Today in Country Music History - September 9

• 7 Years Ago Today - In 2007, Joe Nichols and Heather Singleton tied the knot at Whitfield Chapel in Savannah, Georgia

• 10 Years Ago Today - In 2004, Willie Nelson played a concert in Plains, Georgia, for an upcoming TV special called, "CMT Homecoming: Jimmy Carter In Plains."

• 18 Years Ago Today - In 1996, the "Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe died the Northcrest Medical Center in Springfield, Tennessee. Five months ealier, he had suffering a stroke. Monroe joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1939 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.

• 46 Years Ago Today - In 1968, Buck Owens performed at the White House for president Lyndon Johnson.

• 60 Years Ago Today - In 1954, Elvis played at the opening of the Lamar-Airways Shopping Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Johnny Cash was in the audience and after the show, the two men met for the first time.

Happy Birthday to:

Hunter Hayes, who turned 23 today!
Joey Martin, from Joey+Rory, who turned 39 today!