Today In Country History- TNN Hits Air, Gilley’s Opens

The Music and Memories of March 7

The Headlines

2000- Pee Wee King dies.  Pee Wee leads the Golden West Cowboys in 1936, then writes the classic "Tennessee Waltz" and scores his own Number One hit in 1951 with "Slow Poke."  Pee Wee dies of a heart attack at the age of 86.

1983- TNN hits the air!  The Nashville Network debuts Country Music programming nationwide from it's studios at Opryland in Nashville.  The home of Ralph Emery's Nashville Now, Shotgun Red, Crook and Chase, The Statler Brothers Show and the Wildhorse Saloon goes off the air in 2000.  Ralph Emery is eventually inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.  That same year, Ralph is back on television hosting a show on RFD-TV.

1971- Gilley's nightclub opens in Pasadena, Texas. Named for part-owner Mickey Gilley, the home of the mechanical bull provides the inspiration for the 1980 movie "Urban Cowboy."  The club eventually burns down.  However, the name Gilley's is used on a new club in Dallas and Las Vegas inspired by the original dance hall.

1963- Jack Anglin of Johnnie and Jack dies in an auto accident on his way to Patsy Cline's memorial service at the age of 46.  Jack and Johnnie Wright, the husband of Kitty Wells, have hits with "Oh Baby Mine, I Get So Lonely" and "Poison Love."

The #1 Billboard Hits

1998- Round About Way- George Strait

1987- Mornin' Ride- Lee Greenwood

1981- Do You Love As Good As You Look- The Bellamy Brothers

1964- Saginaw, Michigan- Lefty Frizzell