List of years in country music
Encyclopedia
This page indexes the individual year in country music pages. Each year is annotated with a significant event as a reference point.
2010s - 2000s - 1990s - 1980s - 1970s - 1960s - 1950s - 1940s - 1930s - 1920s -
Pre-1920s
2010s - 2000s - 1990s - 1980s - 1970s - 1960s - 1950s - 1940s - 1930s - 1920s -
Pre-1920s
2010s
- 2012 in country music2012 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2012.-Top hits of the year:The following songs placed within the Top 20 on the Hot Country Songs charts in 2012:-Top new album releases:...
- 2011 in country music2011 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2011.-Events:*January 1 — Shania Twain marries Swiss businessman Frédéric Thiébaud in Puerto Rico, less than two weeks after announcing the two were engaged...
- 2010 in country music2010 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2010.-Events:*January 31 — Taylor Swift becomes the youngest country music artist and also youngest person to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for her album Fearless...
, Taylor SwiftTaylor SwiftTaylor Alison Swift is an American country pop singer-songwriter, musician and actress.In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", then her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America...
wins Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
s including Album of the YearGrammy Award for Album of the YearThe Grammy Award for Album of the Year is the most prestigious award category at the Grammys. It has been awarded since 1959 and though it was originally presented to the artist alone, the award is now presented to the artist, the producer, the engineer and/or mixer and the mastering engineer...
; Lyric Street RecordsLyric Street RecordsLyric Street Records was an American record label specializing in country music. The label was part of the Disney Music Group, owned by the The Walt Disney Company. President Randy Goodman, formerly a general manager for RCA Records, founded the label in 1997...
disestablished; deaths of Slim Bryant, Hank CochranHank CochranGarland Perry "Hank" Cochran was an American country music singer and songwriter. Starting during the 1960s, Cochran was a prolific songwriter in the genre, including major hits by Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Eddy Arnold and others...
and Carl SmithCarl Smith (country musician)Carl Milton Smith was an American country music singer. Known as "Mister Country," Smith was the husband of June Carter and Goldie Hill, the drinking companion of Johnny Cash, and the father of Carlene Carter...
; "Need You Now" by Lady AntebellumLady AntebellumLady Antebellum is an American country pop music group formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 2006. The trio is composed of Charles Kelley , Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott .The group made its debut in 2007 as guest vocalists on Jim Brickman's single "Never Alone", before signing to Capitol...
becomes crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
smash.
2000s
- 2009 in country music2009 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2009.-Events:*August — After 36 years of using the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart as the basis of its program, American Country Countdown begins using the Mediabase chart....
, Brooks & DunnBrooks & DunnBrooks & Dunn was an American country music duo consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who were both vocalists and songwriters. They were paired by record producer Tim DuBois in 1990. Before the duo's foundation, both members of the duo were solo recording artists...
announces their break up; Garth BrooksGarth BrooksTroyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
comes out of retirement; Taylor SwiftTaylor SwiftTaylor Alison Swift is an American country pop singer-songwriter, musician and actress.In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", then her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America...
-Kanye WestKanye WestKanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
conflict at an MTV awards show2009 MTV Video Music AwardsThe 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 13, 2009, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, honoring the best music videos from June 19, 2008, to June 29, 2009. Comedian Russell Brand hosted the event for the second time in a row. The awards were held a few months after Michael...
; deaths of Ernie AshworthErnie AshworthErnest Bert Ashworth was an American country music singer and longtime Grand Ole Opry star. Signed to the Hickory label, he recorded two studio albums in his career and charted several singles on Billboard Hot Country Songs, including the number one "Talk Back Trembling Lips" and six other top ten...
, Vern GosdinVern GosdinVern Gosdin was an American country music singer. He idolized The Louvin Brothers and The Blue Sky Boys as a young man and sang in a gospel quartet called The Gosdin Brothers. An inheritor of the soulful honky tonk style of Lefty Frizzell and Merle Haggard, Gosdin was nicknamed "The Voice" by his...
, Dan SealsDan SealsDanny Wayland "Dan" Seals was an American musician. The younger brother of Seals & Crofts member Jim Seals, he first gained fame as the "England Dan" half of the soft rock duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, which charted nine pop and adult contemporary singles between 1976 and 1980, including...
and Opry star Hank LocklinHank LocklinLawrence Hankins Locklin , better known as Hank Locklin, was an American country music singer-songwriter...
; Carrie UnderwoodCarrie UnderwoodCarrie Marie Underwood is an American country singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, in 2005...
wins her 3rd straight Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. - 2008 in country music2008 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2008.-Events:* April 27 — A story in the New York Daily News reported a possible long-term relationship between Mindy McCready and baseball star Roger Clemens that began when she was 15 years old...
, George StraitGeorge StraitGeorge Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
makes new record with 56 No. 1 singles; deaths of Eddy ArnoldEddy ArnoldRichard Edward Arnold , known professionally as Eddy Arnold, was an American country music singer who performed for six decades. He was a so-called Nashville sound innovator of the late 1950s, and scored 147 songs on the Billboard country music charts, second only to George Jones. He sold more...
and Jerry ReedJerry ReedJerry Reed Hubbard , known professionally as Jerry Reed, was an American country music singer, innovative guitarist, songwriter, and actor who appeared in more than a dozen films...
; rise of Taylor SwiftTaylor SwiftTaylor Alison Swift is an American country pop singer-songwriter, musician and actress.In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", then her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America...
as a major crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
artist; Shania TwainShania TwainShania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...
and Robert John "Mutt" Lange separate after 14 years of marriage. - 2007 in country music2007 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2007.-Events:* February 11 — It was a big night for country music artists at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, as they swept the awards in four top categories...
, Country music's big night at the GrammysGrammy Awards of 2007The 49th Annual Grammy Awards was a ceremony honoring the best in music for the recording year beginning September 15, 2005 and ending September 14, 2006 in the United States. The awards were handed out on Sunday February 11, 2007 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dixie Chicks...
; Garth Brooks' record-breaking hit singleMore Than a Memory"More Than a Memory" is a song written by Lee Brice, Billy Montana and Kyle Jacobs. It was recorded by country music singer Garth Brooks and released in 2007 as his 51st single. It is the first single from his 2007 compilation The Ultimate Hits. On the U.S...
; deaths of Del ReevesDel ReevesFranklin Delano Reeves , better known as Del Reeves, was an American country music singer, best known for his "girl-watching" novelty songs of the 1960s including "Girl on the Billboard" and "The Belles of Southern Bell"...
, Porter WagonerPorter WagonerPorter Wayne Wagoner was a popular American country music singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. He introduced the young Dolly Parton near the beginning of her career on his long-running television show, and they were a well-known duet throughout the late 1960s and...
and Hank ThompsonHank Thompson (music)Henry William Thompson , known professionally as Hank Thompson, was an American country music entertainer whose career spanned seven decades...
. - 2006 in country music2006 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2006.-Events:* January 14 — With the song, "She Let Herself Go," George Strait scores his 40th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, all of them solo. It ties a 20-year-old record for most No...
, George StraitGeorge StraitGeorge Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
's 41st No. 1 on the Billboard charts (53 including other charts); new host for "American Country CountdownAmerican Country CountdownAmerican Country Countdown, also known as ACC or American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, is an internationally syndicated radio program which counts down the top 30 country songs of the previous week, from No. 30 to No. 1, according to the Mediabase country chart...
"; death of Buck OwensBuck OwensAlvis Edgar Owens, Jr. , better known as Buck Owens, was an American singer and guitarist who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, the Buckaroos...
. - 2005 in country music2005 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2005.-Events:*April 30 — Billboard magazine renames the Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart "Hot Country Songs." The chart's renaming is part of a major redesign of the 110-year-old magazine.*May 25 — Oklahoma-born Carrie...
, Carrie UnderwoodCarrie UnderwoodCarrie Marie Underwood is an American country singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, in 2005...
wins "American IdolAmerican IdolAmerican Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
"; Walk the LineWalk the LineWalk the Line is a 2005 American biographical drama film directed by James Mangold and based on the early life and career of country music artist Johnny Cash...
biopic released, death of Chris LeDouxChris LeDouxChris Ledoux was an American country music singer-songwriter, bronze sculptor and rodeo champion.During his career LeDoux recorded 36 albums which have sold more than six million units in the United States as of January 2007...
. - 2004 in country music2004 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2004.-No dates:* Lynn Anderson arrested near her home in Taos, New Mexico after being charged with a DUI for drunk driving. A motorist called the local police after noticing Anderson's car weaving in and out of lanes,...
, Invasion of the MuzikMafiaMuzikMafiaThe MuzikMafia was an informal collection of American country music artists, founded in October 2001 in Nashville, Tennessee by Big Kenny and John Rich , along with Jon Nicholson and Cory Gierman....
; death of Opry star Skeeter DavisSkeeter DavisMary Frances Penick , better known as Skeeter Davis, was an American country music singer best known for crossover pop music songs of the early 1960s. She started out as part of The Davis Sisters as a teenager in the late 1940s, eventually landing on RCA Records. In the late '50s, she became a solo...
. - 2003 in country music2003 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2003.-Events:*March 10 — During a concert in London, England, Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines said that the band was "ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas"...
, Rascal FlattsRascal FlattsRascal Flatts is an American country music band that originated in Columbus, Ohio, United States of America. Since its inception, Rascal Flatts has been composed of three members: Gary LeVox , Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney...
"I Melt" video and Dixie ChicksDixie ChicksThe Dixie Chicks are an American country band which has also successfully crossed over into other genres. The band is composed of founding members Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines...
controversies; deaths of Johnny CashJohnny CashJohn R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
and June Carter CashJune Carter CashValerie June Carter Cash was an American singer, dancer, songwriter, actress, comedienne and author who was a member of the Carter Family and the second wife of singer Johnny Cash...
; 70-year-old Willie Nelson has No. 1 hit. - 2002 in country music2002 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2002.-Events:* November — Shania Twain returned with her fourth album, Up!. It opened at No...
, Toby KeithToby KeithToby Keith Covel , best known as Toby Keith, is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer and actor. Keith released his first four studio albums — 1993's Toby Keith, 1994's Boomtown, 1996's Blue Moon and 1997's Dream Walkin, plus a Greatest Hits package for various divisions of...
/Natalie MainesNatalie MainesNatalie Louise Maines Pasdar is an American singer-songwriter who achieved success as the lead vocalist for the female alternative country band, the Dixie Chicks...
feud; comeback albums from Shania TwainShania TwainShania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...
, Faith HillFaith HillFaith Hill is an American country singer. She is known both for her commercial success and her marriage to fellow country star Tim McGraw. Hill has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and accumulated eight number-one singles and three number-one albums on the U.S...
and The Dixie ChicksDixie ChicksThe Dixie Chicks are an American country band which has also successfully crossed over into other genres. The band is composed of founding members Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines...
; death of Waylon JenningsWaylon JenningsWaylon Arnold Jennings was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. Jennings began playing at eight. He began performing at twelve, on KVOW radio. Jennings formed a band The Texas Longhorns. Jennings worked as a D.J on KVOW, KDAV and KLLL...
. - 2001 in country music2001 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2001.-Top hits of the year:The following songs placed within the Top 20 on the Hot Country Songs charts in 2001:-Top new album releases:...
, Tributes to those killed in September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. - 2000 in country music2000 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 2000.-Events:* March 4 — "Amazed" by Lonestar becomes the first country song to have topped both the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks and the Billboard Hot 100 chart since the Kenny Rogers-Dolly Parton duet,...
, Toby KeithToby KeithToby Keith Covel , best known as Toby Keith, is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer and actor. Keith released his first four studio albums — 1993's Toby Keith, 1994's Boomtown, 1996's Blue Moon and 1997's Dream Walkin, plus a Greatest Hits package for various divisions of...
's breakthrough; Vince GillVince GillVincent Grant "Vince" Gill is an American neotraditional country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has achieved commercial success and fame both as frontman to the country rock band Pure Prairie League in the 1970s, and as a solo artist beginning in 1983, where his talents as a...
and Amy GrantAmy GrantAmy Lee Grant is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop"...
marry; Kenny RogersKenny RogersKenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
becomes the oldest singer to have a No. 1 song; Rascal FlattsRascal FlattsRascal Flatts is an American country music band that originated in Columbus, Ohio, United States of America. Since its inception, Rascal Flatts has been composed of three members: Gary LeVox , Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney...
debut albumRascal Flatts (album)-Rascal Flatts:*Gary LeVox - lead vocals*Jay DeMarcus - harmony vocals, bass guitar *Joe Don Rooney - harmony vocals-Additional musicians:*Tim Akers - keyboards*Larry Beaird - acoustic guitar...
released.
1990s
- 1999 in country music1999 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1999.-Events:*March 6 — Legendary performer George Jones, in the midst of a comeback this year, is seriously injured when he crashed his Lexus into a bridge...
, LonestarLonestarLonestar is an American country music group consisting of Richie McDonald , Michael Britt , Keech Rainwater , Dean Sams , and Michael Hill . McDonald left the band in November 2007 for a solo career before returning in 2011...
's "Amazed" spends eight weeks at No. 1, and becomes a major pop hit. - 1998 in country music1998 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 10 — "Retro Country USA," a weekly two-hour syndicated radio program spotlighting major country hits of the 1980s , premieres...
, Deaths of Tammy WynetteTammy WynetteVirginia Wynette Pugh, known professionally as Tammy Wynette , was an American country music singer-songwriter and one of the genre's best-known artists and biggest-selling female vocalists....
, Eddie RabbittEddie RabbittEdward Thomas "Eddie" Rabbitt was an American singer-songwriter and musician. His career began as a songwriter in the late 1960s, springboarding to a recording career after composing hits such as "Kentucky Rain" for Elvis Presley in 1970 and "Pure Love" for Ronnie Milsap in 1974...
, Carl PerkinsCarl PerkinsCarl Lee Perkins was an American rockabilly musician who recorded most notably at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning during 1954...
and Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
. "This Kiss" by Faith HillFaith HillFaith Hill is an American country singer. She is known both for her commercial success and her marriage to fellow country star Tim McGraw. Hill has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and accumulated eight number-one singles and three number-one albums on the U.S...
, "You're Still the One" by Shania TwainShania TwainShania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...
become major crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
hits, rekindling debate over pop-influenced country music. - 1997 in country music1997 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1997.-Events:* July 12 — The song, "It's Your Love," by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill becomes the first song in 20 years to spend six weeks atop Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. The last song to do so...
, Six weeks at No. 1 for "It's Your Love"; Shania TwainShania TwainShania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...
's Come On OverCome on Over (Shania Twain album)Come On Over is the third studio album recorded by Canadian singer Shania Twain. It was released on November 4, 1997. It became the world's best-selling country music album and the best-selling studio album ever released by a female artist in any genre...
albumAlbumAn album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
released. - 1996 in country music1996 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1996.-Events:* June 28 — First annual Country Stampede Music Festival begins* October 6 — Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are married, and quickly become country music's most visible couple...
, Marriage of Tim McGrawTim McGrawSamuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American country singer and actor. Many of McGraw's albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the...
and Faith HillFaith HillFaith Hill is an American country singer. She is known both for her commercial success and her marriage to fellow country star Tim McGraw. Hill has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and accumulated eight number-one singles and three number-one albums on the U.S...
. Death of Faron YoungFaron YoungFaron Young was an American country music singer and songwriter from the early 1950s into the mid-1980s and one of its most successful and colorful stars... - 1995 in country music1995 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1995.-Top hits of the year:-Singles released by American artists:-Singles released by Canadian artists:-Top new album releases:-Other top albums:-Deaths:...
, The rise of Shania TwainShania TwainShania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...
; death of Charlie RichCharlie RichCharles Rich was an American country music singer and musician. A Grammy Award winner, his eclectic-style of music was often hard to classify in a single genre, playing in the rockabilly, jazz, blues, country, and gospel genres.In the latter part of his life, Rich acquired the nickname The Silver...
; Great American CountryGreat American CountryGreat American Country , is a Nashville, Tennessee-based country music cable television network.-History:The station launched December 31, 1995 and Garth Brooks' video "The Thunder Rolls" was the first video to air on GAC....
premieres. - 1994 in country music1994 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1994.-Events:* January 8 — Star, Mississippi, native Faith Hill hits paydirt with her first single release, "Wild One." The song spends four weeks atop the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, the...
, The push for more pop-influenced country (tied to the success of Garth BrooksGarth BrooksTroyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
and rise of newcomers Faith HillFaith HillFaith Hill is an American country singer. She is known both for her commercial success and her marriage to fellow country star Tim McGraw. Hill has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and accumulated eight number-one singles and three number-one albums on the U.S...
and Tim McGrawTim McGrawSamuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American country singer and actor. Many of McGraw's albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the...
); the comeback of Johnny CashJohnny CashJohn R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
. - 1993 in country music1993 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1993.-Top hits of the year:-Singles released by American artists:-Singles released by Canadian artists:-Top new album releases:-Other top albums:-Deaths:...
, Death of Conway TwittyConway TwittyConway Twitty , born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist. He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006...
; marriage of Shania TwainShania TwainShania Twain, OC is a Canadian country pop singer-songwriter. Her album The Woman in Me , brought her fame and her 1997 album Come On Over, became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician in any genre, and the best-selling country album of all time. It has sold over 40 million...
to Robert LangeRobert LangeRobert John "Mutt" Lange is a Zambian-born British record producer and songwriter, usually known by his nickname "Mutt". Lange is one of the most successful producers in rock history. He has produced albums for artists such as AC/DC, Nickelback, Def Leppard, Outlaws, Foreigner, The Cars, Bryan...
. - 1992 in country music1992 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1992.-Events:* January — After 23 years of its tried-and-true formula, the producers of Hee Haw unveil an extensively revamped show in time for the start of its belated 24th season...
, Hee HawHee HawHee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
ends first-run production; the rise of line dancingLine danceA line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows without regard for the gender of the individuals, all facing the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Line dancers are not in physical contact...
and related hit singles, particularly "Achy Breaky Heart" and "Boot-Scootin' Boogie." - 1991 in country music1991 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1991.-Events:* March 16 — The country music world is stunned when seven members of Reba McEntire's band and her road manager are killed in a plane crash in California...
, Ropin' the Wind by Garth BrooksGarth BrooksTroyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
debuts at No. 1 on pop album chart, death of Dottie WestDottie WestDottie West was an American country music singer and songwriter. Along with her friends and co-recording artists Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, she is considered one of the genre's most influential and groundbreaking female artists...
. - 1990 in country music1990 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1990.-Events:* January 20 — Billboard magazine begins basing the Hot Country Singles chart entirely on radio airplay through Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems , which uses a computerized system to detect actual radio spins....
, Resurgence in multi-week No. 1s ("Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart," "Love Without End, AmenLove Without End, Amen"Love Without End, Amen" is the title of a song written by Aaron Barker and recorded by American country music singer George Strait. It was released in April 1990 as the lead-off single from his album, Livin' It Up, the song spent five weeks at Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Singles &...
").
1980s
- 1989 in country music1989 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1989.-Events:* May 9 — Rising country star Keith Whitley is found dead at his home, a victim of alcohol poisoning. News of his death sent shockwaves through the industry, given that he had been hailed as a future...
, chart debuts of Garth BrooksGarth BrooksTroyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
, Clint BlackClint BlackClint Patrick Black is an American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist and occasional actor. Signed to RCA Records in 1989, Black made his debut with his Killin' Time album, which produced four straight Number One singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country...
, Travis TrittTravis TrittJames Travis Tritt is an American country music singer from Marietta, Georgia. He signed to Warner Bros. Records in 1989, releasing seven studio albums and a greatest hits package for the label between then and 1999. In the 2000s, he released two albums on Columbia Records and one for the defunct...
and Alan JacksonAlan JacksonAlan Eugene Jackson is an American country music singer, known for blending traditional honky tonk and mainstream country sounds and penning many of his own hits. He has recorded 13 studio albums, 3 Greatest Hits albums, 2 Holiday albums, 1 Gospel album and several compilations, all on the Arista...
; death of Keith WhitleyKeith WhitleyJackie Keith Whitley , known professionally as Keith Whitley, was an American country music singer. Whitley's brief career in mainstream country music lasted from 1984 until his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters...
; Ronnie MilsapRonnie MilsapRonnie Lee Milsap is an American country music singer and pianist. He was one of country’s most popular and influential performers of the 1970s and 1980s...
has last No. 1 hit, "A Woman in LoveA Woman in Love (Ronnie Milsap song)"A Woman in Love", recorded by country music singer Ronnie Milsap in 1989, was his last song to reach number one on the U.S. country singles chart. It tells of man who is confused with the way women in love behave...
." - 1988 in country music1988 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1988.-Events:* May 21 — Country music stars highlight a concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. Featured: Alabama, The Judds, George Strait and Randy Travis.-No dates:...
, chronicling the history of country music on compact discCompact DiscThe Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
(among the first being the Country USACountry USA (Time-Life Music)Country USA was a 23-volume series issued by Time-Life Music during the late 1980s and early 1990s, spotlighting country music of the 1950s through early 1970s....
series); Merle HaggardMerle HaggardMerle Ronald Haggard is an American country music singer, guitarist, fiddler, instrumentalist, and songwriter. Along with Buck Owens, Haggard and his band The Strangers helped create the Bakersfield sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Fender Telecaster guitars, vocal harmonies,...
's last No. 1 hit. - 1987 in country music1987 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1987.-Events:* June 13 — Randy Travis' "Forever and Ever, Amen" spends three weeks at No. 1 of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart...
, Reba McEntireReba McEntireReba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
wins unprecedented fourth Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music AssociationCountry Music AssociationThe Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
; K. T. OslinK. T. OslinKay Toinette "K. T." Oslin is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is known for a series of top-ten country hits during the late 1980s and early 1990s, four of which topped the chart.-Early life and career:...
becomes a star in her late 40s, a first for a country female vocalist. - 1986 in country music1986 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1986.-Events:* January 18 — "American Country Countdown" with Bob Kingsley expands from three to four hours. Several new features — including a chronological playback of songs reaching No...
, Debuts of Randy TravisRandy TravisRandy Travis is an American country music singer and actor. Since 1985, he has recorded 20 studio albums and charted more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, 22 of which were number one hits...
, Dwight YoakamDwight YoakamDwight David Yoakam is an American singer-songwriter, actor and film director, most famous for his pioneering country music...
and others reinvigorate country music; Buck OwensBuck OwensAlvis Edgar Owens, Jr. , better known as Buck Owens, was an American singer and guitarist who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, the Buckaroos...
leaves Hee HawHee HawHee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
; no multi-week No. 1 songs on Billboard country chart. - 1985 in country music1985 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1985.-No dates:* A story published in the New York Times declares that country music is "dead." However, a number of new acts – Randy Travis and Dwight Yoakam among them – are working behind the scenes to change the...
, New York Times declares country music "dead"; AlabamaAlabama (band)Alabama is a country music and southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The band was founded in 1969 by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry , soon joined by Jeff Cook...
sets a new Billboard magazine Hot Country SinglesHot Country SongsHot Country Songs is a chart published weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States.This 60-position chart lists the most popular country music songs, calculated weekly mostly by airplay and occasionally commercial sales...
record for most consecutive No. 1 singles without a miss. - 1984 in country music1984 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1984.-Events:* June 22 — The movie Rhinestone, starring Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone, is released to universally negative reviews...
, Willie NelsonWillie NelsonWillie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie , combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust , made Nelson one of the most recognized...
, Julio IglesiasJulio IglesiasJulio José Iglesias de la Cueva , better known simply as Julio Iglesias, is a Spanish singer who has sold over 300 million records worldwide in 14 languages and released 77 albums. According to Sony Music Entertainment, he is one of the top 15 best selling music artists in history,...
duet "To All the Girls I've Loved Before"; Hank Williams Jr. records video for "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight." - 1983 in country music1983 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1983.-Events:* March — In a span of two days, two major cable networks signed on the air. Country Music Television went on-the-air March 5, while The Nashville Network came on two days later on March 7...
, CMTCountry Music TelevisionCountry Music Television, or CMT, is an American country music-oriented cable television network. Programming includes music videos, taped concerts, movies, biographies of country music stars, game shows, and reality programs...
, The Nashville NetworkSpike TVSpike is an American cable television channel. It launched on March 7, 1983 as The Nashville Network , a joint venture of WSM, Inc...
premiere on cable television; The JuddsThe JuddsThe Judds were an American country music duo composed of Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna Judd. Signed to RCA Records in 1983, the duo released six studio albums between then and 1991. One of the most successful acts in country music history, The Judds won five Grammy Awards for Best Country...
sign national recording contract; Kenny RogersKenny RogersKenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
and Dolly PartonDolly PartonDolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
duet "Islands in the StreamIslands in the Stream"Islands in the Stream" is the title of a song written by the Bee Gees and sung by American country music artists Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. It was released in August 1983 as the first single from Rogers' album Eyes That See in the Dark and the second pop number-one for both Rogers and Parton...
" becomes a crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
smash. - 1982 in country music1982 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1982.-Events:* October 30 — Hank Williams, Jr. has nine albums simultaneously on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.-United States:...
, AlabamaAlabama (band)Alabama is a country music and southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The band was founded in 1969 by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry , soon joined by Jeff Cook...
wins first CMACountry Music AssociationThe Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
"Entertainer of the Year" award; Willie Nelson's "Always on My MindAlways on My Mind"Always on My Mind" is an American country music song by Johnny Christopher, Mark James and Wayne Carson, originally recorded by Brenda Lee in 1972.Allmusic lists over 300 recorded releases of the song in versions by dozens of performers...
" is a major crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
hit. - 1981 in country music1981 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1981.-Events:*March 14 — The final showing of Live From The Grand Ole Opry on the Public Broadcasting System occurs on this night...
, Rise of neotraditional countryNeotraditional countryNeotraditional country, also known as "new traditional" country, is a country music style that emphasizes the instrumental background and a 'traditional' country vocal style. Neotraditional country artists often dress in the fashions of the country music scene of the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s...
with debuts of George StraitGeorge StraitGeorge Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
and Ricky SkaggsRicky SkaggsRickie Lee "Ricky" Skaggs is a country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, and banjo.-Early career:...
; The Oak Ridge BoysThe Oak Ridge BoysThe Oak Ridge Boys are an American country and gospel vocal quartet.The group was founded in the 1940s as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in southern gospel during the 1950s...
release their biggest hit song, "ElviraElvira (song)"Elvira" is a song written by Dallas Frazier which became a famous country and pop hit by The Oak Ridge Boys. A Number One hit on the Billboard country music charts, The Oak Ridge Boys' version is considered one of their signature songs.-Song history:...
," while Eddie RabbittEddie RabbittEdward Thomas "Eddie" Rabbitt was an American singer-songwriter and musician. His career began as a songwriter in the late 1960s, springboarding to a recording career after composing hits such as "Kentucky Rain" for Elvis Presley in 1970 and "Pure Love" for Ronnie Milsap in 1974...
enjoys crossover success with "I Love a Rainy NightI Love a Rainy Night"I Love a Rainy Night" is a rock song by Eddie Rabbitt. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Singles, and Adult Contemporary Singles charts in 1981...
" and "Step By StepStep By Step (Eddie Rabbitt song)"Step by Step" is a 1981 crosover single by Eddie Rabbitt, who co-wrote the song with Even Stevens and David Malloy. "Step by Step" would be Eddie Rabbitt's ninth number one single on the country chart. The single stayed at number one for one week and spent a total of eleven weeks on the country...
" during second peak wave of songs crossing over to pop charts. - 1980 in country music1980 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1980.- Events :* January 25 — At age 84, octogenerian comedian George Burns becomes by far the oldest performer to have a single in the top 40 of Billboards Hot Country Singles chart with "I Wish I Was 18 Again." The...
, Debuts of movies about country music and/or country singers in leading roles (Coal Miner's DaughterCoal Miner's DaughterCoal Miner's Daughter is a 1980 American biographical film which tells the story of country music icon Loretta Lynn. It stars Sissy Spacek in her Academy Award for Best Actress winning role, Tommy Lee Jones, Beverly D'Angelo and Levon Helm, and was directed by Michael Apted.-Background:The film was...
, Urban CowboyUrban CowboyReleased as a 2× vinyl record album, re-released on CD in 1995.Side A:#Hello Texas – Jimmy Buffett #All Night Long – Joe Walsh #Times Like These – Dan Fogelberg #Nine Tonight – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band...
); nomination of two country songs for Academy Award for Best Original SongAcademy Award for Best Original SongThe Academy Award for Best Original Song is one of the awards given annually to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences . It is presented to the songwriters who have composed the best original song written specifically for a film...
; AlabamaAlabama (band)Alabama is a country music and southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The band was founded in 1969 by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry , soon joined by Jeff Cook...
signs with RCA RecordsRCA RecordsRCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
and begins long-term success.
1970s
- 1979 in country music1979 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1979.-Events:* March 3 — The Public Broadcasting Service would telecast an entire Saturday night live from the Grand Ole Opry for the very first time - the show would last until 12:30 am with a half hour break between...
, Kenny RogersKenny RogersKenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
releases second signature story song, "Coward Of The County," becomes top crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
artist. - 1978 in country music1978 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1978.-Events:* March 4 — The Public Broadcasting System telecasts the first complete Grand Ole Opry show from the new Grand Ole Opry House as it happened from 6-9 pm...
, Barbara MandrellBarbara MandrellBarbara Ann Mandrell is an American country music singer best known for a 1970s–1980s series of Top 10 hits and TV shows that helped her become one of country's most successful female vocalists of the 1970s and 1980s...
's decade-old career hits new heights with her first No. 1 record; Kenny RogersKenny RogersKenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
releases "The GamblerThe GamblerThe Gambler may refer to:In music:*The Gambler , a 1978 album by Kenny Rogers**"The Gambler" , a 1978 song featured on the Kenny Rogers album*The Gambler...
"; Bob KingsleyBob KingsleyBob Kingsley is an American country music radio personality and host of the nationally syndicated programs "Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40" and "Bob Kingsley with Today's Hit Makers."...
becomes host of "American Country CountdownAmerican Country CountdownAmerican Country Countdown, also known as ACC or American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, is an internationally syndicated radio program which counts down the top 30 country songs of the previous week, from No. 30 to No. 1, according to the Mediabase country chart...
" (after several years of producing show). - 1977 in country music1977 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1977.-Events:*June 25 — Waylon Jennings smash, "Luckenbach, Texas " spends its sixth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It is just the third six-week No...
, Death of Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
; six weeks at No. 1 for Waylon Jennings' "Lukenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love);" Kenny RogersKenny RogersKenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
makes comeback as solo country singer; Dolly PartonDolly PartonDolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
begins recording pop-oriented music instead of merely country. - 1976 in country music1976 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1976.-No dates:*The CB radio craze was sweeping country music, as no less than three No. 1 songs are about citizens-band radios. C. W. McCall's "Convoy" — about a band of truck drivers who fight back against redneck...
, CB radio-song craze hits its peak; Wanted! The OutlawsWanted! The OutlawsWanted! The Outlaws is an album by Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser, released in RCA Victor in 1976, and consisting of previously released material. Released to capitalize on the new outlaw country movement, Wanted! The Outlaws earned its place in music history by...
released; Loretta LynnLoretta LynnLoretta Lynn is an American country music singer-songwriter, author and philanthropist. Born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky to a coal miner father, Lynn married at 13 years old, was a mother soon after, and moved to Washington with her husband, Oliver Lynn. Their marriage was sometimes tumultuous; he...
's autobiography becomes a New York Times best seller. - 1975 in country music1975 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1975.-Events:*March 13 — The rocky marriage of George Jones and Tammy Wynette ends in divorce....
, Continued backlash over pop-influenced country after John DenverJohn DenverHenry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
is named CMACountry Music AssociationThe Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
Entertainer of the Year; country music records chart highly on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
; Willie NelsonWillie NelsonWillie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie , combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust , made Nelson one of the most recognized...
becomes major star 15 years after his first recordings with album Redheaded Stranger. - 1974 in country music1974 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1974.-Events:* March 16 — The Grand Ole Opry moves from the Ryman Auditorium, its home of the past 41 years, to the newly constructed 4,400 Grand Ole Opry House, on the Opryland complex. President Richard Nixon is a guest...
, Rise of Australian pop singer Olivia Newton-JohnOlivia Newton-JohnOlivia Newton-John AO, OBE is a singer and actress. She is a four-time Grammy award winner who has amassed five No. 1 and ten other Top Ten Billboard Hot 100 singles and two No. 1 Billboard 200 solo albums. Eleven of her singles and 14 of her albums have been certified gold by the RIAA...
and her surprise win of the Country Music AssociationCountry Music AssociationThe Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
Female Vocalist of the Year award; veteran country performers respond with the short-lived Association of Country Entertainers in attempt to keep country music "country." - 1973 in country music1973 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1973.-Events:*July — The Dean Martin Show becomes known as Dean Martin Presents Music Country for the longtime variety show's summer broadcasts...
, Grand Ole OpryGrand Ole OpryThe Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, that has presented the biggest stars of that genre since 1925. It is also among the longest-running broadcasts in history since its beginnings as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM-AM...
moves from the Ryman AuditoriumRyman AuditoriumThe Ryman Auditorium is a 2,362-seat live performance venue, located at 115 5th Avenue North, in Nashville, Tennessee and is best known as the historic home of the Grand Ole Opry....
to its new house in Opryland; murder of Stringbean; premiere of "American Country CountdownAmerican Country CountdownAmerican Country Countdown, also known as ACC or American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks, is an internationally syndicated radio program which counts down the top 30 country songs of the previous week, from No. 30 to No. 1, according to the Mediabase country chart...
"; Johnny RodriguezJohnny RodriguezJohnny Rodriguez is an American country music singer. He was the first famous Latin American country music singer, infusing his music with Latin sounds, and even singing verses of songs in Spanish....
becomes the first HispanicHispanicHispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
country star. - 1972 in country music1972 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1972.-Events:* March — For the first time since 1967, Sonny James fails to hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Country Singles Chart with a single release. His hit, "Only Love " stops at No. 2...
, Fan Fair debuts; Opryland USA opens; "Will the Circle Be UnbrokenWill the Circle Be UnbrokenWill the Circle Be Unbroken is a 1972 album officially by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, but with collaboration from many famous Bluegrass and country-western players, including Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, Merle Travis, Bashful Brother Oswald, Norman Blake, Jimmy...
" album issued; 13-year-old Tanya TuckerTanya TuckerTanya Denise Tucker is a female American country music artist who had her first hit, "Delta Dawn", in 1972 at the age of 13...
becomes an overnight sensation. - 1971 in country music1971 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1971.-No dates:*Seeking younger, more urban viewers, CBS cancels nearly all of its rural-themed programming...
, Television's rural purgeRural purgeThe "rural purge" of American television networks was a series of cancellations between 1969 and 1972, the majority of which occurred at the end of the 1970-71 television season, of still popular rural-themed shows and shows with demographically-skewed audiences...
; African-American singer Charley PrideCharley PrideCharley Frank Pride is an American country music singer. His smooth baritone voice was featured on thirty-nine number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. His greatest success came in the early- to mid-1970s, when he became the best-selling performer for RCA Records since Elvis...
named CMA Entertainer of the Year; Lynn AndersonLynn AndersonLynn Rene Anderson is an American country music singer and equestrian known for a string of hits throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, most notably her Grammy Award-winning, worldwide mega-hit, " Rose Garden." Helped by her regular exposure on national television, Anderson was one of the most...
's international crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
hit "Rose Garden". - 1970 in country music1970 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1970.-Events:* September — That Good Ole Nashville Music debuts in syndication. The series will run until 1985.-United States:...
, Loretta LynnLoretta LynnLoretta Lynn is an American country music singer-songwriter, author and philanthropist. Born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky to a coal miner father, Lynn married at 13 years old, was a mother soon after, and moved to Washington with her husband, Oliver Lynn. Their marriage was sometimes tumultuous; he...
and Conway TwittyConway TwittyConway Twitty , born Harold Lloyd Jenkins, was an American country music artist. He also had success in early rock and roll, R&B, and pop music. He held the record for the most number one singles of any act with 55 No. 1 Billboard country hits until George Strait broke the record in 2006...
— who each release their signature songSignature songA signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
s during the year (she with "Coal Miner's DaughterCoal Miner's Daughter (song)"Coal Miner's Daughter" is an autobiographical 1969 country music song written, released and made famous by Loretta Lynn. Released in 1970, the song became Lynn's signature song, one of the genre's most widely-known songs, and provided the basis for both her autobiography and a movie on her...
, he with "Hello Darlin'Hello Darlin' (song)"Hello Darlin'" is the title of a song written and recorded by American country music artist, Conway Twitty. The song was originally released in March 1970 and became Twitty's fourth No. 1 song on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart that summer. The song spent four weeks atop the...
") — record their first duet, "After the Fire is Gone."
1960s
- 1969 in country music1969 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1969.-Events:* January 29 — The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour premieres on CBS, for what will be a three-year run....
, Premieres of Hee HawHee HawHee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
, The Glen Campbell Goodtime HourThe Glen Campbell Goodtime HourThe Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour was an American network television music and comedy variety show hosted by singer Glen Campbell from January 1969 through June 1972 on CBS. He was offered the show after he hosted a 1968 summer replacement for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour...
, The Johnny Cash ShowThe Johnny Cash Show (TV series)The Johnny Cash Show was an American television music variety show hosted by Johnny Cash. The Screen Gems 58-episode series ran from June 7, 1969 to March 31, 1971 on ABC; it was taped at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The show reached No...
. - 1968 in country music1968 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1968.-Events:* January 13 — Johnny Cash records his legendary concert at Folsom State Prison...
, Johnny Cash records At Folsom PrisonAt Folsom PrisonAt Folsom Prison is a live album by Johnny Cash, released on Columbia Records in May 1968. Since his 1955 song "Folsom Prison Blues", Cash had been interested in performing at a prison. His idea was put on hold until 1967, when personnel changes at Columbia Records put Bob Johnston in charge of...
; crossover success of "Harper Valley PTAHarper Valley PTA"Harper Valley PTA" is a country song written by Tom T. Hall that was a major international hit single for country singer Jeannie C. Riley in 1968. Riley's record sold over six million copies as a single. The song made Riley the first woman to top both Billboard's Hot 100 and the U.S...
"; Tammy Wynette records "Stand by Your ManStand By Your Man"Stand by Your Man" is a song co-written by Tammy Wynette and Billy Sherrill and originally recorded by Tammy Wynette, released as a single in September 1968 in the USA...
"; final No. 1 hit for Eddy ArnoldEddy ArnoldRichard Edward Arnold , known professionally as Eddy Arnold, was an American country music singer who performed for six decades. He was a so-called Nashville sound innovator of the late 1950s, and scored 147 songs on the Billboard country music charts, second only to George Jones. He sold more...
; death of Red FoleyRed FoleyClyde Julian Foley , better known as Red Foley, was an American singer, musician, and radio and TV personality who made a major contribution to the growth of country music after World War II....
. - 1967 in country music1967 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1967.-Events:*April 1 — The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opens in Nashville....
, First Country Music AssociationCountry Music AssociationThe Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
awards (non-televised this year only); Dolly PartonDolly PartonDolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
's chart debut, becomes regular on The Porter Wagoner Show. - 1966 in country music1966 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1966.-Events:* March 15 — Roger Miller wins six Grammy Awards, five of them related to his hit "King of the Road". The Statler Brothers take two awards for "Flowers on the Wall"....
, Chart debuts of Lynn AndersonLynn AndersonLynn Rene Anderson is an American country music singer and equestrian known for a string of hits throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, most notably her Grammy Award-winning, worldwide mega-hit, " Rose Garden." Helped by her regular exposure on national television, Anderson was one of the most...
, Tammy WynetteTammy WynetteVirginia Wynette Pugh, known professionally as Tammy Wynette , was an American country music singer-songwriter and one of the genre's best-known artists and biggest-selling female vocalists....
; first Academy of Country MusicAcademy of Country MusicThe Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California as the Country & Western Music Academy. Whereas the Country Music Association, founded in 1958, was based in Nashville, the Academy sought to promote country music in the western states. Among those involved in the...
awards show airs (shown on tape-delay on the fading Jimmy Dean Show). - 1965 in country music1965 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1965.-Events:* January — Leo Fender, founder of Fender Guitars, sells his company to a subsidiary of Columbia Records for $13 million....
, Return of Eddy ArnoldEddy ArnoldRichard Edward Arnold , known professionally as Eddy Arnold, was an American country music singer who performed for six decades. He was a so-called Nashville sound innovator of the late 1950s, and scored 147 songs on the Billboard country music charts, second only to George Jones. He sold more...
goes along with crossoverCrossover (music)Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
hit "Make The World Go Away." - 1964 in country music1964 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1964.-Events:* January 11 — Billboard increases the length of its Hot Country Singles chart to 50 positions, up from 30....
, Plane crash kills Jim ReevesJim ReevesJames Travis Reeves , better known as Jim Reeves, was an American country and popular music singer-songwriter. With records charting from the 1950s to the 1980s, he became well-known for being a practitioner of the Nashville sound...
; chart debut of Hank Williams Jr.. Connie SmithConnie SmithConnie Smith is an American country music artist. She began her career in 1963 after winning a local talent contest near Columbus, Ohio, which attracted the attention of country songwriter Bill Anderson...
begins her eight-week stay at number one with "Once a DayOnce a Day"Once a Day" is a song written by Bill Anderson and recorded as the debut single by American country artist Connie Smith. It was produced by Bob Ferguson for her self-titled debut album. The song was released in August 1964, topping the Billboard country music chart for eight weeks between late...
". - 1963 in country music1963 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1963.-Events:*March — The month marks a dark time for country music, as it lost no less than five people in a seemingly endless string of tragedies.-United States:...
, Tragedies befall country music, with deaths of Patsy ClinePatsy ClinePatsy Cline , born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Gore, Virginia, was an American country music singer who enjoyed pop music crossover success during the era of the Nashville sound in the early 1960s...
, Cowboy CopasCowboy CopasLloyd Estel Copas , known by his stage name Cowboy Copas, was an American country music singer popular from the 1940s until his death in the 1963 plane crash that also killed country stars Patsy Cline and Hawkshaw Hawkins. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.-Biography:Copas was born in 1913 in...
and Hawkshaw HawkinsHawkshaw HawkinsHarold Franklin Hawkins , better known as Hawkshaw Hawkins, was an American country music singer popular from the 1950s into the early 60s known for his rich, smooth vocals and music drawn from blues, boogie and honky tonk...
(plane crash); Jack AnglinJack AnglinJack Anglin was an American country music singer best known as a member of The Anglin Brothers, and later Johnnie & Jack with Johnnie Wright....
(car accident, en route to Cline's funeral) and Texas RubyTexas RubyTexas Ruby , born Ruby Agnes Owens, was a pioneering country music female vocalist of the 1930s through the early 1960s.-Biography:...
(house fire) all in less than a month's span. - 1962 in country music1962 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1962.-Events:* November 3 — Billboard renames its Hot C&W Sides chart "Hot Country Singles," a name it will keep for the next 27 years. The chart length remains 30 positions....
, Ray CharlesRay CharlesRay Charles Robinson , known by his shortened stage name Ray Charles, was an American musician. He was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950s by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles into his early recordings with Atlantic Records...
releases Modern Sounds in Country and Western MusicModern Sounds in Country and Western MusicModern Sounds in Country and Western Music is a studio album by American R&B and soul musician Ray Charles, released in April 1962 on ABC-Paramount Records. Recording sessions for the album took place in early to mid-February 1962 at Capitol Studios in New York City and at United Recording Studios...
. - 1961 in country music1961 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1961.-Events:*March 17 – September 22 — NBC-TV airs Five Star Jubilee, a weekly show featuring five rotating hosts: Rex Allen, Snooky Lanson, Tex Ritter, Carl Smith and Jimmy Wakely.*June 14 — Patsy Cline is seriously...
, Country Music AssociationCountry Music AssociationThe Country Music Association was founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members and was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre...
announces creation of Country Music Hall of FameCountry Music Hall of Fame and MuseumThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum identifies and preserves the evolving history and traditions of country music and educates its audiences...
; Patsy ClinePatsy ClinePatsy Cline , born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Gore, Virginia, was an American country music singer who enjoyed pop music crossover success during the era of the Nashville sound in the early 1960s...
has first No. 1 hit ("I Fall to PiecesI Fall to Pieces"I Fall to Pieces" is a single released by Patsy Cline in 1961, and was featured on her 1961 studio album, Patsy Cline Showcase. "I Fall to Pieces" was Cline's first #1 hit on the Country charts, and her second hit single to cross over onto the Pop charts...
"). - 1960 in country music1960 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1960.-Events:* March 29 — Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, destined to become one of the most prominent of the honky tonk bars in Nashville, Tennessee, opens....
, Only four songs reach No. 1 on Billboard magazine country chart during the entire year; chart debut of Loretta LynnLoretta LynnLoretta Lynn is an American country music singer-songwriter, author and philanthropist. Born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky to a coal miner father, Lynn married at 13 years old, was a mother soon after, and moved to Washington with her husband, Oliver Lynn. Their marriage was sometimes tumultuous; he...
; death of Johnny HortonJohnny HortonJohn Gale "Johnny" Horton was an American country music and rockabilly singer most famous for his semi-folk, so-called "saga songs" which began the "historical ballad" craze of the late 1950s and early 1960s...
in car accident; premiere of "The Porter Wagoner Show."
1950s
- 1959 in country music1959 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1959.-Events:*The first Grammy Award for outstanding performances in the country music genre is presented. The Kingston Trio wins the only country-specific award, for Best Country and Western Performance, with "Tom...
, Chart debut of Buck OwensBuck OwensAlvis Edgar Owens, Jr. , better known as Buck Owens, was an American singer and guitarist who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band, the Buckaroos...
and rise of trademark Bakersfield SoundBakersfield soundThe Bakersfield sound was a genre of country music developed in the mid- to late 1950s in and around Bakersfield, California. The many hit singles were largely produced by Capitol Records country music head, Ken Nelson. Bakersfield country was a reaction against the slickly produced, string...
; peak of the saga song, through songs such as "The Battle of New OrleansThe Battle of New Orleans"The Battle of New Orleans" is the title of a song written by Jimmy Driftwood. The song describes the 1815 Battle of New Orleans from the perspective of an American soldier; the lyrics are evidently intended to be comical. It has been recorded by many artists, but the singer most often associated...
," "Long Black VeilLong Black Veil (song)"Long Black Veil" is a 1959 country ballad, written by Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin and originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell.A saga song, "Long Black Veil" is told from the point of view of an executed man falsely accused of murder...
" and "El PasoEl Paso (song)"El Paso" is a country and western ballad written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, and first released on Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs in September 1959. It was released as a single the following month, and became a major hit on both the country and pop music charts, reaching number...
." - 1958 in country music1958 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1958.-Events:*January 1 — Johnny Cash performs at San Quentin Prison. One of the audience members is Merle Haggard, in the midst of a two-year prison term for burglary....
, The Nashville soundNashville soundThe Nashville sound originated during the late 1950s as a sub-genre of American country music, replacing the chart dominance of honky tonk music which was most popular in the 1940s and 1950s...
becomes country music's response to continued encroachment of genre by rock artists; Billboard magazine consolidates best-sellers and disc jockeys' charts into one all-encompassing "Hot C&W Sides" chart. - 1957 in country music1957 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1957.-Events:* April — Jimmy Dean hosts his first nationally televised series, a 30-minute daytime variety series airing on CBS named The Jimmy Dean Show. The show has a prime-time run from June to September ; the daytime...
, Rock-flavored acts — Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
, Jerry Lee LewisJerry Lee LewisJerry Lee Lewis is an American rock and roll and country music singer-songwriter and pianist. An early pioneer of rock and roll music, Lewis's career faltered after he married his young cousin, and he afterwards made a career extension to country and western music. He is known by the nickname 'The...
, Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson — dominate charts; Patsy ClinePatsy ClinePatsy Cline , born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Gore, Virginia, was an American country music singer who enjoyed pop music crossover success during the era of the Nashville sound in the early 1960s...
debuts on the charts. - 1956 in country music1956 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1956.-Events:* January 30 -- Despite a 4-inch snowstorm, 17,000 fans attend a Coliseum concert in Denver, Colorado...
, Ray PriceRay Price (musician)Ray Price is an American country music singer, songwriter and guitarist. His wide-ranging baritone has often been praised as among the best male voices of country music...
, Marty RobbinsMarty RobbinsMartin David Robinson , known professionally as Marty Robbins, was an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist...
and Johnny HortonJohnny HortonJohn Gale "Johnny" Horton was an American country music and rockabilly singer most famous for his semi-folk, so-called "saga songs" which began the "historical ballad" craze of the late 1950s and early 1960s...
emerge, resurrect traditional country music after the influx of rock and rollRock and rollRock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
threatens the heart of country music. - 1955 in country music1955 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1955.-Events:* January 22 — Ozark Jubilee debuts on ABC-TV, the first popular country music show on network TV. It would run through September 1960....
, Johnny CashJohnny CashJohn R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
, George JonesGeorge JonesGeorge Glenn Jones is an American country music singer known for his long list of hit records, his distinctive voice and phrasing, and his marriage to Tammy Wynette....
, Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
and Porter WagonerPorter WagonerPorter Wayne Wagoner was a popular American country music singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. He introduced the young Dolly Parton near the beginning of her career on his long-running television show, and they were a well-known duet throughout the late 1960s and...
each have first national hits; Webb Pierce spends 40 combined weeks at #1 on Billboard country chart's "Best Sellers in Stores" chart with "In The Jailhouse Now" (20 weeks), "I Don't Care" (12 weeks) and "Love Love Love" (eight weeks). - 1954 in country music1954 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1954.- Events :* January 4 — Elvis Presley records a 10-inch acetate demo at the Memphis Recording Studio; the two songs are "Casual Love Affair" and "I'll Never Stand In Your Way."...
, Elvis Presley makes first recordings, one and only appearance on Grand Ole OpryGrand Ole OpryThe Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, that has presented the biggest stars of that genre since 1925. It is also among the longest-running broadcasts in history since its beginnings as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM-AM...
; the rise of the pedal steel guitar; Hank Snow"s "I Don't Hurt Anymore" and the Red Foley-Kitty Wells duet "One By One" are ranked 1-2 for 19 consecutive weeks on Billboard magazine's country "Best Sellers in Stores" chart. - 1953 in country music1953 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1953.- Events :* January 1 — Hank Williams, due to play a New Year's Day show in Canton, Ohio, dies sometime after midnight in the rear seat of his Cadillac, somewhere between Knoxville, Tennessee and Oak Hill, West...
, Death of Hank Williams, Betty Jack DavisBetty Jack DavisBetty Jack Davis was an American country music singer who was one half of the duet The Davis Sisters with Skeeter Davis, who was not related.-Biography:...
; crash that kills Davis will also sideline duet partner Skeeter DavisSkeeter DavisMary Frances Penick , better known as Skeeter Davis, was an American country music singer best known for crossover pop music songs of the early 1960s. She started out as part of The Davis Sisters as a teenager in the late 1940s, eventually landing on RCA Records. In the late '50s, she became a solo...
' career until the end of the 1950s. - 1952 in country music1952 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1952.- Events :* July 14 — The Eddy Arnold Show, a brief summer replacement series, debuts on CBS-TV.* August 23 — Kitty Wells becomes the first female solo artist to score a No...
, The fall of Hank Williams; Kitty WellsKitty WellsEllen Muriel Deason , known professionally as Kitty Wells, is an American country music singer. Her 1952 hit recording, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", made her the first female country singer to top the U.S. country charts, and turned her into the first female country star...
has first solo female No. 1 song with "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk AngelsIt Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels"It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels" is a 1952 country song written by J. D. "Jay" Miller, and originally recorded by Kitty Wells. It was an answer song to the Hank Thompson hit "The Wild Side of Life."...
." Carl Smith becomes only country artist to have two records tied at No. 1 on the modern Billboard country charts ("Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way" and "Don't Just Stand There") - 1951 in country music1951 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1951.-Number one hits:* January 6 - "I Love You a Thousand Ways" - Lefty Frizzell...
, The year of "Hank and LeftyLefty FrizzellLefty Frizzell , born William Orville Frizzell, was an American country music singer and songwriter of the 1950s, and a proponent of honky tonk music. His relaxed style of singing was an influence on later stars Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, George Jones and John Fogerty...
" (as Merle Haggard would sing in song more than 25 years later); Hank Snow and Eddy Arnold were equally dominating; chart debut of Carl SmithCarl Smith (country musician)Carl Milton Smith was an American country music singer. Known as "Mister Country," Smith was the husband of June Carter and Goldie Hill, the drinking companion of Johnny Cash, and the father of Carlene Carter...
. - 1950 in country music1950 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1950.- Events :* February 14 — "Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" by Red Foley #1 selling Country record becomes first Country cross over on Pop Best Seller chart....
, 21 weeks at No. 1 for Hank SnowHank SnowClarence Eugene "Hank" Snow was a Canadian-American country music artist. He charted more than 70 singles on the Billboard country charts from 1950 until 1980...
's "I'm Moving On."
1940s
- 1949 in country music1949 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1949.- Events :*December 10 — Billboard begins a "Country & Western Records Most Played by Folk Disk Jockeys" chart - the first chart ever to track a song's popularity by radio airplay. The first No. 1 song on the new...
, Hank Williams first giant hit, "Lovesick Blues." top Country record. - 1948 in country music1948 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1948.-Events:* April 3 — Radio station KWKH of Shreveport, Louisiana airs the Louisiana Hayride for the first time....
, Eddy ArnoldEddy ArnoldRichard Edward Arnold , known professionally as Eddy Arnold, was an American country music singer who performed for six decades. He was a so-called Nashville sound innovator of the late 1950s, and scored 147 songs on the Billboard country music charts, second only to George Jones. He sold more...
has five of the year's six new No. 1 songs, with "Boquet of Roses" and "Anytime" the biggest of the lot. "Bouquet Of Roses" #1 hit of all time based on total chart performance. - 1947 in country music1947 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1947.-Number one hits:* January 18 - "Rainbow at Midnight" - Ernest Tubb* February 8 - "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed" - Merle Travis...
, Hank Williams has first national hit; Tex Williams "Smoke Smoke Smoke" #1 record.
- 1946 in country music1946 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1946.-Number one hits:* January 5 - "You Will Have To Pay" - Tex Ritter...
, "New Spanish Two StepNew Spanish Two Step"New Spanish Two Step" is a Western swing standard based on a traditional fiddle tune,"Spanish Two Step," which was one of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys signature songs. Wills and his vocalist, Tommy Duncan, added lyrics to reflect the title:-Bibliography:...
" (Bob Wills) top country record - 1945 in country music1945 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1945.-Number one hits:* February 3 - "I'm Losing My Mind Over You" - Al Dexter...
, "Shame On You" (Spade Cooley) Top Country Record. Lester FlattLester FlattLester Raymond Flatt was a bluegrass musician and guitarist and mandolinist, best known for his membership in the Bluegrass duo The Foggy Mountain Boys, also known as "Flatt and Scruggs," with banjo picker Earl Scruggs. Flatt's career spanned multiple decades; besides his work with Scruggs, he...
and Earl ScruggsEarl ScruggsEarl Eugene Scruggs is an American musician noted for perfecting and popularizing a 3-finger banjo-picking style that is a defining characteristic of bluegrass music...
join the Bluegrass Boys. Often considered the beginning of Bluegrass musicBluegrass musicBluegrass music is a form of American roots music, and a sub-genre of country music. It has mixed roots in Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish traditional music...
. - 1944 in country music1944 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1944.-Events:* January 8 — Billboard publishes its first "Most Played Juke Box Folk Records" chart, the first widespread method of tracking the nationwide popularity of current country music songs. The first No. 1 song is...
, Billboard magazine creates first specifically ranked national chart to track popularity of country music records. "So Long Pal" (Al Dexter) Top Country Record - 1943 in country music1943 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1943.- Events :* September — Decca Records is the first label to come to terms with the American Federation of Musicians, which has been on strike since August 1942 over music royalties...
, "Pistol Packin' Mama (Al Dexter) Top Country Record - 1942 in country music1942 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1942.- Events :* August 1 — The American Federation of Musicians authorizes a ban on recording by bands following a dispute over musicians' royalties; many country and popular music singers opt to continue recording...
, Musicians' strike and ban on recording; Acuff-Rose MusicAcuff-Rose MusicAcuff-Rose Music was an American music publishing firm formed by Roy Acuff and Fred Rose in Nashville, Tennessee. Acuff-Rose's honest behavior towards their writers set them apart from other music publishing firms at the time and lead them to fame throughout the 50's, 60's, 70's.-History:Acuff-Rose...
forms. Gold record for "There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" with Elton BrittElton BrittElton Britt , born James Elton Baker, was a country music guitarist and singer-songwriter.-Biography:Elton Britt was born in Searcy County, Arkansas...
."1942 Turkey In The Straw" Carson Robinson Top Country Record - 1941 in country music1941 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1941.- Events :* January 1 — Radio programmers begin a 10-month ban on the ASCAP catalog when they fail to reach an agreement...
, "Be Honest With Me" Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
top country record. - 1940 in country music1940 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1940.- Events :* April 4 — Ernest Tubb makes his first recordings for Decca Records, a label where he will remain for more than 30 years.-Top hits of the year:...
, "You Are My Sunshine" (Jimmie Davis) top country record.
1930s
- 1939 in country music1939 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1939.-No dates:* Billboard magazine begins publishing its first country music chart. Known as "Hillbilly Hits," the chart appears on a semi-regular basis, and will be published until early 1942...
, Formation of the Bluegrass BoysBill MonroeWilliam Smith Monroe was an American musician who created the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader...
. "San Antonio Rose" with Bob WillsBob WillsJames Robert Wills , better known as Bob Wills, was an American Western Swing musician, songwriter, and bandleader, considered by music authorities as the co-founder of Western Swing and universally known as the pioneering King of Western Swing.Bob Wills' name will forever be associated with...
top country record. Billboard prints its first "Hillbilly...Hits" charts. These charts will continue, primarily on a monthly basis, until 1942. - 1938 in country music1938 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1938.-Top hits of the year:* "Aura Lee" - Shelton Brothers * "Hi-Yo, Silver" - Roy Rogers...
, "Wabash Cannonball" recorded by Roy AcuffRoy AcuffRoy Claxton Acuff was an American country music singer, fiddler, and promoter. Known as the King of Country Music, Acuff is often credited with moving the genre from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the star singer-based format that helped make it internationally successful.Acuff...
top country record. - 1937 in country music1937 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1937.-Top hits of the year:* "Breezin' Along With the Breeze" - Hoosier Hot Shots* "You're The Only Star In My Blue Heaven"- Roy Acuff* "Steel Guitar Rag"- Bob Wills...
, Beginning of Renfro Valley Barn Dance. "Steel Guitar RagSteel Guitar Rag"Steel Guitar Rag" is the seminal Western swing instrumental credited with popularizing the steel guitar as an integral instrument in a Western band....
" recorded by Bob WillsBob WillsJames Robert Wills , better known as Bob Wills, was an American Western Swing musician, songwriter, and bandleader, considered by music authorities as the co-founder of Western Swing and universally known as the pioneering King of Western Swing.Bob Wills' name will forever be associated with...
top country record. - 1936 in country music1936 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1936.-Top hits of the year:* "Great Speckled Bird" - Roy Acuff and His Crazy Tennesseans* "Steel Guitar Rag" - Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys- Births :...
, First recordings of Ernest TubbErnest TubbErnest Dale Tubb , nicknamed the Texas Troubadour, was an American singer and songwriter and one of the pioneers of country music. His biggest career hit song, "Walking the Floor Over You" , marked the rise of the honky tonk style of music...
. Formation of Monroe BrothersBill MonroeWilliam Smith Monroe was an American musician who created the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader...
and Blue Sky Boys. "Mexicali Rose" with Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
top country record. - 1935 in country music1935 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1935.-Top hits of the year:* "Can the Circle Be Unbroken " - Carter Family* "I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" - Patsy Montana and the Prairie Ramblers...
, First recordings of Bob WillsBob WillsJames Robert Wills , better known as Bob Wills, was an American Western Swing musician, songwriter, and bandleader, considered by music authorities as the co-founder of Western Swing and universally known as the pioneering King of Western Swing.Bob Wills' name will forever be associated with...
and His Texas Playboys. "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" with Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
top country record. - 1934 in country music1934 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1934.-Top hits of the year:* "Down Yonder" - Gid Tanner and His Skillet Lickers* "My Mary" - W...
, "The Last Roundup" recorded by Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
top country record. - 1933 in country music1933 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1933.- Births :* March 10 - Ralph Emery, radio and television personality.* April 15 - Roy Clark, singer and multi-instrumentalist, host of television's Hee Haw....
, Death of Jimmie RodgersJimmie Rodgers (country singer)James Charles Rodgers , known as Jimmie Rodgers, was an American country singer in the early 20th century known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling...
. "Yellow Rose Of Texas" with Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
and Jimmy Long top country record. - 1932 in country music1932 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1932.-Top hits of the year:* "Roll Along, Kentucky Moon" - Jimmie Rodgers- Births :...
, "That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine" with Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
and Jimmy Long top country record. - 1931 in country music1931 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1931.-Top hits of the year:* "When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver" - Frank Luther and Carson Robison - Births :...
, "Mule Skinner Blues" recorded by Jimmie RodgersJimmie Rodgers (country singer)James Charles Rodgers , known as Jimmie Rodgers, was an American country singer in the early 20th century known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling...
top country record. - 1930 in country music1930 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1930.-Top hits of the year:* "Anniversary Yodel " - Jimmie Rodgers* "Barbara Allen" - Bradley Kincaid* "Blue Yodel No...
, Ken Maynard becomes first singing screen cowboy. "Lulu Walls" with Carter FamilyCarter FamilyThe Carter Family was a traditional American folk music group that recorded between 1927 and 1956. Their music had a profound impact on bluegrass, country, Southern Gospel, pop and rock musicians as well as on the U.S. folk revival of the 1960s. They were the first vocal group to become country...
top country record.
1920s
- 1929 in country music1929 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1929.-Top hits of the year:* "Farm Relief Song" – Vernon Dalhart * "I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes" – Carter Family* "Little Darling, Pal of Mine" – Carter Family...
, "I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes" with Carter FamilyCarter FamilyThe Carter Family was a traditional American folk music group that recorded between 1927 and 1956. Their music had a profound impact on bluegrass, country, Southern Gospel, pop and rock musicians as well as on the U.S. folk revival of the 1960s. They were the first vocal group to become country...
top country record. Gene AutryGene AutryOrvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
makes his first recordings. - 1928 in country music1928 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1928.- Events :* "The first edition of Bradley Kincaid's 1928 songbook called My Favorite Mountain Ballads sold more than 100,000 copies;[1]-Top hits of the year:...
, "Blue Yodel" recorded by Jimmie RodgersJimmie Rodgers (country singer)James Charles Rodgers , known as Jimmie Rodgers, was an American country singer in the early 20th century known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling...
top country record. - 1927 in country music1927 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1927.- Events :* July through August - Ralph Peer rents a warehouse in Bristol, Tennessee, for two weeks; the ensuing Bristol sessions produce several hits and introduce Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family to...
, The Carter FamilyCarter FamilyThe Carter Family was a traditional American folk music group that recorded between 1927 and 1956. Their music had a profound impact on bluegrass, country, Southern Gospel, pop and rock musicians as well as on the U.S. folk revival of the 1960s. They were the first vocal group to become country...
, Jimmie RodgersJimmie Rodgers (country singer)James Charles Rodgers , known as Jimmie Rodgers, was an American country singer in the early 20th century known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling...
make first recordings. "Sleep Baby Sleep" with Jimmie RodgersJimmie Rodgers (country singer)James Charles Rodgers , known as Jimmie Rodgers, was an American country singer in the early 20th century known most widely for his rhythmic yodeling...
top country record. - 1926 in country music1926 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1926.-Top hits of the year:* "The Convict and the Rose" - Vernon Dalhart* "The Death of Floyd Collins" - Vernon Dalhart* "The Governor's Pardon" - Vernon Dalhart...
, Formation of The Skillet LickersGid TannerJames Gideon Tanner was an American old time fiddler and one of the earliest stars of what would come to be known as country music. His band, the Skillet Lickers, was one of the most innovative and influential string bands of the 1920s and 1930s...
. "The Dying Cowboy" with Carl T.Sprague top country record. - 1925 in country music1925 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1925.- Events :* November 28 – Nashville radio station WSM begins a national institution with its first broadcast of the "WSM Barn Dance" - the weekly program that would go on to be known as the Grand Ole Opry.-No dates:*...
, WSM signs on; first WSM Barn DanceGrand Ole OpryThe Grand Ole Opry is a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville, Tennessee, that has presented the biggest stars of that genre since 1925. It is also among the longest-running broadcasts in history since its beginnings as a one-hour radio "barn dance" on WSM-AM...
. "The Death Of Floyd Collins" recorded by Vernon DalhartVernon DalhartVernon Dalhart , born Marion Try Slaughter, was a popular American singer and songwriter of the early decades of the 20th century. He is a major influence in the field of country music.-Early life:...
top country record. - 1924 in country music1924 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1924.- Events :* First broadcast of WLS Barn Dance in Chicago, led by the "Solemn Old Judge" George D...
, "The Prisoner's Song" recorded by Vernon DalhartVernon DalhartVernon Dalhart , born Marion Try Slaughter, was a popular American singer and songwriter of the early decades of the 20th century. He is a major influence in the field of country music.-Early life:...
becomes first million-selling country record. - 1923 in country music1923 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1923.See also: 1923 in music and the List of years in country music- Events :* Country music's earliest recordings are recorded and released to the public...
, First radio "barn dance" WBAP in Fort Worth, TexasFort Worth, TexasFort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
. - 1922 in country music1922 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1922.See also:1922 in musicand the List of years in country music- Events :* June 30 — A.C...
, First commercial recordings of country music by Eck RobertsonEck RobertsonAlexander "Eck" Robertson was an American fiddle player, mostly known for commercially recording the first country music songs in 1922 with Henry Gilliland.-Early life:...
. - 1921 in country music1921 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1921.See also:1921 in musicand the List of years in country music- Births :...
- 1920 in country music1920 in country musicThis is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1920.See also:1920 in musicand the List of years in country music- Births :...
Pre-1920s
- Prior to 1920 in country musicPrior to 1920 in country music-1900:* April 23 — The word hillbillie is printed for the first time in the New York Journal.-1868:* March 23 – Fiddlin' John Carson, one of radio's first country music stars, recorded "The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane." -1900:* April 23 — The word hillbillie is printed for the first time in...
, - The wreck of the C & O train occurs in 1890 near Hinton, West VirginiaWest VirginiaWest Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
, the basis for "Engine 143" recorded by the Carter FamilyCarter FamilyThe Carter Family was a traditional American folk music group that recorded between 1927 and 1956. Their music had a profound impact on bluegrass, country, Southern Gospel, pop and rock musicians as well as on the U.S. folk revival of the 1960s. They were the first vocal group to become country...
. - The wreck of train 382 occurs in 1900 in Vaughn, MississippiMississippiMississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
, the basis for "Casey JonesCasey JonesJohn Luther Jones was an American railroad engineer from Jackson, Tennessee, who worked for the Illinois Central Railroad...
". - The word "Hillbillie" printed for the first time in New York Journal on April 23, 1900.
- The wreck of train 97 occurs in 1903 near Danville, VirginiaVirginiaThe Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, the basis for "Wreck of the Old 97Wreck of the Old 97Old 97 was a Southern Railway train officially known as the Fast Mail. It ran from Washington DC to Atlanta, Georgia. On September 27, 1903 while en route from Monroe, Virginia, to Spencer, North Carolina, the train derailed at Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Virginia...
" recorded by Vernon DalhartVernon DalhartVernon Dalhart , born Marion Try Slaughter, was a popular American singer and songwriter of the early decades of the 20th century. He is a major influence in the field of country music.-Early life:...
and others. - "Rube" comedy, long country dialect tales like "Uncle Josh"Cal StewartCal Stewart was a pioneer in vaudeville and early sound recordings. He is best remembered for his comic monologues in which he played "Uncle Josh" Weathersby, a resident of a mythical New England farming town called "Punkin Center."Born in Charlotte County, Virginia in 1856, Stewart spent his...
become popular in 1909.