Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
On June 9, 2007, Mel Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1979, Kenny Rogers reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart with "She Believes in Me."
Mel Tillis became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His daughter, Pam Tillis, welcomed him in, the only time a child has inducted a parent. He is loved for No. 1 hits like "I Ain't Never" and "Coca-Cola Cowboy."
Shelly Kurland, the violinist and arranger, was born in Brooklyn, New York. He became a busy Nashville session player and wrote string arrangements for records by Crystal Gayle and Ronnie Milsap. He passed away in 2010.
Kenny Rogers reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart with "She Believes in Me." The tender ballad held the top spot for two weeks.
George Strait's "Love Without End, Amen" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard country chart. The song about a father's love stayed on top for five straight weeks.
Glen Campbell's last studio album, Adios, came out. He cut it in Nashville after his farewell tour, while living with Alzheimer's. Longtime friend Carl Jackson stood beside him in the booth, helping him sing it one line at a time.
CMA Fest came back to Nashville for four days of music after two years off because of COVID-19. Fans packed downtown from June 9 to June 12.
It depends on the year. In 1979, Kenny Rogers reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart with "She Believes in Me." In 1990, George Strait's "Love Without End, Amen" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard country chart.
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.