Today In Country Music History
Today in 1980, "My Home's in Alabama" became Alabama's first Top 20 hit.
Today in 1993, Willie Nelson and the IRS settled their long-standing tax dispute. The U.S. government kept three-point-six-million-dollars in assets it had already seized, and Willie had to pay five-point-four-million-dollars of the 13-point-one-million-dollar balance.
Today in 1996, Shania Twain hit number one with "(If You're Not In It For Love) I'm Outta Here."
Today in 1996, the mayor of Tampa, Florida proclaimed it "Henry Paul Day" in honor of BlackHawk's lead singer. Mayor Dick A. Greco said Paul should be honored for "lifelong achievements in one of our nation's classic treasures: country music."
Today in 2003, Keith Urban announced that a throat ailment affecting his vocal chords would force the cancellation of his professional obligations for six weeks.
Today in 2004, Alan Jackson was at number one for a second consecutive week on "Radio & Records'" Country Top 50 chart with his single "Remember When."
Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney's "Be As You Are: Songs From an Old Blue Chair" debuted at the top of the pop and country album charts after selling nearly 311-thousand copies during its first week of release.
Today in 2006, Earl Scruggs' wife passed away. Louise Scruggs, who had bucked the male-dominated country music industry by managing her banjo-playing husband, died from complications of a respiratory illness. She was 78.
Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts launched the "Me & My Gang" tour with a show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean were also on the bill.
Today in 2007, Hank Williams Jr. performed at the National Football League's Alumni Player of the Year awards at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.
Today in 2008, Bill Anderson was inducted into the Kappa Sigma Fraternity's Hall of Fame. The award is given to members of the Beta Lambda Chapter who have made a mark in their profession, in philanthropy, or the Fraternity itself. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue made the presentation at a ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
Today in 2008, Gene Watson tore ligaments in his left hand while playing a round of golf in Houston, Texas. The singer just happened to have a paramedic among his golfing partners, who recommended they head to the emergency room, but Gene insisted on finishing the game.
Today in 2008, Joe Nichols and Cowboy Troy were among the performers at "The Super Jam" in Phoenix, Arizona in conjunction with Super Bowl 42.
Today in 2009, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Gospel Music Hall of Fame at a dinner ceremony in Nashville. Former Elvis Presley backing vocalists The Imperials and other GMA Hall of Famers performed at the event. Other inductees included Michael W. Smith, Dr. Bobby Jones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and music producer Lari Goss.< |