Your daily look at this day in country history, from classic Opry nights to the newest No. 1 hits.
On October 15, 1969, Johnny Cash ruled the third CMA Awards at the Ryman Auditorium, winning Entertainer, Male Vocalist, and Album of the Year for Johnny Cash at San Quentin. In 1960, Loretta Lynn sang on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. It’s also Drummer Larrie Londin’s birthday.
Johnny Cash ruled the third CMA Awards at the Ryman Auditorium, winning Entertainer, Male Vocalist, and Album of the Year for Johnny Cash at San Quentin. "A Boy Named Sue" was Single of the Year. Bob Ferguson won Song of the Year for "The Carroll County Accident," and Tammy Wynette was Female Vocalist.
Drummer Larrie Londin was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He became one of Nashville's most trusted session players, recording with Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Elvis Presley. He died in 1992.
Dean Miller, son of Roger Miller, was born in Los Angeles. He charted four country singles of his own and co-wrote hits for Terri Clark and Trace Adkins.
Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town was born in Toccoa, Georgia. Her group's No. 1 hits include "Pontoon," "Girl Crush" and "Better Man."
Charlie Rich took home three trophies at the seventh CMA Awards at the Ryman Auditorium: Male Vocalist, Single and Album of the Year, all tied to "Behind Closed Doors." Roy Clark was named Entertainer of the Year, and Loretta Lynn won Female Vocalist.
Loretta Lynn sang on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. Two years later, on Sept. 25, 1962, the coal miner's daughter became an Opry member, and she stayed one for the rest of her life.
Dolly Parton put out "Jolene" as a single. She has said a red-haired bank teller who flirted with her new husband, Carl Dean, gave her the idea. The song went to No. 1 on the country chart and became her most covered tune.
Source: history.comFaith Hill released Cry, her fifth studio album. It went to No. 1 on both the country albums chart and the all-genre Billboard 200.
Garth Brooks ended his retirement by announcing a run of solo shows at the Wynn Las Vegas. Fans had not seen him headline regular concerts in nearly a decade.
Source: news.pollstar.comKeith Urban wrapped up his Get Closer World Tour with a show at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Jake Owen and Lady Antebellum opened shows on the tour.
Carrie Underwood opened her Denim & Rhinestones Tour in Greenville, South Carolina. The tour backed her album of the same name and ran 43 shows, closing in Seattle the next March.
Three days after John Denver died in a plane crash off the California coast, federal aviation officials said he had been flying without a valid medical certificate. The FAA had asked him to stop flying after two drunk driving arrests.
Source: archive.seattletimes.comDrummer Larrie Londin (1943) was born on this date.
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