This Day in Country Music History, January 5
2016
Charles Kelley performs in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he brings out surprise guest Kelsea Ballerini to do the female voice on “Need You Now”
2010
Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova” is certified gold by the RIAA
2007
Jo Dee Messina begins her first USO tour, performing for American G.I.s in Italy over a five-day period
1999
Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” receives Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year, while “Come On Over” is up for Album of the Year. The Dixie Chicks are finalists for Best New Artist. It marks the first time country acts have made each of the top four Grammy categories in one year
1995
Mary Chapin Carpenter receives four Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year for “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her.” “I Swear” is in the running for Song of the Year
1985
George Strait goes to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind”
1983
Warner Bros. releases John Anderson’s “Swingin'”
1980
Kenny Rogers kicks off a three-week run at the top of the Billboard country chart with “Coward Of The County”
1961
Singer/songwriter Mark Nesler is born in Beaumont, Texas. He writes Tim McGraw’s “Just To See You Smile,” George Strait’s “Living And Living Well,” Josh Turner’s “Time Is Love” and Keith Urban’s “You Look Good In My Shirt,” among others
1923
Sun Records founder Sam Phillips is born in Florence, Alabama. He signs and produces such acts as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, entering the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001