MAY 27

1939: Don Williams was born in Floydada, TX. His easy-going vocal style yielded Top 10 hits every year from 1974-1991, including “I Believe In You,” “You’re My Best Friend” and “Tulsa Time,” on his way into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

1961: Johnny Cash turned TV actor. He appeared on the NBC drama, “The Deputy.”

1968: Glen Campbell recorded “Wichita Lineman” at the Capitol Recording Studio at Hollywood & Vine in Los Angeles.

1972: Nashville’s Opryland theme park officially opened to the public. The grounds become the home for Roy Acuff, while the park was a launching pad for such talents as Diamond Rio, Little Texas, Chely Wright and songwriter Dean Dillon.

1977: “Smokey & The Bandit” opened nationally. The movie stars Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason and Jerry Reed, who sings “East Bound And Down.“

1984: Mickey Gilley opened up his home to host Robin Leach on the syndicated TV show “Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous.“

1994: The Eagles began their first concert tour in 14 years at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA.

2012: Martina McBride sang the national anthem before the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ashley Judd’s then-hubby, Dario Franchitti, won for the third time in his career.

2013: Trace Adkins served as the honorary grand marshal at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. 

2013: Jewel portrayed June Carter Cash in the Lifetime Television biopic “Ring Of Fire.” John Doe played A.P. Carter, of the Carter Family, in the film, which also portrays Johnny Cash, Carl Smith, Rosanne Cash, June Carter Cash and Carlene Carter.