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
LOOK: Remembering Little Jimmy Dickens’ Life and Legacy
Dickens may have been small in stature -- he was only 4 feet, 11 inches -- but his presence was larger than life.
Top 10 Hank Williams Songs
Do you agree with our picks?
53 Years Ago: Merle Haggard’s ‘Okie From Muskogee’ Album Is Released
On Dec. 29, 1969, Haggard's 'Okie From Muskogee' album was released.
52 Years Ago: Lynn Anderson’s ‘(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden’ Hits No. 1
On Dec. 26, 1970, Anderson's single "(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden" became her first No. 1 hit.
35 Years Ago: Randy Travis Joins the Grand Ole Opry
Today is a monumental anniversary for Travis ...
19 Years Ago: Toby Keith Makes His Grand Ole Opry Debut
Dec. 14, 2002, is a day that Keith will likely never forget.
29 Years Ago: The Judds Play Their Final Show
Dec. 4, 1991, was a sad day for the Judds.
98 Years Ago: The Grand Ole Opry Begins Broadcasting
Nov. 28, 1925, was an historic day for country music.
39 Years Ago: Hank Williams Jr.’s ‘All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)’ Hits No. 1
Chances are good that on Nov. 21, 1981, Williams Jr. didn't do much settling down.
46 Years Ago: Dierks Bentley Is Born in Phoenix, Ariz.
Happy birthday, Dierks Bentley!
49 Years Ago: Loretta Lynn Releases ‘Rated ‘X”
On Nov. 20, 1972, Lynn released her single "Rated 'X'."
62 Years Ago: Hank Williams Among First Inductees Into Country Music Hall of Fame
On Nov. 3, 1961, Williams, publisher Fred Rose and Jimmie Rodgers were among the first inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
27 Years Ago: David Lee Murphy’s ‘Dust on the Bottle’ Hits No. 1
On Oct. 28, 1995, Murphy might have dusted off a bottle of champagne to toast his success.
Top 10 CMA Awards Moments
From historic Entertainer of the Year wins to surprising onstage antics, this photo gallery looks back at 10 of the CMA Awards' biggest moments.
43 Years Ago: Johnny Cash Is Inducted Into the Country Music Hall of Fame
On Oct. 13, 1980, Cash was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
32 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Joins the Grand Ole Opry
On Oct. 6, 1990, Brooks was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
11 Years Ago: George Strait Announces His Retirement From Touring
On Sept. 26, 2012, Strait announced that he was retiring from touring.
25 Years Ago: Kenny Chesney Scores First No. 1 Hit With ‘She’s Got It All’
On Aug. 30, 1997, Chesney scored his first No. 1 hit with the single "She's Got It All."
18 Years Ago: Brad Paisley’s ‘Time Well Wasted’ Album Is Released
On Aug. 16, 2005, Paisley's 'Time Well Wasted' album was released on Arista Records.
13 Incredible Moments From Kenny Rogers’ 2017 ‘All in for the Gambler’ Tribute Concert
Only an icon like Rogers could gather such an eclectic group of stars and turn it into one cohesive, unforgettable night.