Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
On August 14, 1976, Waylon Jennings hit No. 1 on the country albums chart with Are You Ready for the Country. In 1984, Don Williams earned his 16th No. 1 country hit with "That's the Thing About Love." It’s also Connie Smith’s birthday.
Waylon Jennings hit No. 1 on the country albums chart with Are You Ready for the Country. The outlaw record covered rock songs, including Neil Young's title track and "Can't You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band.
Connie Smith was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Bill Anderson heard her win a talent contest near Columbus, Ohio, in 1963, and her first single, "Once a Day," went to No. 1 for eight weeks.
David Houston was No. 1 on the country chart with "Almost Persuaded." It stayed on top for nine straight weeks, a run no song matched until 2012.
Don Williams earned his 16th No. 1 country hit with "That's the Thing About Love." Richard Leigh and Gary Nicholson wrote the song, the first single from Cafe Carolina.
Reba McEntire's Sweet Sixteen was No. 1 on the country albums chart. It held the top spot for 13 weeks in a row and included her take on "Cathy's Clown."
Alison Krauss & Union Station released New Favorite. It won the Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, and "The Lucky One" won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group.
Luke Bryan put out his first album, I'll Stay Me, on Capitol Records Nashville. Before that he had made his name in Nashville as a songwriter. The record gave fans "All My Friends Say," "We Rode in Trucks" and "Country Man."
Toby Keith played for Marines, sailors and their families at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego. About 15,000 people came out, and President George W. Bush spoke after the show.
Source: miramar-ems.marines.milConnie Smith (1941) was born on this date.
It depends on the year. In 1976, Waylon Jennings hit No. 1 on the country albums chart with Are You Ready for the Country. In 1984, Don Williams earned his 16th No. 1 country hit with "That's the Thing About Love."
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