The Boot Staff
24 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Named Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards
On Jan. 17, 2000, Brooks was named the Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards.
81 Years Ago: Ronnie Milsap Is Born in North Carolina
Happy birthday to him!
48 Years Ago: ‘Wanted! The Outlaws’ Is Released
In 1976, some of Music City's most eccentric, outside-the-box artists turned the town upside down, staging a commercial revolution against the Nashville establishment that resulted in a paradigm shift in country music.
26 Years Ago: Martina McBride Hits No. 1 With ‘A Broken Wing’
On Jan. 10, 1998, McBride soared to No. 1 with "A Broken Wing."
34 Years Ago: Willie Nelson’s ‘Stardust’ Is Certified Quadruple Platinum
On Jan. 9, 1990, 'Stardust' album was certified quadruple platinum.
41 Years Ago: Reba McEntire Earns Her First No. 1 Hit
On Jan. 8, 1983, McEntire earned her first No. 1 hit with "Can't Even Get the Blues."
39 Years Ago: George Strait’s ‘Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind’ Hits No. 1
On Jan. 5, 1985, Strait was starting the new year on a high note.
74 Years Ago: Sun Studio Opens in Memphis, Tenn.
Jan. 3, 1950, was an historic day for country music, although no one was aware of it at the time.
24 Years Ago: LeAnn Rimes’ Self-Titled Album Goes Platinum
On Jan. 3, 2000, Rimes kicked off the new year -- and the new millennium -- on a high note.
49 Years Ago: ‘Austin City Limits’ Premieres on PBS
On Jan. 2, 1975, 'Austin City Limits' premiered on PBS.
65 Years Ago: Johnny Cash Performs at San Quentin State Prison
On Jan. 1, 1959, the Man in Black kicked off the new year on a high note.
132 Years Ago: The Ryman Auditorium Officially Opens
In 1892, the Ryman Auditorium opened its doors.