THE BIG MOMENT1953
Marty Robbins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry
Marty Robbins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He had moved to Nashville that same year and went on to be one of the Opry's best-loved stars.
On This Day in Country Music: January 19
Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
What happened on January 19 in country music history?
On January 19, 1953, Marty Robbins became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 2008, Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. Ken Nelson and Dolly Parton share this birthday.
Country Stars Born on January 19
1911
Ken Nelson
Ken Nelson was born in Caledonia, Minnesota. As a Capitol Records producer, he guided records by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Jean Shepard and Hank Thompson. He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and died in 2008 at 96.
1935
Charlie Waller
Charlie Waller was born in Joinerville, Texas. He sang lead and played guitar with the bluegrass band the Country Gentlemen and entered the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 1996.
1939
Phil Everly
Phil Everly was born in Chicago, Illinois. With his brother Don as the Everly Brothers, he sang the close harmonies on "Bye Bye Love," which went to No. 1 on the country chart in 1957.
1946
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was born in a one-room cabin in Sevier County, Tennessee. The beloved singer and songwriter has sold more than 100 million records and starred in films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias.
No. 1 Songs on This Date
1972
Merle Haggard and The Strangers held the No. 1 spot on the country chart with "Carolyn." The song stayed on top for three weeks.
1983
Alabama's Mountain Music was the No. 1 country album. The record had a long run on top that carried well into 1983 and did well on the pop side too.
Grand Ole Opry Moments
2008
Charlie Daniels became a member of the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. Marty Stuart and Connie Smith were on hand to help welcome him into the family.
Source: countrystandardtime.comNew Music on This Date
1954
George Jones cut his first record, a song he wrote called "No Money in This Deal." It was taped in the living room of a house and came out on Starday Records that February.
On TV and the Big Screen
1990
Reba McEntire made her movie debut in Tremors, which opened in theaters on this day. She starred with Kevin Bacon in the Universal Pictures monster film.
More Moments to Remember
2012
On her 66th birthday, Dolly Parton and Gaylord Entertainment shared plans for a $50 million water and snow park next to the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville. It was meant to be open in both summer and winter.
Source: tn.govRemembering the Ones We Lost
1960
Record man Ralph Peer died at 67 in Hollywood, California. He made what many call the first country record, by Fiddlin' John Carson, and later found Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family during the 1927 Bristol Sessions in Tennessee.
Quick Answers
Which country singers were born on January 19?
Ken Nelson (1911), Charlie Waller (1935), Phil Everly (1939) and Dolly Parton (1946) were all born on this date.
What was the No. 1 country song on this date?
It depends on the year. In 1972, Merle Haggard and The Strangers held the No. 1 spot on the country chart with "Carolyn." In 1983, Alabama's Mountain Music was the No. 1 country album.
This Week in Country Music History
January 162006: "Walk the Line," the Johnny Cash movie, won three Golden Globes.January 171983: Country stars shone at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.January 181979: Willie Nelson's double live album Willie and Family Live sat at No. 1 on Billboard's co…January 201979: Dolly Parton had the No. 1 country song with "I Really Got the Feeling," which was pair…January 211987: Roy Orbison joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Bruce Springsteen giving the sp…January 221990: Randy Travis won three American Music Awards in Los Angeles, including favorite country…
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