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
45 Years Ago: Eric Church Is Born in Granite Falls, N.C.
Happy birthday, EC!
55 Years Ago: Tim McGraw Is Born in Delhi, La.
Happy birthday, Tim!
23 Years Ago: Rascal Flatts Debut on the Grand Ole Opry
On April 28, 2000, the country trio made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
37 Years Ago: The Judds’ ‘Why Not Me’ Is Certified Platinum
On April 25, 1986, the Judds' 'Why Not Me' album was certified platinum, for sales of one million copies.
31 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Wins a Record Six Times at the ACM Awards
On April 24, 1991, Brooks set an ACMs record
16 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.
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.
38 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'.
66 Years Ago: Johnny Cash Records ‘I Walk the Line’
On April 2, 1956, Cash recorded what would become one of his most famous songs.
55 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.
Top 10 Country Rodeo Songs
Giddy-up, y'all!
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."
29 Years Ago: Travis Tritt Joins the Grand Ole Opry
On Feb. 29, 1992, Tritt became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.
44 Years Ago: Jason Aldean Is Born in Macon, Ga.
Happy birthday, Jason!
36 Years Ago: Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger’ Film Premieres
On Feb. 19, 1987, Nelson's movie 'Red Headed Stranger' premiered in Austin, Texas.
19 Years Ago: Waylon Jennings Dies in Arizona
On Feb. 13, 2002, Jennings passed away in his sleep from complications from diabetes.
47 Years Ago: Ronnie Milsap Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry
He was just 33 years old.
78 Years Ago: Dolly Parton Is Born in Tennessee
Happy birthday, Dolly!
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.