Country Music News

TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

(Wed., Oct. 10)

Tanya Tucker was born in Seminole, Texas, in 1958.

Merle Travis was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1971.

"The Bellamy Brothers Greatest Hits" was awarded a gold album in 1986.

Randy Travis's "Storms of Life" was certified gold, also in 1986.

Loretta Lynn and Roy Rogers were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.

K.T. Oslin became the first woman to win CMA honors for Song of the Year for "'80s Ladies," also in 1988.

COUNTRY MUSIC TRIVIA

Q: What Opry member won the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal for his "Cold Hard Truth" album?

A: George Jones, who returns to the Opry stage on Saturday's 6:30 p.m. show during the Opry's 76th Birthday Bash.

MUSIC AND MORE

TRAVIS TRITT ON 'CMT MOST WANTED LIVE'

Opry member Travis Tritt has been added to the October lineup of "CMT Most Wanted Live." The show broadcasts from the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville daily at 6 p.m. (ET). Tritt makes his appearance this Friday. Don't miss Travis on the Grand Ole Opry that evening during the Opry's 76th Birthday Bash show.

COUNTRY STARS JOIN COUNTRY FREEDOM CAUSE

Opry members Vince Gill, Clint Black, George Jones, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride are among artists confirmed to perform at the Country Freedom Concert on Oct. 21. The event will be held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville. Other artists scheduled to appear are Sara Evans, Lee Ann Womack, Lonestar, Brooks & Dunn and George Strait.

The event will be broadcast live on CMT beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) and Westwood One will carry the audio feed to radio stations worldwide. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go to the Salvation Army's disaster relief fund.

GEORGE HALL OF FAME CEREMONY RESCHEDULED

Opry member Alan Jackson will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, Ga., on Oct. 22. The ceremony was originally scheduled for Sept. 15; however, it was rescheduled due to the tragic events on Sept. 11. Other inductees include Kenny Rogers and R & B legend Clarence Carter.

KINGSLEY AT THE TOP

"American Country Countdown" and "America's MusicMakers" host Bob Kingsley has been named the first CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year. Kingsley has hosted "American Country Countdown" since 1974. He will appear at the Grand Ole Opry this Saturday as part of the Opry's Guest Announcer Series during Homecoming 2001.

Coming Soon To The Opry Stage:

Oct. 12: Grand Ole Opry 76th Birthday -- Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt

Oct. 13: Grand Ole Opry 76th Birthday -- Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Stanley, George Jones (6:30 only)

Oct. 19: Marty Stuart

Oct. 20: Allison Moorer, Darryl Worley

Oct. 26: Confederate Railroad (debut), Charley Pride, Gail Davies w/the Jordanaires, Pam Tillis

Oct. 27: Charley Pride, Gail Davies w/the Jordanaires

Nov. 10: Trace Adkins, Clint Black

Nov. 30: Joe Diffie

Dec. 1: Joe Diffie, Travis Tritt

Dec. 14: Jeff Carson

Dec. 15: Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Carson