, Norway.
- Today in 2015, Mel Tillis performed “The Arms Of A Fool” on the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It marked Tillis’ final appearance on the show.
- Today in 2015, Cam’s debut album, “Untamed,” was released.
- Today in 2015, Little Big Town backed up Gregg Allman on “Midnight Rider” during an installment of “Skyville Live,” a livestreaming event from Nashville. Also featured in the lineup: Taj Mahal and Chris Stapleton, who covered the Allmans’ “Whipping Post.”
- Today in 2016, Brandy Clark joined Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Grace Potter and Maria Muldaur in a tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Don Henley also made a surprise appearance, performing “Desperado.” Proceeds were earmarked for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
- Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson and Florida Georgia Line vocalist Tyler Hubbard go Christmas caroling in Nashville. Their performances include “White Christmas.”
Today in 2017, Taylor Swift earned 11 sales awards from the RIAA, including six multi-platinum albums: “Fearless” is certified for 10 million; “1989,” 9 million; “Taylor Swift,” 7 million; “Red” and “Speak Now,” 6 million each; and “Reputation,” triple-platinum.
