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On This Day in Country Music: April 13

Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.

What happened on April 13 in country music history?

On April 13, 1970, the fifth Academy of Country Music Awards were handed out in Los Angeles. In 1970, Marty Robbins was named the Academy of Country Music's first Man of the Decade, honoring his work in the 1960s. He accepted the award just a few months after heart surgery. Sam Bush and Bob Nolan share this birthday.

THE BIG MOMENT1970

The fifth Academy of Country Music Awards were handed out in Los Angeles

The fifth Academy of Country Music Awards were handed out in Los Angeles. Merle Haggard and Tammy Wynette won the top vocalist awards, and "Okie From Muskogee" was named Song of the Year.

Country Stars Born on April 13

1908

Bob Nolan

Bob Nolan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He helped start the Sons of the Pioneers and wrote the Western classics "Cool Water" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds."

Read our story ›

1952

Sam Bush

Sam Bush was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A founding member of New Grass Revival, the mandolin master has played with Emmylou Harris, Doc Watson, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.

No. 1 Songs on This Date

2010

Lady Antebellum's Need You Now held the No. 1 spot on the country albums chart. The album later won the Grammy for Best Country Album, and its title song took Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

Big Awards Nights

1965

Roger Miller swept the country side of the Grammy Awards, winning five in all, mostly for "Dang Me." Dottie West also won that night for "Here Comes My Baby."

1970

Marty Robbins was named the Academy of Country Music's first Man of the Decade, honoring his work in the 1960s. He accepted the award just a few months after heart surgery.

Source: dianediekman.com

Grand Ole Opry Moments

1946

Red Foley joined the Grand Ole Opry. He sold more than 25 million records, and his 1951 "Peace in the Valley" was one of the first gospel records to sell a million copies. He later hosted Ozark Jubilee on TV.

More on Red Foley ›

Concerts and Shows

2014

Willie Nelson and his sons played the John Varvatos Stuart House benefit in Los Angeles, which helps children. The event raised $939,000.

Source: pappaspost.com

Quick Answers

Which country singers were born on April 13?

Bob Nolan (1908) and Sam Bush (1952) were all born on this date.

What was the No. 1 country song on this date?

It depends on the year. In 2010, Lady Antebellum's Need You Now held the No. 1 spot on the country albums chart.

This Week in Country Music History

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