1955
American country music singer and songwriter Jim Reeves was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Known as “Gentleman Jim”, his songs continued to chart for years after his death in a plane crash in 1964. Reeves was elected posthumously to the Country Music Hall of Fame during 1967, which honored him by saying, “The velvet style of ‘Gentleman Jim Reeves’ was an international influence. His rich voice brought millions of new fans to country music from every corner of the world.”
1966At the age of 48, Eddy Arnold became the youngest (to that time) living inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
1968
Glen Campbell was at #1 on the US Country music album chart with his sixth studio release, Gentle on My Mind. The title track written by John Hartford, won two 1968 Grammy Awards and received over 5 million radio plays. Campbell used “Gentle on My Mind” as the theme to his television variety show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour between 1969 and 1972.
1973
John Denver released “Sunshine on My Shoulders” which hit #1 early in 1974. It was originally the B-side of one of his earlier songs, “I’d Rather Be a Cowboy”. As the Vietnam War came to an end, the song took on a new significance and began to receive airplay. It was also his first of four #1’s between 1974-1975, the other three being: “Annie’s Song”, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”, and “I’m Sorry.”
1984
Alabama released “(There’s A) Fire in the Night” which went to #1 on the Country charts. The track was the fifthteenth in a string of 21 consecutive #1 singles in as many releases, a string that spanned from 1980 through 1987.
1990
George Strait released “I’ve Come to Expect It from You” which gave him his twentieth US #1 Country hit. The track released as the third and final single from his album Livin’ It Up stayed at the top of the charts for five weeks.
1999
Dixie Chicks fifth studio album Fly was at #1 on the country chart. The album debuted and peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 and has now sold over 10 million units.
2005
The reality series Tuckerville aired for the first time on The Learning Channel, documenting the life of country music star Tanya Tucker as she recorded an album, ran her record business, and raises her three children. It ran for two seasons for a total of 18 episodes.
