Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
On August 17, 2008, Linda Ronstadt received the Trailblazer Award at the 2008 ALMA Awards in Pasadena, California. In 1963, the Browns, a country and folk singing trio, joined the Grand Ole Opry. Maria McKee and Wayne Raney share this birthday.
Linda Ronstadt received the Trailblazer Award at the 2008 ALMA Awards in Pasadena, California. Placido Domingo handed her the honor, and Wynonna Judd and BeBe Winans sang in her tribute. ABC aired the show in September.
Wayne Raney was born near Wolf Bayou, Arkansas. He and partner Lonnie Glosson sold millions of harmonicas by mail, and his 1949 song "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me" went to No. 1 on the country chart.
Kevin Welch was born in Long Beach, California. The singer and songwriter placed five singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, including "Stay November."
Maria McKee was born in Los Angeles. She fronted Lone Justice and sang with Dwight Yoakam on "Bury Me" from his 1986 debut. Her song "Am I the Only One (Who's Ever Felt This Way?)" was recorded by the Dixie Chicks.
Mitchell Tenpenny was born in Nashville, Tennessee. His 2018 hit "Drunk Me" climbed to No. 2 on country radio, and he helped write Granger Smith's top 10 song "If the Boot Fits."
George Strait held the top spot on Billboard's country singles chart with "You Know Me Better Than That." The song was the second release off his album Chill of an Early Fall.
The Browns, a country and folk singing trio, joined the Grand Ole Opry. They were best known for "The Three Bells," a 1959 No. 1 that earned Grammy nominations.
Taylor Swift's "Betty," a song from her album Folklore, was sent to country radio by Republic Records and MCA Nashville.
Wayne Raney (1921), Kevin Welch (1955), Maria McKee (1964) and Mitchell Tenpenny (1989) were all born on this date.
It depends on the year. In 1991, George Strait held the top spot on Billboard's country singles chart with "You Know Me Better Than That."
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.