Today in Country Music History (May 9)

Let’s hop in our metaphorical time machine and take a trip down memory lane.

On May 9th, 1968 Merle Haggard would find himself on top of the country charts with the single ‘The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde’. The song was written by Haggard and Bonnie Owens, and it was the first single of the album ‘The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde.’ The song would remain at the top of the charts for two weeks, and stay featured for a total of 14 weeks.


Showing his longevity, Merle Haggard was also at #1 on the county music charts on May 9th, 1974. This time Merle’s single ‘Things aren’t Funny Anymore’ would reach the top of the charts. This marked Haggard’s 17th #1 hit on the country charts; and the song remained featured for ten weeks.


The 18th Annual Academy of County Music awards were held on May 9th, 1983. The ceremony was hosted by Tammy Wynette, John Schneider, and Jerry Reed. Notable winners that night included: Ronnie Milsap as Top Male Vocalist, Alabama as Top Vocal Group, and Album of the Year went to Willie Nelson for ‘Always on my Mind’.