This Day in Country Music History, January 4
2016
A thief breaks into Kacey Musgraves’ car in downtown Nashville and steals a new pair of western boots
2006
LeAnn Rimes sings the national anthem at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, while Big & Rich perform six songs at a pre-game tailgate party. The Texas Longhorns defeat the USC Trojans, 41-38, in the waning seconds
2002
The soundtrack to “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and individual cuts from the project by the likes of Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris and The Soggy Bottom Boys pick up five nominations in the Grammy awards. The album “Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute” also collects five
2000
The Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” is nominated for the Album of the Year Grammy, competing with Santana, Diana Krall, The Backstreet Boys and TLC. The Chicks pick up a total of four nominations
1992
Collin Raye posts his first #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Love, Me”
1969
Johnny Cash earns a #1 country single in Billboard magazine with “Daddy Sang Bass.” Written by Carl Perkins, it features vocal appearances by The Statler Brothers and The Carter Family
1966
Deana Carter is born in Nashville. The daughter of guitarist Fred Carter, her 1996 hit “Strawberry Wine” nets the Country Music Association’s Song and Single of the Year. She also co-writes the Kenny Chesney/Grace Potter duet “You And Tequila”
1957
Patty Loveless is born in Elkhorn City, Kentucky. A distant cousin of Loretta Lynn, Loveless’ pure, powerful style leads to membership in the Grand Ole Opry and 1996 recognition from the Country Music Association as Female Vocalist of the Year
1953
Hank Williams’ funeral draws more than 20,000 people in Montgomery, Alabama. A country choir led by Webb Pierce, Red Foley, Little Jimmy Dickens and Carl Smith performs “I Saw The Light.” Ernest Tubb offers “Beyond The Sunset”
1923
WBAP in Dallas becomes the first station west of the Mississippi River to broadcast country music, airing “The Radio Barn Dance”
