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On This Day in Country Music: May 2

Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.

What happened on May 2 in country music history?

On May 2, 1979, the 14th Academy of Country Music Awards came from the Hollywood Palladium, with Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Dennis Weaver hosting. In 2013, Friends and fans said goodbye to George Jones at his funeral, days after he died at 81. R.C. Bannon and Larry Gatlin share this birthday.

THE BIG MOMENT1979

The 14th Academy of Country Music Awards came from the Hollywood Palladium, with Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Dennis Weaver hosting

The 14th Academy of Country Music Awards came from the Hollywood Palladium, with Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and Dennis Weaver hosting. Kenny Rogers and Mandrell won the top vocalist awards, the Oak Ridge Boys took Top Vocal Group, and Don Williams won Single Record for "Tulsa Time."

Country Stars Born on May 2

1945

R.C. Bannon

R.C. Bannon was born Daniel Shipley in Dallas, Texas. His biggest chart hit came in 1979, when he and his wife at the time, Louise Mandrell, remade "Reunited." He also wrote songs for Ronnie Milsap and Barbara Mandrell.

1948

Larry Gatlin

Larry Gatlin was born in Seminole, Texas. Singing with his brothers Steve and Rudy, he put 33 singles in the country Top 40, including the No. 1 hits "All the Gold in California" and "Houston (Means I'm One Day Closer to You)."

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No. 1 Songs on This Date

1969

Glen Campbell sat at No. 1 on the country singles chart with "Galveston," a song written by Jimmy Webb. It led the chart for three weeks that spring.

2022

Morgan Wallen held No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with "Don't Think Jesus," written by Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill and Mark Holman. The song entered that chart at the top.

Source: countrynow.com

More Moments to Remember

2010

Heavy rain sent floodwaters across Nashville. The Cumberland River left the Grand Ole Opry House under several feet of water, and the Opry's home did not reopen until Sept. 28, 2010.

2013

Friends and fans said goodbye to George Jones at his funeral, days after he died at 81. Barbara Mandrell and Kenny Chesney spoke, and Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Vince Gill and others sang in his honor. WSM 650 AM carried the service on radio.

Quick Answers

Which country singers were born on May 2?

R.C. Bannon (1945) and Larry Gatlin (1948) were all born on this date.

What was the No. 1 country song on this date?

It depends on the year. In 1969, Glen Campbell sat at No. 1 on the country singles chart with "Galveston," a song written by Jimmy Webb. In 2022, Morgan Wallen held No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart with "Don't Think Jesus," written by Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill and Mark Holman.

This Week in Country Music History

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