Gayle Thompson

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.

18 Years Ago: Jo Dee Messina Runs the Boston Marathon

On April 17, 2006, Messina ran the Boston Marathon ... and completed the race, even after injuring her knee.

14 Years Ago: Alan Jackson Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On April 16, 2010, Jackson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

53 Years Ago: John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ Is Released

On April 12, 1971, "Take Me Home, Country Roads" was released as a single.

32 Years Ago: Wynonna Judd Hits No. 1 With Debut Solo Single

On April 11, 1992, Judd earned her first hit as a solo artist.

29 Years Ago: George Strait Records ‘Check Yes or No’ and ‘I Know She Still Loves Me’

On April 10, 1995, Strait recorded "Check Yes or No" and "I Know She Still Loves Me" for his 'Strait Out of the Box' album.

33 Years Ago: Patty Loveless Earns First Gold Album With ‘Honky Tonk Angel’

On April 9, 1991, Loveless received her first gold album, for her 1988 'Honky Tonk Angel' record.

27 Years Ago: Trace Adkins Scores First No. 1 Hit With ‘(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing’

On April 5, 1997, Adkins scored his first No. 1 hit with "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," from his freshman album, 'Dreamin' Out Loud'.

39 Years Ago: The Judds Score First Gold Album With ‘Why Not Me’

On April 4, 1985, the Judds earned their first gold album, for 'Why Not Me'.

53 Years Ago: Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s ‘After the Fire Is Gone’ Hits No. 1

On April 3, 1971, Lynn and Twitty's debut single, "After the Fire Is Gone," landed at the top of the charts.

68 Years Ago: Johnny Cash Records ‘I Walk the Line’

On April 2, 1956, Cash recorded what would become one of his most famous songs.

57 Years Ago: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Opens

On April 1, 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened in Nashville, Tenn.

53 Years Ago: Lynn Anderson’s ‘Rose Garden’ Album Hits No. 1

On March 18, 1971, Anderson's 'Rose Garden' album hit No. 1, and stayed there for 14 weeks.

38 Years Ago: Randy Travis Makes His Grand Ole Opry Debut

On March 7, 1986, Travis made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, performing "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

18 Years Ago: Miranda Lambert’s ‘Kerosene’ Goes Gold

On March 6, 2006, Lambert earned her first gold single.

37 Years Ago: Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger’ Film Premieres

On Feb. 19, 1987, Nelson's movie 'Red Headed Stranger' premiered in Austin, Texas.

50 Years Ago: Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner End Their Musical Partnership

On Feb. 19, 1974, Parton announced her split from Wagoner, after more than seven years of performing together.

57 Years Ago: Dolly Parton’s Debut Album Is Released

On Feb. 13, 1967, 'Hello, I'm Dolly' was released.

22 Years Ago: Jo Dee Messina Earns Second Platinum Album With ‘Burn’

On Feb. 8, 2002, 'Burn' was certified platinum, for sales of one million units.

62 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Is Born in Tulsa, Okla.

Happy birthday, Garth!

11 Years Ago: George Strait Begins His Final Tour

On Jan. 18, 2013, Strait kicked off his farewell trek in Lubbock, Texas.