Today In Country History-Autry Film Debut, LeAnn Marries

The Music and Memories of February 23

The Headlines

2002- LeAnn Rimes marries dancer Dean Sheremet in Dallas. They met when both appeared on the Academy of Country Music awards the previous May.  The couple divorce in 2010.

2000- The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain each win two Grammys.  The Chicks' song "Ready To Run" takes Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group, while "Fly" earns Best Country Album.

1990- Reba McEntire has her only child,Shelby Stephen Blackstock, at Nashville's West Side Hospital.

1983- "Always On My Mind" wins three Grammy awards.  Songwriters Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher and Mark James earn Song of the Year out of all formats and Best Country Song.  Willie Nelson takes Best Country Male Vocal Performance of the Year.

1957- Porter Wagoner joins the Grand Ole Opry.  Porter plays the Opry until is death in 2008.

1935- Gene Autry has his first starring movie role in the sci-fi western "The Phantom Empire."   The film co-stars Smiley Burnette.  In the flick, Gene discovers a lost continent and a race equipped with laser guns beneath his ranch.  The movie brings us the Gene Autry classic "That Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine."  Gene then goes on to have an impressive career in Country Music and Hollywood!  Plus, he records two songs that become American holiday classics "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Here Comes Santa Claus."

The #1 Hits

1991- Walk On Faith- Mike Reid

1985- Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On- Mel McDaniel

1980- Years- Barbara Mandrell

1974- Another Lonely Song- Tammy Wynette

1959- Don't Take Your Guns To Town- Johnny Cash

Birthdays

Steve Holy, 1972.  From Dallas, Steve breaks through in 2001 with the Number One hit "Good Morning Beautiful."  Then, follows up with "Brand New Girlfriend" and "Love Don't Run."