1939
Bill Monroe auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry at the WSM Radio studios in Nashville, performing “Foggy Mountain Top,” “Mule Skinner Blues” and “Fire On The Mountain.” He passed the audition and made his debut five days later.

1956
Born on this day in Pikeville, Kentucky, was Dwight Yoakam. The country singer, actor and film director, who is most famous for his pioneering country music has sold over 25 million records with 5 Billboard # 1 Albums, 12 Gold Albums, and 9 Platinum Albums. Yoakam is the most frequent musical guest in the history of The Tonight Show and has also starred in many films, most notably in critically acclaimed performances as an ill-tempered, abusive, live-in boyfriend in Sling Blade.

1992
The American dramatic musical western film Pure Country was released. Directed by Christopher Cain, The film stars George Strait in his acting debut with Lesley Ann Warren, Isabel Glasser and Kyle Chandler. The soundtrack was a critical success and to date is Strait’s best selling album.