Today In Country Music History
Today in 1956, Elvis Presley recorded "Don't Be Cruel" and "Hound Dog" at the RCA Records' New York studios. That session 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.
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-thousand copies its first week out. Those numbers were good enough for the project to debut at number five on the "Billboard" country album chart and number 53 on the pop albums chart. Both of those positions marked George's highest album debuts to date.
Today in 2002, Travis Tritt's sold-out concert in Chattanooga, Tennessee was recorded for a concert DVD.
Today in 2003, Kenny Rogers played his first career concert at the Hollywood Bowl. He was a guest of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Today in 2004, Marty Stuart pled guilty to drunken driving in a Sumner County court. He received a sentence of eleven-months and 29-days in jail -- all suspended except for two days -- and a 350-dollar fine. The case related to an arrest a couple weeks earlier in Henderson, Tennessee.
Today in 2005, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban were among the numerous stars who participated in the global Live 8 concert event to promote international aid for developing African nations. The shows were staged in conjunction with the annual G-8 summit.
Today in 2005, Tim and Mary Jane Rushlow had a son, William River Rushlow.
Today in 2006, Willie Nelson led a service at the Methodist Church in his hometown of Abbot, Texas. He and his sister Bobbie had purchased the church after it had closed a couple months earlier. The Nelsons wanted to revive the church because it's where their grandmother had taken them for services when they were children.
Today in 2006, Keith Urban and new wife Nicole Kidman's honeymoon officially ended. The couple returned to the U.S., taking a private jet from Bora Bora to Nashville.
Today in 2007, George Strait's "Wrapped" hit number one on the Mediabase chart, giving him his 55th chart-topping single. The accomplishment gave him the record for the most chart-topping singles for a solo artist in any format, and tied him with Conway Twitty for the most number one country recordings. Twitty's chart-toppers weren't all solo hits; some were duets with Loretta Lynn.
Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts released the single "Take Me There."
Today in 2007, the first "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson, announced that she'd signed a new management deal with Narvel Blackstock's Starstruck Entertainment, and that Blackstock, who's Reba McEntire's husband, was her new personal manager.
Today in 2008, The Oak Ridge Boys were made honorary members of the Barbershop Harmony Society during the Society's 70th Annual International Convention in Nashville.< |