On This Day in Country Music History

These are some of the important events that took place on this day, January 3rd, in the history of Country Music:

1 of 8
1983 – John Anderson's song "Wild and Blue" was at #1 on the Country chart.
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2 of 8
1991 – Billy Ray Cyrus signed his first recording contract with Mercury Records.
Photo: Alexander Sibaja/Getty Images
3 of 8
1995 – Rhett Akins released his debut album "A Thousand Memories."
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4 of 8
1995 – Trisha Yearwood released her single “Thinkin’ About You.”
Photo: Vince Bucci/Getty Images
5 of 8
2000 – George Strait released his single “The Best Day.”
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
6 of 8
2009 – Taylor Swift was at #1 on the country chart with "Fearless," which was the most awarded album in the history of country music.
Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
7 of 8
2014 – Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers died just days prior to his 75th birthday. The Everly Brothers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
Photo: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
8 of 8
2018 – Eric Church‘s album "Mr. Misunderstood" was certified platinum.
Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images