This Day in Country Music History, December 18
2012
Blake Shelton’s team finishes one and two as Cassadee Pope wins the NBC competition “The Voice” and Terry McDermott is runner-up. Pope and McDermott sing “Catch My Breath” with guest Kelly Clarkson. Smokey Robinson also performs
2006
Carrie Underwood returns to the U.S. after performing for American troops in Iraq and Kuwait during her first USO tour
2004
Tim McGraw’s “Back When” goes to #1 in Billboard
2003
Reba McEntire gains a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, for her work in the WB’s “Reba.” Among her competition: “Will And Grace” star Debra Messing and “Sex In The City” actress Sarah Jessica Parker
2000
Tim McGraw’s “Greatest Hits” is certified gold and platinum on the same day
1998
Martina McBride joins Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins and vice president Al Gore on NBC-TV’s Brooke Shields-hosted special “Christmas In Washington”
1993
Faith Hill makes her Grand Ole Opry debut
1981
Buck Owens has a fictitious speeding ticket rescinded by singing “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail” in an episode of the CBS series “The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring John Schneider and Tom Wopat
1978
Johnny Paycheck’s work pays off. He earns his first gold album from the RIAA, for “Take This Job And Shove It”
1975
Randy Houser is born in Jackson, Mississippi. A co-writer of Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” he shows off a powerful voice with his 2008 debut album, “Anything Goes.” He hits his stride with the 2013 album “How Country Feels”