Dolly Parton gave the commencement speech at the commencement ceremony in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Arts and Sciences. During the ceremony she received an honorary degree, a doctorate of humane and musical letters, from the university. It was only the second honorary degree given by the university.
On this day May 08, 2009
May 7, 2025 | 9:16 PM
This Day in Country Music
On this day May 08, 2009
Dolly Parton gave the commencement speech at the commencement ceremony in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's College of Arts and Sciences. During the ceremony she received an honorary degree, a doctorate of humane and mu...
11h ago
On this day May 07, 1966
Johnny Cash kicked off his first ever UK tour at the Empire in Liverpool, with The Statler Brothers opening the show, followed by June Carter.
May 07, 2025
On this day May 06, 2003
After the controversy regading Dixie Chicks member Natalie Maines' comments about President George W. Bush and the Iraq war, a Colorado radio station suspended two of its disc jockeys for playing music by Dixie Chicks.
May 06, 2025
On this day May 03, 1952
Kitty Wells recorded "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels". Wells was disenchanted with her career prospects and was considering retirement, but agreed to the session at Owen Bradley's studio because of the $125 union scale recording payment. "It ...
May 03, 2025
On this day May 03, 2010
Chely Wright becomes the first major country artist to come out as homosexual. In television appearances and an autobiography, she cited among her reasons for publicizing her homosexuality a concern with bullying and hate crimes toward gays, particular...
May 03, 2025
On this day April 30, 1990
Capitol Nashville released "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. The song, written by Brooks' friend, Tony Arata, was a key track on his self-titled debut album Garth Brooks and became #1 chart hit. It is considered by many to be Brooks' signature song. "The Da...
Apr 30, 2025
On this day April 30, 2022
US country music star Naomi Judd died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at her home in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee; she was 76 years old. The Kentucky-born singer was part of the Grammy award-winning duo The Judds, performing with her daughter Wynonna. ...
Apr 30, 2025
On this day April 29, 1933
Born on this day in Abbott, Texas, was Willie Nelson, country music singer, songwriter, author, poet, actor, and activist. (He was born on April 29, 1933, but his birth was recorded by doctor F. D. Sims on April 30). Nelson was one of the main figures ...
Apr 29, 2025