THE BIG MOMENT1968
The Byrds played the Grand Ole Opry and got a cold welcome from the crowd
The Byrds played the Grand Ole Opry and got a cold welcome from the crowd. Instead of a planned Merle Haggard song, they sang Gram Parsons' "Hickory Wind."
On This Day in Country Music: March 15
Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
What happened on March 15 in country music history?
On March 15, 1968, the Byrds played the Grand Ole Opry and got a cold welcome from the crowd. In 2008, Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood on the Opry stage by inviting her to join.
Country Stars Born on March 15
1927
Carl Smith
Carl Smith, known as "Mister Country," was born in Maynardville, Tennessee. He had 30 Top 10 hits, with 21 in a row. He was married to June Carter, and their daughter is Carlene Carter.
No. 1 Songs on This Date
1970
Merle Haggard reached No. 1 on the country chart with "The Fightin' Side of Me." It was also the title song of his album and became one of his best-known records.
2011
Lady Antebellum's Need You Now was the No. 1 country album. It won the Grammy for Best Country Album, and the title song won four Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Big Awards Nights
1966
Roger Miller won six Grammy Awards, five of them for "King of the Road." The Statler Brothers took home Best New Country & Western Artist.
Grand Ole Opry Moments
2008
Randy Travis surprised Carrie Underwood on the Opry stage by inviting her to join. She was made a member that May.
New Music on This Date
2005
Miranda Lambert put out her first album, Kerosene. It opened at No. 1 on Billboard's country albums chart, and the title song became a Top 15 country hit.
Love, Family and Life Events
2003
Brad Paisley married actress Kimberly Williams at Stauffer Chapel on the Pepperdine University campus in California.
Quick Answers
What was the No. 1 country song on this date?
It depends on the year. In 1970, Merle Haggard reached No. 1 on the country chart with "The Fightin' Side of Me." In 2011, Lady Antebellum's Need You Now was the No. 1 country album.
This Week in Country Music History
March 121969: Country took home several prizes at the 11th Grammy Awards.March 131999: Trisha Yearwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.March 142021: The 63rd Grammy Awards were held in Los Angeles.March 161971: Johnny Cash and June Carter won a Grammy for "If I Were a Carpenter" at the 13th Grammy…March 171969: Glen Campbell's Wichita Lineman album was No. 1 on the country album chart.March 181965: Buck Owens was No. 1 on the country singles chart with "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail,"…
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