American Songwriter

On This Day in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus Made His Debut With a Single That Became a Cultural Phenomenon

Thirty-four years ago today, Billy Ray Cyrus released his debut single and helped change the face of country music.

How a famous clock and a groupie inspired Jimi Hendrix's last great song

Early one morning in August 1969, bassist Billy Cox was sitting on the patio of the house in upstate New York that he was sharing with Jimi Hendrix and drummer Mitch Mitchell. Loo ...

47 Years Ago, a Gritty Love Song Hit No. 1—And Became an Instant Classic

In 1979, a heartfelt ballad about unwavering devotion struck a chord with listeners, climbing all the way to No. 1 and becoming one of the era’s most unforgettable love songs. Kenny Rogers was coming ...
American Songwriter

Born on This Day in 1868, Radio’s First Hillbilly—the Georgia Fiddler Widely Credited With Launching the Country Music Recording Industry

"Fiddlin'" John Carson, country music's first successful recording artist, was born on March 23, 1868, in Fannin County, Georgia.