![Jo Dee Messina Runs Boston Marathon, Cash Plays For Nixon- Today In Country History](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2011/04/52139330.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Jo Dee Messina Runs Boston Marathon, Cash Plays For Nixon- Today In Country History
The Music and Memories of April 17
2006- Jo Dee Messina runs the 26.2-mile course in the 110th Boston Marathon. She injures her knee halfway through, but still finishes in five hours and 47 minutes, ranking #19,681 among participants. Jo Dee, who said her goal was "just to finish," runs the race with her brother starting near her hometown in Hopkinton, Mass.
1976- After writing the hits 'Kentucky Rain' for Elvis and 'Pure Love' for Ronnie Milsap, Eddie Rabbitt has his first No. 1 country recording with 'Drinkin' My Baby (Off My Mind).'
1970- Johnny Cash plays the White House for President Nixon with June Carter and The Statler Brothers. Johnny declines Nixon's request to sing 'Welfare Cadillac' and Merle Haggard's 'Okie From Muskogee,' a conservative based 'middle-american' song. Nixon's choices did not agree with Johnny Cash's pro-underdog sympathies. When he expressed his reluctance, a White House aide told him that he could sing anything he wished. Johnny performs 'Folsom Prison Blues,' 'Peace In The Valley' and 'What Is Truth.'
More From 107.7 WGNA
![40 Country Singers Who Died Too Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2021/02/attachment-27-country-deaths-too-young.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Runners Are Crazy! Plus, Local Boston Marathon Runner!](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2017/04/14956366_10105562047294439_2480422373833418718_n-e1492448852241.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Country Singers Who Died Far Too Young [PICTURES]](http://townsquare.media/site/623/files/2012/10/country-stars-who-died-young.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Boston Marathon and 9/11 Jokes From Chris Rock on SNL-Not Funny [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2014/11/458668942.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A President Who Loved Country Music](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2011/02/8073271.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Best Country Love Songs Of The 80s – Anne Murray, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson And Others](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2014/02/51147048.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Richie Celebrates WGNA’s 40th Anniversary In Song – [AUDIO]](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2013/12/old-wgna-logo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![A Miracle – This Guy Survived Both The Boston Marathon and Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosions [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2013/04/Screen-Shot-2013-04-29-at-11.12.06-AM.png?w=980&q=75)
![Moment Of Silence For Boston Marathon](http://townsquare.media/site/81/files/2013/04/1671491001.jpg?w=980&q=75)