Today in Country Music History: Legends, Lyrics, and Final Bows on June 26th

June 26th has been a big day in country music history with chart-topping birthdays to unforgettable final performances.

1973 – Happy Birthday, Redneck Woman!

On this day in Pocahontas, Illinois, and a star was born who would become a name in country music. Gretchen Wilson's debut hit, "Redneck Woman", hit number one on the country charts in 200, and it would later go on to win a Grammy. Since then, she has had five Top Ten hits and sold over 6 million records. Not too shabby for a bartender and a girl who was singing in bars before hitting it big.

Also Born in 1973: A Songwriting Machine

Kyle Jacobs was born this day as well. He was not just a singer or musician, but one of the top songwriters in Nashville. One of his most well-known songs that he cowrote is "More Than a Memory" with Garth Brooks, which was the first song in history to debut at number one in the country charts. Kyle worked for Curb Music, for 20 years before passing away in 2023 still leaving behind a lot of great music.

1976 - Marty Robbins #1 Hit

Marty Robbins was sitting on top of the country charts with “El Paso City”, his fifteenth #1. Robbins wrote “El Paso City” while flying over El Paso, in - according to him - the same amount of time it takes to sing the song, four minutes and 14 seconds. It was only the second time he wrote a song in midair; the first time was when he wrote the original El Paso as quickly as he jotted down.

1977 – Elvis Presley's Last Live Show

On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley sold out a live show, in Indianapolis. It would be his last live show.  Elvis died less than two months after the show.

2013 – Kenny Rogers Goes to Africa

In 2013, Kenny Rogers made his first live appearance in Africa, in front of more than 70,000 fans, in Morocco. He sang his classic songs like "Lady", "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town," and "Love Or Something Like It." Even halfway around the world, they loved the smooth voice and storytelling of "The Gambler."

Whether it’s a redneck anthem, a record-breaking song, or a farewell from a legend, June 26th proves just how unforgettable country music can be.