Today In Country Music History
Today in 1970, Jerry Lee Lewis and his second wife, Myra -- who was also his cousin -- were divorced. Their 1958 wedding, which took place when she was just 13 years old, caused such a scandal that it effectively ruined his career. However, the only thing illegal about the marriage was the fact that Jerry hadn't divorced his first wife when he wed Myra.
Today in 1994, Patty Loveless' album "When Fallen Angels Fly" went Gold.
Today in 1996, Jeff Foxworthy's "Crank It Up - The Music Album" went Gold.
Today in 1996, Brooks & Dunn released the single "A Man This Lonely."
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks' TV special "Garth Brooks: Double Live" aired on NBC. The show was actually performed live three times, for three different time zones.
Today in 1998, Reba McEntire was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
Today in 1999, Faith Hill's album "Breathe" debuted at number one on the "Billboard" pop albums chart with sales of 242-thousand copies its first week out.
Today in 2002, Jamie O'Neal left the country for a USO Tour of the Balkans and the Mediterranean Sea. She was overseas through the end of the month.
Today in 2003, new releases included Reba McEntire's album "Room to Breathe," which was her first studio album in four years, and Shania Twain's DVD "Shania: UP! Live in Chicago."
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw and the Warren Brothers played a benefit concert for Florida State University in Tallahassee to help the school build a new career center and establish a baseball scholarship in the name of Tim's late father, Tug McGraw.
Today in 2004, Montgomery Gentry and Trent Willmon took part in the second annual Country Cruise to the Caribbean. In addition to performances and meet-and-greets with the artist, the trip includes sightseeing in Key West and Cozumel.
Today in 2005, Shania Twain received the Order of Canada, the highest honor that can be awarded to a Canadian citizen. The singer was honored in a ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario.
Today in 2006, Alison Krauss rode the Santa Train from Kingsport, Tennessee to Pikeville, Kentucky, traveling 110-miles through 14 towns across Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky to help distribute 15-tons of toys and gifts for the holidays to thousands of people in the Appalachian area.
Today in 2006, Stonewall Jackson celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood took three trophies at the 35th annual American Music Awards. In the Country categories she was named Favorite Female Artist and her CD "Some Hearts" got the nod for Favorite Album. She also received the multi-genre T-Mobile Text-In Favorite Artist honor. Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw were also winners at the event.< |