hank williams

Country legend Williams was born on Sept. 17, 1923.

Woof!

On Aug. 7, 1948, Williams made his first appearance on the influential radio program 'Louisiana Hayride'.

On May 7, 1949, Williams earned his first No. 1 hit, with "Lovesick Blues."

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

Not all first releases have been hot sellers -- even albums by artists who would soon come to define and influence country music.

Believe it or not, lots of your favorite performers actually have a dedicated name for the musicians who play alongside them.

Do you agree with our picks?

Who has more CMA Awards wins: country radio staple Chris Young, or the actor who played George on 'Seinfeld'?

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.

May they rest in peace ...

Do you know the nicknames of your favorite country stars?

It's nothing personal.

Grab the tissues ...

The music would never be the same again.

The 18-year-old from Livingston, La. performed the classic country song as his second American Idol finale performance.

There are tons of releases that will grace the shelves of your favorite stores for Record Store Day Black Friday this year, and we pick some of our favorites.

It's one of the most legendary rifts in country music history.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a country music newbie, there's always something to learn and someone new to discover.

Just turn on country radio, and you might get some advice for finding that special someone.