"The Genius" Ray Charles Born This Day in Country Music

1930 - Ray Charles is born in Albany, Georgia. Best known for his work in jazz and rhythm & blues, he brings attention to country with his album "Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music" and records "Seven Spanish Angels" with Willie Nelson.

2012 - Carrie Underwood is surprised during her show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena by Brad Paisley, who joins her on stage for "Remind Me." Hunter Hayes opens the show, attended by Kix Brooks, Vince Gill, Lauren Alaina and Little Big Town's Phillip Sweet.

2006 - Vince Gill and Alison Krauss tape an episode of "CMT Cross Country" at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. The set list includes "Tryin' To Get Over You," "The Lucky One" and The Reason Why".

2002 - Reba McEntire performs "Does He Love You" with "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson during the two-hour FOX TV special "American Idol In Vegas".

1998 - Steve Wariner's "Holes In The Floor Of Heaven" wins Single and Song of the Year from the Country Music Association during the 32nd annual awards on CBS at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The Dixie Chicks also win twice.

1989 - Rodney Crowell goes to #1 on the Billboard country chart with a remake of Buck Owens' "Above And Beyond".

1986 - ABC-TV's "Who's The Boss?" has its season premiere. In the process, Steve Wariner begins a run as the voice of the Tony Danza show's theme song, "Brand New Life".

1972 - Conway Twitty's version of "I Can't Stop Loving You" ascends to #1 on the Billboard country chart.

1965 - Songwriter Rodney Clawson is born in Dallas, Texas. He scores hits by writing George Strait's "I Saw God Today," Jason Aldean's "Take A Little Ride," Luke Bryan's "Drunk On You" and Florida Georgia Line's "Get Your Shine On".

1952 - Hank Williams records "Take These Chains From My Heart," "Kaw-liga" and "Your Cheatin' Heart" during what proves to be his final recording session, at the Castle Studio in Nashville's Tulane Hotel.

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