Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
On April 26, 2014, Willie Nelson went into the brand-new Austin City Limits Hall of Fame at its first ceremony, held in KLRU-TV's Studio 6A in Austin. In 2025, Vince Gill surprised Steve Earle with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny Mosby and Jeff Huskins share this birthday.
Willie Nelson went into the brand-new Austin City Limits Hall of Fame at its first ceremony, held in KLRU-TV's Studio 6A in Austin. Willie was the very first artist to play on the long-running TV show and has come back many times since.
Johnny Mosby was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. With his wife Jonie, he charted 17 country singles from 1963 to 1973. "Trouble in My Arms" and "Just Hold My Hand" both reached No. 12.
Bass player Dave Pomeroy was born in Italy to an American soldier. He toured for years with Don Williams and played on records for Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris and Earl Scruggs. He later led the Nashville musicians union.
Jeff Huskins was born in Arlington, Texas. The fiddle and keyboard man joined Little Texas in 1994, taking the place of Brady Seals.
Fiddler Joe Caverlee was born on this day. He played with Yankee Grey, the Cincinnati band behind "All Things Considered" and "Another Nine Minutes."
Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts was born in Columbus, Ohio. He plays bass and keyboards and sings harmony in the popular trio.
Johnny Lee and Lane Brody had the No. 1 country song with "The Yellow Rose." Set to the old tune "The Yellow Rose of Texas," it was the theme for the NBC show starring Cybill Shepherd.
Gospel singer Martha Carson joined the Grand Ole Opry. Her song "Satisfied" helped open that door. Elvis Presley later sang her "Saints and Chariot" in concert.
Vince Gill surprised Steve Earle with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. The Texas-born songwriter became an Opry member later that year.
Patsy Cline sang on ABC's Ozark Jubilee, the show that carried country music into living rooms across America. She made 16 visits to the Jubilee in all.
Clint Black led his team to a win on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice by making a magazine ad for a deodorant. The victory earned $20,000 for his charity.
Source: pogdesign.co.ukWesley Rose died in Nashville at 72. He ran Acuff-Rose Music, the song publisher started by his father Fred Rose and Roy Acuff. He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1986.
George Jones, called "The Possum," died in Nashville at 81. Many fans call his "He Stopped Loving Her Today" the greatest country song ever. He also sang a string of duets with Tammy Wynette.
Al Schmitt, the Grammy-winning recording engineer, died at 91 in Bell Canyon, California. Over a long career he worked on records by Ray Charles and many other stars.
Source: wsbtv.comJohnny Mosby (1929) and Jeff Huskins (1966) were all born on this date.
It depends on the year. In 1984, Johnny Lee and Lane Brody had the No. 1 country song with "The Yellow Rose."
Every entry is checked by the Country Thang Daily editors. Spot something we got wrong? Let us know and we’ll fix it and note the change.