Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
On August 1, 1984, Hank Williams Jr. filmed the video for "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" on this day in 1984. In 1998, Garth Brooks hit No. 1 on Billboard's country singles chart on this day in 1998 with "To Make You Feel My Love."
Hank Williams Jr. filmed the video for "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" on this day in 1984. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and George Jones were among the friends at the party. It became the first CMA Music Video of the Year winner.
Bluegrass fiddler Mack Magaha was born on this day in 1929. He played with Reno and Smiley and later with Porter Wagoner's Wagonmasters. He co-wrote "I Know You're Married But I Love You Still" with Don Reno.
LeAnn Rimes held the No. 1 spot on Billboard's country albums chart with "Blue" in 1996. Her major-label debut opened at the top in late July and stayed there for 16 straight weeks.
Garth Brooks hit No. 1 on Billboard's country singles chart on this day in 1998 with "To Make You Feel My Love." The ballad held the top spot for one week.
The Chicks topped Billboard's country albums chart on this day in 2020 with "Gaslighter." It was their first album in 14 years and the first under their new name. Jack Antonoff co-produced it.
Merle Haggard cut "The Fugitive" on this day in 1966 at Capitol's studio in Hollywood. Released as "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive," it became his first No. 1 country hit. Liz and Casey Anderson, parents of Lynn Anderson, wrote it.
Source: americansongwriter.comElvis Presley played the Tupelo, Mississippi, fairgrounds on this night in 1955. It was the first stop of a short tour headlined by Webb Pierce, with Wanda Jackson and Red Sovine also on the bill.
Source: scottymoore.netJeannie Seely died at 85 on this day in 2025. Her song "Don't Touch Me" won a Grammy, and she played the Grand Ole Opry more than anyone else, with 5,397 appearances.
It depends on the year. In 1996, LeAnn Rimes held the No. 1 spot on Billboard's country albums chart with "Blue" in 1996. In 1998, Garth Brooks hit No. 1 on Billboard's country singles chart on this day in 1998 with "To Make You Feel My Love."
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.