Today In Country Music History
Today in 1983, Kathy Mattea first appeared on the country charts with the song "Street Talk." The single made the Top 40, but it took her another five years to score her first number one hit, "Goin' Gone."
Today in 1984, Alabama was named the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year for the third year in a row. They were the first act ever to win the prestigious award that many times. In addition, Reba McEntire began her four-year run of earning Female Vocalist of the Year, and Anne Murray became the first female country artist to receive Album of the Year honors, getting the nod for "A Little Good News."
Today in 1985, the "Live In London" album by Ricky Skaggs was released.
Today in 1990, George Strait was named Entertainer of the Year at the 24th annual Country Music Association Awards, while Clint Black and Kathy Mattea were the Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, and the Horizon Award went to Garth Brooks. Tennessee Ernie Ford was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1991, new album releases included "Don't Go Near The Water" by Sammy Kershaw and Alabama's "Greatest Hits Volume 2."
Today in 1996, Daryle Singletary's album "All Because Of You" and the album "One Ride In Vegas" by Deryl Dodd were released.
Today in 2002, Keith Urban's album "Golden Road" arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride was at the Safe Haven homeless shelter in Nashville to draw attention to ways people can help others on Make a Difference Day.
Today in 2002, Joe Diffie was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2002, Johnny Cash was honored with the Founders Award at the 32nd annual Conference of the International Entertainment Buyers Association.
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire were among the country stars who took part in the taping of the TV special "Genius: A Night For Ray Charles," at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Today in 2004, Keith Urban kicked off his first tour as a headlining act in Muncie, Indiana.
Today in 2005, Tim McGraw performed for 18-thousand people at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl, making him one of the few country artists to play a sold-out show at the historic venue.
Today in 2006, Dierks Bentley hosted his Miles and Music For Kids fundraiser benefiting Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Montgomery Gentry's Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry and Trick Pony's Ira Dean were among the more than two-thousand motorcycles who took part in the ride, while Montgomery Gentry, along with Eric Church, The Randy Rogers Band, Jeff Foxworthy, performed for participants.
Today in 2006, Alan Jackson made an appearance on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," performing "Remember When" and "Livin' on Love."
Today in 2007, Little Big Town celebrated their album "A Place To Land" with a release party and intimate performance in New York City. However, the CD didn't actually hit stores for another few weeks.< |