1952
Born on this day in Durham, North Carolina, was Don Schlitz, country music songwriter who has earned two Grammys, as well as four ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year awards. Since 1993, Schlitz has also been a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Schlitz’ first hit as a songwriter was Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”, which became a crossover country hit in 1978. Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash, Tanya Tucker and The Judds have all recorded his songs.
1980
Alabama released “Why Lady Why” which became the group’s second #1 song on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart. The track was the second in a string of 21 consecutive #1 singles in as many releases, a string that spanned from 1980 through 1987.
1994Alan Jackson released “Livin’ on Love” which became his ninth #1 single on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts. The track was the second single from his album Who I Am.
1995
Faith Hill released her second studio album, It Matters to Me. It produced five Top Ten hits on the Hot Country Songs charts: “Let’s Go to Vegas”, “Someone Else’s Dream”, “You Can’t Lose Me”, “It Matters to Me”, and “I Can’t Do That Anymore.”
2000
John Michael Montgomery released “The Little Girl” which featured harmony vocals by bluegrass musicians Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski. It was released as the lead single from the album Brand New Me and became Montgomery’s seventh #1 hit.
2002
Alan Jackson collected 10 nominations for the 36th annual Country Music Association awards, breaking a 32-year-old record held by Merle Haggard.
