Gayle Thompson has been a daily contributor for The Boot since it began in 2008. In addition, she has written for Rolling Stone, Country Weekly, CBS Radio and several other outlets. Besides writing, she loves traveling, cooking, entertaining and anything else that involves her husband and little boy.
Gayle Thompson
38 Years Ago: Reba McEntire Joins the Grand Ole Opry
McEntire's induction was part of a televised special for the Opry's 60th anniversary.
32 Years Ago: Johnny Cash Is Inducted Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On Jan. 15, 1992, the Man in Black was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
98 Years Ago: Ray Price Is Born in Peach, Texas
Ninety-seven years ago today, on Jan. 12, 1926, Ray Price was born in Peach, Texas.
54 Years Ago: Merle Haggard’s ‘Okie From Muskogee’ Album Is Released
On Dec. 29, 1969, Haggard's 'Okie From Muskogee' album was released.
44 Years Ago: Alan Jackson Marries Denise Jackson
Happy anniversary to the Jacksons!
13 Years Ago: The Band Perry Hit No. 1 With ‘If I Die Young’
Dec. 13, 2010, was an unforgettable day for the Band Perry
26 Years Ago: Shania Twain Makes History With ‘The Woman in Me’
On Nov. 17, 1997, Twain's sophomore album was certified diamond.
27 Years Ago: Trisha Yearwood Earns No. 1 Hit With ‘Believe Me Baby (I Lied)’
Oct. 12, 1996, was a big day for Yearwood.
30 Years Ago: Vince Gill Hits No. 1 With ‘One More Last Chance’
On Oct. 9, 1993, Gill earned his third No. 1 hit.
23 Years Ago: Chris LeDoux Undergoes Liver Transplant
Oct. 7, 2000, was a bittersweet day for LeDoux and his family.
33 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Joins the Grand Ole Opry
On Oct. 6, 1990, Brooks was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
18 Years Ago: Keith Urban’s ‘Golden Road’ Goes Triple Platinum
On Sept. 22, 2005, Urban's 'Golden Road' was certified triple platinum, for sales of 3 million copies.
36 Years Ago: George Strait Hits No. 1 With ‘All My Ex’s Live in Texas’
On July 11, 1987, Strait took over the No. 1 spot on the charts with his single "All My Ex's Live in Texas."
43 Years Ago: George Jones’ ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ Hits No. 1
On July 5, 1980, Jones earned a No. 1 hit with "He Stopped Loving Her Today."
22 Years Ago: Chet Atkins Dies
On June 30, 2001, Atkins passed away. He was 77 years old at the time of his death.
21 Years Ago: The Chicks’ ‘Fly’ Certified Diamond
On June 25, 2002, the Chicks achieved a career milestone that only a few country artists have.
28 Years Ago: Shania Twain’s ‘The Woman in Me’ Goes Platinum
On June 22, 1995, Twain earned her first platinum album with her sophomore record, 'The Woman in Me'.
12 Years Ago: Glen Campbell Reveals His Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
On June 22, 2011, Campbell's fans learned that the iconic singer had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
17 Years Ago: Taylor Swift’s ‘Tim McGraw’ Is Released
On June 19, 2006, Swift's debut single, "Tim McGraw," was released.
36 Years Ago: Randy Travis Hits No. 1 With ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’
On June 13, 1987, "Forever and Ever, Amen" reached the top of the charts, where it stayed for three weeks.