Today In Country Music History
Today in 1922, WSB radio in Atlanta was the first station to feature country music.
Today in 1955, Bill Hayes' "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" hit number one on the pop singles chart. The song kept the top spot for five weeks.
Today in 1974, the first performance from the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee, took place. President Richard Nixon helped open the new facility by playing three songs on the piano.
Today in 1987, George Strait earned a Gold record for "Ocean Front Property."
Today in 1991, seven members of Reba McEntire's road band, as well as her tour manager, were killed when their plane crashed near San Diego. Reba would've been on the plane too, had she not decided to stay behind and get a good night's sleep. Reba described the incident as, quote, "the worst time in my life," and her grief inspired her album "For My Broken Heart."
Today in 1995, David Ball's album "Thinkin' Problem" was certified Platinum.
Today in 1998, LeAnn Rimes single "Blue" went Gold.
Today in 1999, Pam Tillis made her Broadway debut in "Smokey Joe's Cafe."
Today in 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America presented the first Diamond Awards to a number of artists including Garth Brooks and the Beatles. The award is given in recognition of albums and singles that have hit the ten-million mark in sales.
Today in 2001, a Nashville judge refused to let LeAnn Rimes out of a recording contract with Curb Records that was approved at the request of her parents when she was 12. The following November, LeAnn and Curb came to an agreement and she re-signed with the label.
Today in 2002, Tim McGraw's "The Cowboy in Me" hit number one on the charts.
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw's "Watch the Wind Blow By" hit number one on "Radio & Records" Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2005, Travis Tritt performed a benefit concert for the family of a Douglas County, Georgia sheriff's deputy who had been killed in the line of duty.
Today in 2006, Garth Brooks celebrated hie number one hit "Good Ride Cowboy" with a party in Nashville.
Today in 2007, Lonestar's Richie McDonald announced that he was leaving the group.
Today in 2007, Reba McEntire hit the studio with pop superstar Justin Timberlake to record a song together for Reba's duets album.
Today in 2008, Danielle Peck sang the national anthem at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.
Today in 2008, Steve Azar performed at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida as part of Gino Torretta's Celebrity Golf and Gourmet Weekend.< |