1955
Billboard magazine’s annual disc jockey poll voted Elvis Presley as the most promising country and western artist.
1964
Born on this day in Tillamook, Oregon, was Jerry Kilgore, country music artist who as well as releasing solo albums has written singles for Tracy Byrd and John Michael Montgomery, (“Cover You in Kisses”).
1980
The soundtrack album Honeysuckle Rose was at #1 on the US Country chart. The 1980 musical drama film of the same name, featured Willie Nelson. Tracks on the album include songs by Nelson and various artists including Kenneth Threadgill, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Gimble, Hank Cochran, Jeannie Seely and Dyan Cannon. The song “On the Road Again” was nominated for Best Original Song in the 53rd Academy Awards.
1985
The made-for-television western drama Wild Horses starring Kenny Rogers and Pam Dawber premiered on CBS. This was Rogers’ seventh TV movie.
1990
Garth Brooks was at #1 on the US Country album charts with his second studio album No Fences. Some of Brooks most famous songs appear on No Fences, including: “The Thunder Rolls” (CMA’s 1991 Video of the Year), “Friends in Low Places” (Academy of Country Music’s 1990 Single of the Year), “Unanswered Prayers” and “Two of a Kind, Workin’ on a Full House”.
2005Martina McBride was at #1 on the Country chart with her eighth studio album Timeless a collection of classic country songs. Major artists whose songs were covered include Eddy Arnold, Johnny Cash, Don Gibson, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Ray Price, Hank Snow, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and many others.
