Today in country music history:

2004 - Kenny Chesney's Greatest Hits album became his second project to go four-times platinum.

2001 - Lee Ann Womack's single "I Hope You Dance" went gold.

1999 - Rex Allen Sr., the singing cowboy, died when his caregiver accidentally ran him over in the driveway. Allen was 78.

1996 - Two members of Charlie Daniels' band scheduled surgical procedures the same day Charlie was getting both of his knees realigned, in the same hospital. That way, they wouldn't miss any tour dates.

1994 - Joe Diffie went to number one with "Pickup Man" and parked it there for four weeks.

1993 - Clay Walker picked up his first gold album for his self-titled debut project.

1993 - The Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles album featuring Brooks & Dunn, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and others went platinum and double platinum on the same day.

1988 - Restless Heart took the top spot with "A Tender Lie."

1955 - Tennesse Ernie Ford went to number one with "Sixteen Tons."

Birthdays:

Sharon White - singer, The Whites

Tracy Byrd - singer

George Lindsey (1928-2012) - actor, TV's Andy Griffith Show, Mayberry R.F.D.

Image: Sony Music Nashville

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